PREVIEW: MYSTERY, MURDER AND MILESTONES - INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR TAMARA KAMERMANS
The cast of Art of Murder: Far back - Brad Forbes as Jack, Mike Mitton as Vincent, Renata Ona as Kate and Andrea Adcock as Annie.
Photo provided by Tamara Kamermans
The Players’ Guild is North America’s oldest continuing community theatre and began as Hamilton’s first community based dramatic club, established in 1875. The space has celebrated many acclaimed productions and now, to kick off its 150th anniversary season, Tamara Kamermans, director of the first play of the milestone season, shares some of her history with the Guild and her enthusiasm for staging the murder mystery comedic thriller, Art of Murder.
The play, written by Joe DiPietro, explores themes of ambition, betrayal, manipulation, and revenge, set against a backdrop of the art world. A character-driven ‘dramedy,’ it focuses on the relationships within it and the decisions that shape their fates.
What inspired you to direct Art of Murder?
TK: I was looking at the playbill and realized it was the 150th season for the Players’ Guild. I’ve been involved with the theatre since I was in high school and I thought I would just love to be a part of this season. Art of Murder looked like a great mix of comedy and drama and I instantly had some visual ideas for the set, so I fired off an application and lucked out.
What is your favourite thing about murder mystery narratives?
TK: I love listening to the audience during the intermission as they all try to guess the outcome. Also, it’s great during the show to hear the audience rumble as they start to put the pieces together.
What have been some highlights and challenges of staging this play?
TK: The set was the number one challenge as it required a large water isolation tank to almost fill the living space. Working with the carpenters and designers at the Guild has been a real highlight and inspiration as the final product is a sight to behold but I don’t want to give away any secrets!
How does this production address the impacts of psychological darkness that the characters confront?
TK: We definitely have used the artwork as representations of the characters in this show. One side of the set is dedicated to the successful work of Annie and the other side represents Jack’s inability to create. This visually sets the scene for their relationship break down, not just romantically but also as business partners with a shocking secret. The writing, in this case, is really on the wall.
The Players’ Guild is celebrating its 150th season this year. What do you hope for regarding the future of this beloved theatre space? What have been some of your favourite productions from this company?
TK: I hope the Players’ Guild of Hamilton remains a theatre hub in the city of Hamilton and continues to provide a community space for budding artists. While school boards, colleges and universities lose their arts programs and funding, I hope the Guild continues to be a place for people to access the beauty of live performance and the life affirming process of collective artistry.
Some of my favourite productions over the years at the Players’ Guild have been: 84 Charing Cross Road which I saw when I was a high school student. Their productions of 12 Angry Men, Agnes of God and Our Town were all stunning pieces of theatre as well.
Thank you Tamara for sharing your insights on the season opener Art of Murder as well as some highlights from the Players’ Guild over their impressive 150 year history as a Hamilton community theatre venue.
Tickets for Art of Murder are on sale now and the show officially opens Friday October 17 running until November 1! Look for my full review of the production coming October 20.
