GLASTONBURY WEST in association with Naked in the Wings presents

THE AFFAIRS OF ANATOL

Written by Arthur Schnitzler • Adapted by Granville Barker

Directed by Sue Miner • Starring John O'Callaghan • Produced by Carroll Bishop

Toronto, August 23, 2005…Glastonbury West is proud to present Arthur Schnitzler's brilliant play cycle, THE AFFAIRS OF ANATOL, starring John O'Callaghan as Anatol, previewing from September 15, opening Saturday, September 17 and running through to October 9 at Artword Theatre, 75 Portland St.  

The coveted role of Anatol will be played by John O'Callaghan (Rum and Vodka originally produced at The Fringe then sold out off-Broadway in New York City, DDT’s By the Bog of Cats, Crow’s Godzilla, Anna Livia’s Bloomsday from 1997-2003, films We were the Mulvaney’s, Gangs of New York), the charismatic actor who returns to the Toronto stage direct from a very successful summer run in Howie The Rookie at the Irish Arts Center in New York City to star as Schnitzler’s famously neurotic pilgrim of love.  

Written in exuberant youth, Anatol was the Austrian doctor-playwright’s first hit, remaining popular when Reigen caused a storm with censors and was withdrawn from performance by its indignant author. (Adaptations of Reigen include Max Ophuls’ La Ronde and David Hare’s The Blue Room.)  John Barrymore brought Anatol to Broadway in 1912 and again in 1932, and Wallace Reid played him in the silent film. 

“Schnitzler’s life was as X-rated as his work; his dramas are about the flesh and describe our carnal urges clinically, without squeamishness. Here, we watch the eponymous Viennese playboy seduce seven women. Each time, Anatol seeks escape from the barren elegance of his bachelor existence. The rake’s best friend looks on, alternately appalled and amused. Stanley Kubrick turned another Schnitzler work into Eyes Wide Shut, and the same dreamy, sinister sexiness pervades this drama.” —Alec Scott, Toronto Life, September 2005

Young Dr. Schnitzler (1862-193l) became one of Austria’s leading playwrights, anticipating the discoveries of his fellow Viennese Dr. Sigmund Freud. One of the few writers who superbly handles inner conflict and ambiguity, in the very first scene, Schnitzler deliciously sets up what became his  underlying theme: the struggle for love and power between the sexes. Originally published in 1892, THE AFFAIRS OF ANATOL continues to be as relevant as ever due to Schnitzler’s wit, insight, and grasp of the relationship between the sexes in a manner daring for his time.

THE AFFAIRS OF ANATOL features seven strong, sexy women as Anatol’s muses – Marie Beath Badian (Theatre Direct Associate Artist, Blyth Festival Young Company Director), Kim Kuhteubl (Summerworks’ Suffragette Koans), Lindsay McMahon (Bella Donna for The Fringe), Stacie Mistysyn (Best Actress Gemini for De Grassi High, Caitlin in De Grassi: The Next Generation), Tara Samuel (Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye, The Edible Woman for Canadian Stage), Darlene Spencer (Run for The Fringe) and Kathryn Winslow (This is Wonderland, films Sabah, Atom Egoyan’s Where the Truth Lies). James Murray (Summerworks’ Checkpoint, film Surfacing) is Anatol’s enigmatic friend MAX.  

Dora-nominated director Sue Miner is co-artistic director of Pea Green Theatre Group with Mark Brownell. She directed Bella Donna (NNNN – NOW Magazine) at this year’s Fringe. Other credits include James O’Reilly’s Work, Big Head Goes to Bed (Night Kitchen), Titus Andronicus (Shakespeare in the Rough) and Ann-Marie Macdonald and Beverly Cooper's Nancy Drew Without a Clue. Sue's work with Pea Green Theatre Group includes Monsieur d'Eon is a Woman, The Blue Wall and Orchidelerium, with Theatre Voce.

Inspired by the paintings of Gustav Klimt, set designer Jackie Chau and costume designers Victoria Wallace and Erika Connor will provide an abstract turn-of-the-last-century setting, but not specifically ‘period.’ Lighting design is by Gavin McDonald. The stage manager is Angie Stillitano. 

GLASTONBURY WEST presents THE AFFAIRS OF ANATOL

Written by Arthur Schnitzler • Adapted by Granville Barker • Directed by Sue Miner • Produced by Carroll Bishop

Starring John O'Callaghan at Artword Theatre, 75 Portland St. (East of Bathurst, South of King)

Previews September 15, 16 & 17 (matinee); OPENS Saturday, September 17 and runs to, October 9, 2005

Prices and Times: Tues to Sat @ 8pm and Sat at 2:30pm - $31; Previews and Sun at 2:30pm - $16

For advance tickets visit www.totix.ca or the T.O. TIX Booth located at Yonge-Dundas Square (Group Sales call 416 923 4183)

For more information visit www.glastonburywest.com or call 416 408 2783.