THE COMEDY OF ERRORS
July 2 to September 21 • HOWARD FAMILY STAGE
Two sets of identical twins, a looming death sentence, and the sexy azure sparkle of an ancient Greek port teeming with comedic confusions is the perfect recipe for mistaken identity, marital infidelity, and knee-slapping hijinks.
This fantastical farce invites patrons to join the (toga) party & travel back to Ancient Greece in your best bed sheet and sandals. Your (optional) cosplaying will only add to the hilarity of our immersive Greek marketplace. Whatever you decide to wear, you’ll be rolling in the aisles at this uniquely ridiculous production that takes its comedy seriously—deadly seriously.
Adapted by Rebecca Northan with Bruce Horak, directed by Rebecca Northan
Season and production run dates subject to change.
Production run time: 2 hours, including 20 minute intermission.
Content advisories: Non-toxic haze, exaggerated comic violence, innuendo, mild profanity
Sponsored by:
Photo: Synthia Yusuf as Luciana & Tal Shulman as Dromio
Photo & Image Design: Emily Cooper
TRAILER
Video by Art Left Creative
The Story
LIKE BROTHER AND BROTHER
After recent disputes between the rulers of Ephesus and Syracuse, travel between the two rival cities is now illegal. The Duke of Ephesus presides over the trial of Egeon, a merchant of Syracuse sentenced to death for violating the travel ban. Egeon explains that he has come to Ephesus in search of his twin sons, who were separated as infants in a shipwreck. His surviving son, Antipholus, was raised in Syracuse with the boy’s attendant, Dromio, who was also separated from his twin in the wreck. When they turned eighteen, Antipholus and Dromio left in search of their lost brothers, and Egeon has come to Ephesus hoping for news of his sons. Moved by his story, the Duke grants Egeon the rest of the day to try and raise the 1000 marks he needs as a ransom. If he can’t find the money, he will be executed at sundown.
Meanwhile, Antipholus of Syracuse arrives in Ephesus, unaware of his father’s plight. He sends his servant, Dromio of Syracuse, to deposit some money at the inn they are staying in. Unbeknownst to him, their twin brothers—who are also named Antipholus and Dromio—are prominent citizens in the city. Dromio of Ephesus appears, and mistaking Antipholus of Syracuse for his master, urges him to return home for dinner with his wife, Adriana. Antipholus is confused by what Dromio is saying, and believing him to be Dromio of Syracuse, sends him away for his insubordination.
Shortly after, Antipholus is reunited with Dromio of Syracuse, but the two run into Adriana and her sister Luciana, who mistake them for Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus. After some confusion, Antipholus finally agrees to join Adriana for dinner, and Dromio is charged with guarding the gate to ensure that nobody disturbs them. This proves to be an issue when Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus return, only to find themselves locked out of their own house. Furious at how he is being treated, Antipholus of Ephesus decides to spite his wife by dining with another woman instead. To make matters worse, Antipholus of Syracuse has not only spurned his apparent wife, Adriana, but he has fallen in love with her sister, Luciana!
This case of mistaken identity sets a series of knee-slapping mishaps into motion, with hijinks that include a stiffed goldsmith, a wrongful arrest, and even a last-ditch exorcism. Will everything come to light before the day ends—and with it, Egeon’s life?
Available translations of “The Story”:
Chinese (Traditional) Farsi French Korean Punjabi Spanish
To listen to the The Comedy of Errors “In a Nutshell” Pre-Show plot explainer, read by Bard’s Director of Education, Mary Hartman, press play below! It is approximately 7.5 minutes long.
Director
Rebecca Northan
Director
Rebecca is an actor/improviser/director best known for her hit-shows Blind Date and Goblin:Macbeth. She is a Canadian Comedy Award winner and has spent much of her career attempting to sneak improvisation through the side-door of Canada’s mainstream theatres. Working at Bard on the Beach has been a dream since the age of 19, and Rebecca is thrilled to have finally made it! As an actor, Rebecca has appeared on stages across the country, most recently as an Ensemble Member at the Shaw Festival. Rebecca highly recommends catching shows, and taking classes at Vancouver’s Tightrope Theatre.
