For 25 years Westben, in Campbellford, Ont., has been home to a variety of musical performances. Now the team is preparing for the premiere show in its milestone season.
“This is a show called The Selfish Giant’s Garden and it’s being done in celebration of our 25th anniversary year here,” said co-founder and artistic director, David Finley. “It is a very charming story by Oscar Wilde about a giant who covets his garden, and he takes it away from all of the children and he realizes without children and people in his garden, it means nothing.” Dancer and performer in the piece, Lauren Lafayette Brooks, said her role is nature personified.
“I am the embodiment of the garden,” she said. Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens. “I am not actually seen by the characters but am more of a presence and incorporate indigenous ideas about nature and how humans may find a balance with nature but in the end, nature always perseveres, and she is always present.
” Story continues below advertisement Finley said it is appropriate because incorporating nature has always been a top priority at the indoor/outdoor location, which is known for its iconic barn venue. “Being on a 50-acre farm you can see we have the doors to the barn open, birds and butterflies might come in, it really is beautiful,” said co-founder and marketing director, Donna Bennett (who is also singing in the upcoming performance). “We have The Selfish Giant fo.