As part of the 100 Mile Arts Network, the event was an opportunity for Pontiacers to see a different kind of productions than they’re typically used to.

A stage reading is a medium of theatre that doesn’t involve physical sets, costumes or movement whatsoever.

Featuring a cast of actors standing on stage while reading their scripts, a stage director sets each scene for the audience,

Played over three nights, the reading included performances in Low, Que. on Friday evening and in Chelsea, Que. on Saturday afternoon, before the final stop in Shawville.

According to the play’s producer and star, Mara McCallum, the opportunity to perform in PHS’ auditorium was quite enjoyable, noting that it was the nicest venue the group had performed in throughout their weekend tour.

McCallum said that the purpose of the play reading was to see how the audience reacts to the production because it was still in the process of being workshopped.

From that, the playwright proceeds to make the changes needed to get the production up to snuff to be performed with sets, costumes and all sorts of bells and whistles.

Titled How Libby Got Married, the story is set in the late 1860’s and depicts a woman named Libby who’s trapped inside her home during one of the most massive snowstorms in Canadian history.

According to the playwright, Vicki Williams, the play was a way of portraying life for Canadian women when they didn’t have civil rights.

Williams said she began writing the play around 15 years ago when she was working at Chapters in downtown Ottawa.

At the time, she recalled hearing young women say that they hadn’t voted in the most recent federal election because their votes, as women, didn’t matter – which prompted her to take immediate artistic action.

“I was appalled that they would think that voting wasn’t important, especially for women, considering the short time we’ve had it,” she said.

While the production didn’t provide the visual sizzle of a full-finished on-stage product, Willams explained that readings are special in their own way since they require audience members to engage their imaginations even more to fully take in the performance.

“With a regular stage production, you see everything and you let it flow over you,” she said. “For this, you have to work a little bit harder.”

According to PHS’ Principal, Debra Stephens, receiving members of Theatre Wakefield at PHS provided another reason to be excited about the school’s newly renovated creative space.

“We’re pretty excited to be able to open up the school to the community on a Sunday afternoon,” she said.

Stephens said she hopes that more and more people and organizations make use of the space in years to come and eventually make it a staple for artistic expression in the region.

“If people want to use this beautiful space for concerts or whatever, they just need to contact me and I will be happy to set that up,” she said.

“Our vision for the school is that we’re a community school,” she added. “We are part of the community and they are a part of us. Every time we can get the community up and share our beautiful space with them, I think it’s a win-win.”

The next theatrical production in PHS’ auditorium will be a Valentine’s Day-themed play called Different Sides of Love directed by Phil Holmes and performed by PHS students, on Feb. 13.

Theatre Wakefield cast member, Mara McCallum reads from How Libby Got Married.

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