Actors
Scott Bellis (he/him)
Egeon, Angelo, Citizen, Nun
Scott is based in Vancouver and enjoys a long relationship with Bard. He completed his 50th Bard production last summer. He acts and directs and has worked in many theatres on productions of all shapes and sizes across Canada since 1987. He also teaches acting at various programs around town. He is the recipient of five Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards, including one for direction. He also currently serves as Council President of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.
Meaghan Chenosky (she/her)
Adriana, Citizen, Nun
Meaghan is overjoyed to be making her theatrical debut at Bard on the Beach. She is a graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting program. Selected credits include Gwen, Sunrise Betties (ITSAZOO); Olga, Onegin (Arts Club On Tour); and Mel, Stationary: A Recession-Era Musical (Delinquent Theatre). She was awarded a Jessie Richardson Theatre Award for her work as Dottie in Killer Joe (ITSAZOO).
Tess Degenstein (she/her)
Duke, Dr. Pinch, Luce (Nell), Citizen, Nun
As an actor and improviser, Tess has performed across the country, most recently touring Rebecca Northan’s Blind Date. Internationally she has performed and taught in Vienna, Berlin, Athens, London, Oslo, and Atlanta. She was nominated for a Sterling Award for the world premiere of Nicole Moehller’s An Almost Perfect Thing and awarded a Jessie Richardson Theatre Award for Noises Off at the Arts Club. Television credits include New Eden, Frankie Drake Mysteries, King, and Murdoch Mysteries.
Leslie Dos Remedios (she/they)
Understudy for Adriana, Luciana, 1st Merchant, Citizen, Nun
Originally from Toronto, Leslie is a graduate of both York University (2008) and Studio 58 (2012). Leslie’s most recent credits include directing For Now (Green Thumb) and Gillty as Fin (Studio 58). Last year they had the pleasure of working as Apprentice Director to Daryl Cloran on As You Like It (Bard on the Beach) and is so happy to be making their Bard acting debut this summer. Much love to SFB and RB.
Craig Erickson (he/him)
Understudy for Egeon, Angelo, Duke, Dr. Pinch, Luce (Nell), Abbess, Jailer, Balthazar, Officer, Citizen, Nun
Bard on the Beach: tenth season. Theatre: Parifam (vAct/Medusa Theatre); CHILD-ish and Wakey Wakey (Pacific Theatre); Hurricane Mona (Touchstone/Ruby Slippers); The Cull, Angels in America, Part One and Part Two, and The Glass Menagerie (Arts Club); Forget About Tomorrow (Belfry/Arts Club); Titus Bouffonius (Rumble); The Invisible Hand (Pi Theatre); and East Van Panto: Wizard of Oz (Theatre Replacement). Stratford Festival: two seasons. Shaw Festival: two seasons. TV: So Help Me Todd; Bau, Artist at War; and The Mysterious Benedict Society.
Emma Houghton (she/her)
Ensemble, and Understudy for Dromio of Ephesus, Dromio of Syracuse, Courtesan, 2nd Merchant, Citizen, Nun
Emma is a theatre/film/voice actor and curious human, who is beyond thrilled to be making her Bard debut! Select acting credits: Freaky Green Eyes (selfproduced); Actually, The Virgin Trial, and The Last Wife (Alberta Theatre Projects); A Christmas Carol (Theatre Calgary); and Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Citadel). She was nominated for a Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Drama for The Virgin Trial. Love to her family, friends, and Cole.
