by Pamela Lockman I was around nine or ten years old when I first met The Bard. It was on a class trip from my small-town school on Long Island in New York. We went to nearby Hofstra University for their annual Shakespeare Festival. We went every year from about grade six through junior high, and even some years during high school. I had never read Shakespeare before my first theatre experience, and in some of those early years, we never read the play in class. But we went anyway.  What I remember well is, first, absolutely loving the whole theatre experience. It was, as they say, “magical.” And I remember that experience of hearing the words, but not totally understanding what was being said. That never actually bothered me, because I still knew what was going on. Maybe not all the nuances, but the big ideas and feelings. Especially the feelings. Mistaken identities, a man turning into an ass, and a great variety of physical pranks were always funny. Raging storms with flashing lights and metal sheet thunder were always frightening. Family and friends backstabbing each other by consorting with the enemy or by cheating with another’s lover were always hurtful. The weddings of well matched couples were always joyous. The deaths of star-crossed lovers were always tragic. And the class discussions afterward were always terrific. I was so well primed because of my early Shakespearean theatre experiences that I loved him before I read a word! We are so lucky in Winnipeg to have Shakespeare In The Ruins, our own local Shakespeare company. And although they have a fantastic education component that allows students in Winnipeg and around Manitoba to have these amazing theatrical experiences every year, not all classes attend. This year’s spring production is Timon of Athens, a play that I have only just recently read for the first time. I have no doubt that audiences will find much to relate to and discuss, even if they do not read the play first. Who has never experienced at least some level of disappointment at being let down by a trusted friend or family member? Or, although we hate to admit it, who has never talked behind someone’s back and, perhaps, chuckled at their expense? There is, of course, more to it, and I have no doubt that audience members, including young people, will find the play quite compelling and have lots to say about it afterwards. My first experiences with Shakespeare were, well, let’s just say a few decades ago, but they are what I still remember most about those early school years. I am grateful to all of my teachers who loved The Bard back then, and to my parents who supported them. Share him with your children, students, and friends this spring, and they will thank you!

Cast your mind back…all the way back to year one. It was 1994 and the show was Romeo & Juliet. It was our first time presenting what is now our signature promenade-style theatre. Looking at the photo we realize we owe you all an apology for making you stand. Hopefully you gave us a second chance to put your comfort and safety first and that first SIR show was not your last SIR show. But we are going to seize the opportunity to make it up to you. Anyone out there who can identify themselves in this photo need only contact the office (204.957.1753), provide photo ID and we shall offer you two complimentary tickets to our 25th anniversary production of Timon of Athens.

Richard III, 1999. The final battle scene raging on the slope down to the La Salle River. In the background, dark clouds, lightning, and the sound of thunder.  –Patrick Wright

Jim Gibbs was one of the Winnipeg theatre scenes’ unsung heroes. Whether I knew it or not, my entire theatre career has been touched by Jim and his generosity. His support and donations to every professional theatre company in Winnipeg has helped keep them afloat; making it possible for people like me to have an incredible career and make a living wage in this city. It wasn’t until I became the General Manager for SIR that I had the great privilege of meeting Jim. He quickly became a mentor and a trusted ally as I got to know him personally over the last three years. Jim and I attended almost every RMTC opening together, went on coffee “dates” often and talked on the phone every week. He cared deeply about artists and did whatever he could to contribute to our success – whether through donations or brainstorming ideas for the future. My heart aches as I write this. I could have never imagined that Jim would have touched my life as profoundly as he did in such a short time. He has touched so many lives in this city – lives of people, who like me in my earlier years may never know his name. Jim’s generosity, involvement, care and steadfast dedication to the Winnipeg theatre community will be greatly missed.  Lisa Nelson-Fries

We chose to give to the Shakespeare in the Ruins (SIR) endowment fund for several reasons. The foremost is that we met and enjoyed the original complement of SIR theatre neophytes. They were mostly young, just out of university, friends and acquaintances. A mix of characters, if you will, who blended well together to become a cast and crew. We loved them and still do.  Individually, and as a group, they have progressed so very far from this mix, that we’d hope to see future groups of fits and misfits advance careers along the same path – even as they have – to actors, producers, comedians, writers, and directors. We like to compare them to the “Kids From Flushing” becoming the New York Mets. Having slept through most of Shakespeare in high school because of utter boredom, SIR has been able to make us appreciate, love and most of all UNDERSTAND the Bard. I gave to the endowment fund to pay forward my experience to future generations. Bob & Pat Migliore