May 11, 2018, Langley, BC: Trinity Western University’s 2017-2018 Playwright in Residence Ron Reed this week celebrates the opening of his new play Tolkien at Vancouver’s Pacific Theatre. The development of this play, which is written and directed by Ron Reed, was funded in part by the Phyllis Foundation with assistance of TWU’s School of Arts, Media + Culture.
Tolkien explores the unlikely friendship between British authors J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, without which, the worlds of Narnia and Middle Earth may never have come to life for generations of readers around the world.
“This play really matters at this time in our culture,” says Tolkien actor John Innes. “It gives us insight into friendship. Human beings who were creating, but if they hadn’t had the support of one another, would never have fulfilled their journey.”
Reed, who is also Artistic Director at Pacific Theatre, unexpectedly had to step into the role of J.R.R. Tolkien starting on opening night. He said he would be “getting on stage with great joy” to help bring this labour of love to life.
"It’s an absolute joy to be living in a world that I shaped. I love playwriting, but acting is my first love, and to be onstage in this show which means so much to me is surely one of the absolute high points of my life in the theatre."
TWU established the Playwright in Residence program this year to inspire and equip creative students and faculty with the presence and influence of first-rate professional Christian artists who are actively practising their craft in the secular marketplace. This role at TWU provided Reed with the opportunity to complete Tolkien and gave TWU Theatre students the chance to interact with one of Western Canada’s leaders in Theatre.
Tolkien runs from May 11-June 9, 2018 at Pacific Theatre in Vancouver. Tickets available through the Pacific Theatre box office. More information on Tolkien is found on the theatre website.
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a private Christian post-secondary institution in Langley, British Columbia. It is a fully accredited university offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media and culture.
For interviews and more information
Media contact:
Linda Munro
Moonraker PR
778-839-9649
linda@moonrakerpr.com