Karthik Kadam (he/him)
Courtesan, 2nd Merchant, Citizen, Nun
Originally from Bangalore, India, Karthik is a graduate of UBC’s Acting program. For Bard on the Beach: Henry V (2023) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2022). He was also the recipient of Bard’s Edmund Kean Sword Award in 2022. Recent theatre credits include Mahabharata (Canadian Stage/Why Not Theatre at the Shaw Festival with the Barbican Centre); The Legend of Georgia McBride (Arts Club); Wakey, Wakey (Pacific Theatre); and Juggle Me Not (Axis Theatre). For my family, always.
Jeremy Lewis
Antipholus of Ephesus, Antipholus of Syracuse, Nun
Jeremy is a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Tiohtià:ke (Montreal). As far as acting goes, their first professional gig was playing a tree. Most recently, they took part in the world premiere of a play adaptation of the book Dominoes at the Crossroads by Kaie Kellough, put on by Infinithéâtre. As for the other disciplinary stuff, Jeremy is an improviser, a musician, a lyricist, and a pleasure to have in class.
Tal Shulman (he/him)
Dromio of Ephesus, Dromio of Syracuse, Nun
Tal is so excited to be making his Bard on the Beach debut! He has performed on stages across the country including the Stratford Festival, Soulpepper, Young People’s Theatre, Manitoba Theatre for Young People, and The Improv Centre. Tal holds a BFA in Acting from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson Theatre School) and studies at Haven Acting Studio. Most recently, he played Jim Fingal in The Lifespan of a Fact with Kindred Theatre. Enjoy the show!
Jacob Woike (he/she/they)
Ensemble, and Understudy for Antipholus of Ephesus, Antipholus of Syracuse
This marks Jacob’s debut season with Bard on the Beach, and they’re tremendously inspired to join this fantastic group of artists. Hailing from a farm in the Cowichan Valley, Jacob has appeared on stages across the region and internationally as a singer. Select theatre: Vimy and Jesus Christ Superstar (Western Canada Theatre); The Legend of Georgia McBride and Les Misérables (Arts Club); and Ghost The Musical (Chemainus). Film: Woman of the Hour (Vertigo Films; dir. Anna Kendrick).
Raugi Yu (he/him)
Abbess, Jailer, Balthazar, Officer, Nun
Raugi’s selected credits: As You Like It, Richard III, and Coriolanus (Bard on the Beach); Hurry Hard (Chemainus); the world premiere of Hurricane Mona (Touchstone/Ruby Slippers); the world premiere of Bad Parent (vAct/Prairie Theatre Exchange/Soulpepper); the upcoming production of Cambodian Rock Band (Arts Club, 2025); and the East Van Panto: Jack and the Beanstalk, The Wizard of Oz, and Alice in Wonderland (Theatre Replacement/The Cultch). Raugi thanks his wife and kids. He is proud to be here this season and wishes you all great joy and happiness.
Synthia Yusuf (she/her)
Luciana, 1st Merchant, Citizen, Nun
Synthia is a Vancouver-based actor and singer. She is thrilled to be making her Bard debut! Most recently she portrayed Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors with the Arts Club Theatre Company and Citadel Theatre. She spent a year as a swing in the Canadian premiere of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child with Mirvish Productions. Other selected credits: Maria, The Sound of Music (Arts Club); and Eddie, BLACKOUT (The Musical Stage Company).
Creative & Production
Daniela Atiencia (she/her)
Apprentice Director
Daniela is a Latinx-Canadian theatre artist born and raised in Colombia. Her recent directing credits include The Wrong Bashir (Touchstone); Metamorphoses (Studio 58); and Clean/Espejos (Neworld), which won five Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards, for which Daniela won for Outstanding Direction. She is currently a guest teaching artist at the National Theatre School of Canada. Daniela works as a freelance bilingual director, dramaturg, and deviser. She is based in Vancouver.
