“The Drawer Boy” by Michael Healey is the story of Miles, an enthusiastic theatre student from the city who invites himself onto the farm and into the home of two bachelor farmers (Morgan and Angus) in order to do research for a collaborative “Farm Show”. The unfolding mix of drama and humour presented on the stage of the Port Stanley Festival Theatre is captivating, from Miles arrival at the farmhouse doorstep right through to the final scene. |
Miles is intent upon discovering the “truth” about farming. One of his first questions, “Do the cows mind being milked?” starts Morgan on a mission of merciless “leg-pulling” aimed at the young student. It's a source of many humorous moments in an often serious play as Miles is instructed to complete "typical" farm tasks like cleaning rocks. Miles quickly learns that there is more to discover here than the ins and outs of farming. Morgan has his hands full caring for Angus who, since an accident in World War II, has lost his short-term memory. In spite of his injury, Angus has some quite amazing mathematical abilities and takes an interest in what Miles has to say and the two develop a friendship. |
“The Drawer Boy” is about story-telling and stories told by writers and actors and by people in their everyday lives, and the motivations for telling them – from creative expression to searching for the truth or providing comfort.
The play’s greatest strength may be its wonderful and real dialogue as the characters within interact to reveal their stories. Michael Healey's play received several awards, including the Governor General’s Award for Literature.
“The Drawer Boy” presents themes of friendship and loyalty as the characters seek to find the truth (or hide it), revealing surprises along the way. In the Port Stanley Theatre production, the three actors – Nathan Carroll as Miles, Jeff Culbert as Morgan and Scott Maudsley as Angus create those characters exceedingly well.
“The Drawer Boy” presents themes of friendship and loyalty as the characters seek to find the truth (or hide it), revealing surprises along the way. In the Port Stanley Theatre production, the three actors – Nathan Carroll as Miles, Jeff Culbert as Morgan and Scott Maudsley as Angus create those characters exceedingly well.
Direction by Simon Joynes, acting and dialogue have come together seamlessly for the crafting of a theatrical experience in which you are likely to become quickly and totally absorbed, and to remain wrapped within the interweaving of character, emotion and story right up to the closing lines.
“The Drawer Boy” plays until August 22nd at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre. Find more information at www.portstanleytheatre.ca/.
“The Drawer Boy” plays until August 22nd at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre. Find more information at www.portstanleytheatre.ca/.