Jordan Chambers (he/xe)
Assistant Costume Designer
A graduate of Dalhousie University’s Costume Studies program and a soon-to-be student at Capilano University, Jordan is thrilled to be joining Bard for the summer! He has previously worked on The Freedom of the City (Vital Spark Theatre); Beauty and the Beast (Align Entertainment); The Prom and Disney’s Newsies (Theatre Under the Stars); Mary Poppins and Crazy for You (Royal City Musical Theatre); and The Crucible, A Northern Lights Dream, and People, Places and Things (Fountain School of Performing Arts) in roles from Dresser and Costume Designer to Cutter and Stitcher. Enjoy the show!
Ryan Cormack
Set Designer
Ryan is returning for his fourth season at Bard. He is a graduate of Queen’s University and studied set and costume design at the National Theatre School of Canada. Past credits include A Shakesperience (Bard on the Beach); FourPlay (Studio 58); Parade (Raincity); The Last Wife (United Players); OZ (Carousel); Yaga and Mamma Mia! (Touchstone); Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play (DSDM); and If/Then and Bring It On (QMT). Assistant Designer: Done/Undone, Romeo and Juliet, As You Like It and Julius Caesar (Bard on the Beach); Kinky Boots and Forgiveness (Arts Club); The Jungle Book (Alberta Theatre Projects); and Actually and The Great Divide (Harold Green/Obsidian).
Emily Dotson
Assistant Set Designer
Emily served as an Assistant Set and Costume Designer at the Shaw Festival from 2022 to 2023 and has been an Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia since 2022. Emily graduated magna cum laude from Cleveland State University with a BA in Theater Arts with a focus in Set Design and received her MFA in Design and Production from the University of British Columbia. Her career began in Cleveland, Ohio and she has had the opportunity to work and study art in Paris, France. Emily worked as a scenic painting intern for Seattle Repertory Theatre’s 2017/2018 season, contributed to the set of the national tour of The Humans, and completed a design internship with the Renaissance Theatre in 2019. You can see more of her work at emilydotson.design.
Ben Elliott
Composer & Sound Designer
Ben is delighted to return to Bard to compose music and sound for The Comedy Of Errors. Favourite credits: The Merry Wives of Windsor, Love’s Labour’s Lost, and the Beatles version of As You Like It (Bard on the Beach, music supervisorarranger- performer); and I, Claudia and King Charles III (Arts Club, composer). This fall, Ben will music supervise the Beatles As You Like It at the Grand Theatre. Ben is a graduate of Studio 58 and lucky husband to Kori.
Alana Hawley Purvis (she/her)
Vocal Coach
Alana is a Vancouver-based actor and vocal coach. A proud Canadian artist, she has collaborated with organizations across North and Central America including Arts Club, Stratford Festival, Canadian Stage, Theatre Calgary, Citadel Theatre, Douglas College, and On the Mic Studio. Alana is a graduate of Stratford’s Birmingham Conservatory, the American Academy for Classical Acting (MFA), and the Royal Conservatory of Music’s ARCT in Voice and Performance, where she received the National Gold Medal. Alana performs on both the stage and screen and was nominated for Best Actress at the 2022 Canadian Screen Awards. She is a member of the National Voice Association and currently runs the Your Voice program where she specializes in trans vocal care.
Sam Jeffery (she/her)
Fight Director
Sam is an award-nominated fight director, actor, intimacy director, and creator. Born & raised in amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton) on Treaty 6 territory, she’s grateful to return to Bard and call the coast home. Select credits: Julius Caesar, As You Like It, and Henry V (Bard on the Beach); Sexy Laundry, Red Velvet, and Elf: The Musical (Arts Club); Macbeth, Julius Caesar, Twelfth Night, and Henry V (The Malachites); Gaslight and Grease (Western Canada Theatre); and Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play (Blarney Prod/You Are Here). samjeffery.com
Jenny Kim (she/her)
Assistant Stage Manager
Jenny is honoured and pleased to be able to work with such talented individuals on both productions. Assistant stage management credits include Mahabharata (Why Not Theatre); Henry V and Coriolanus (Bard On The Beach); Red Velvet, Cipher, and Sweat (Arts Club); Bad Parent (vAct/Prairie Theatre Exchange/Soulpepper); and China Doll (Gateway). Other credits include Pachinko (Apple TV+).
Julia Lank (she/her)
Apprentice Stage Manager
Julia is a stage manager and graphic designer living on unceded xʷməθkʷəy ̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) land. Recent: Carmen, Don Pasquale, and Le Portrait De Manon (Vancouver Opera); Peace Country (rice & beans); Gertrude and Alice (United Players); How to Believe in Anything (dreamphase/The Cultch); Marjorie Prime (Ensemble Theatre Company); Gramma and The Cake (Pacific Theatre); Alice In Glitterland (Geekenders); and L’elisir d’amore (Burnaby Lyric). She is thrilled to be backstage for her first season with Bard.
Alison Matthews (she/her)
Head Voice & Text Coach
Alison teaches voice in the BFA Acting Program at the University of Alberta. She holds an MFA from UBC and a Diploma in Drama & Speech from Trinity College London. She was a founding faculty member with the Arts Club Actors Intensive in Vancouver, and she taught voice, text and dialects with the Banff/Citadel Professional Theatre Program in Banff, Alberta. Alison has three decades of professional acting experience in theatre, film and tv, and voice-over, and is a founding board member of the National Voice Association.
Rebecca Mulvihill (she/her)
Stage Manager
Rebecca is returning to Bard for her ninth season. Most recently for Bard: Henry V, Harlem Duet, and Done/Undone. Favourite credits elsewhere: Bunny, Stupid F*cking Bird, and The Father (The Search Party); Beneath Springhill, The Cull, Topdog/Underdog, and The Shoplifters (Arts Club); As dreams are made (Music On Main); Anywhere But Here (Electric Company Theatre); The Pearl Fishers and La Traviata (Vancouver Opera); and Fall Away Home (Boca Del Lupo).
Hina Nishioka (she/her)
Lighting Designer
Hina is a lighting designer based in the Lower Mainland of BC. Originally from Japan, she enjoys exploring projects with a variety of cultural backgrounds in theatre as well as lighting for dance and music. Her recent lighting design credits are Hurricane Mona (Touchstone/Ruby Slippers) and The SpongeBob Musical (Capilano University). She is very excited to spend her third summer with the Bard family this year! More information about her work can be found at hinalighting.com.
Christine Reimer (she/her)
Costume Designer
Delighted to be designing for Bard, favourite costume designs include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, MacBeth, and The Tempest (Bard on the Beach). Other recent designs include Guys and Dolls, Elf, and Noises Off (Arts Club Theatre); Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (Theatre Under the Stars); and a soon to be released film adaptation of King Arthur’s Night (Opus 59 Films). Christine’s costume design illustrations have appeared in numerous publications including Opera Canada. christinereimerdesign.com
Harika Xu
Assistant Lighting Designer
Harika is a lighting and projection designer and a graduate of the UBC Theatre program. Recent lighting design: The Mousetrap and Mom’s the Word (Theatre NorthWest); Me Love BINGO!: Best in Snow (Arts Club); Tuck Everlasting and Spongebob Squarepants: The Musical (Arts Umbrella); Clean/Espejos (Neworld); and Done/Undone (Bard). Assistant lighting design: Monty Python’s Spamalot, A Wrinkle in Time, and Frankenstein Revived (Stratford); Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes (Centaur Theatre); Romeo and Juliet (Bard); No Child… (Arts Club); and 1 Hour Photo (vAct). Online: harikaxu.com @harikaxudesign
The Artisan Market
Before each performance of The Comedy of Errors this Season (both matinees and evenings), there will be an Artisan Market of local vendors selling hand-crafted goods in the Bard Village. Their tables will lead up to the Howard Family Stage where the performance will be held.
View the list of vendors and the schedule at the link below.