A little out of the box, a little in-your-face, and most importantly powerfully unique is how one Duchess Park student portrays the latest version of a Disney princess in Game of Tiaras, the tale where Game of Thrones meets King Lear as princesses try to kill each other to take the crown.
Duchess Park Secondary presents their first production in years called Game of Tiaras by Don Zolidis, codirected by drama teacher Jackie Friesen and Shelby Meaney in the theatre at the high school April 26 to 29 at 7 p.m.
Ollie Pawluk, Grade 11 student, is Cinderella, the fishnets and combat-boot wearing sword wielder.
“Not exactly the Cinderella you’re used to,” Friesen said.
“My character is the complete opposite of the Cinderella everyone knows,” Pawluk said. “I choose my own way to do things, including torture. If it’s between love and the throne – it had to be the throne for her.”
During the audition process Friesen said she knew Pawluk was the Cinderella she was looking for.
“When Ollie came to audition for roles in Game of Tiaras it was a no-brainer, she was going to be our Cinderella,” Friesen said. “Cinderella definitely has an edge in our story and Ollie is able to bring the edge but also the sweetness, so it is what you expect and what you don’t expect of the role. We’re thinking we’re going to keep failing Ollie so she will stay with us throughout her career.”
Pawluk said putting the play together has been an amazing experience.
“Everyone is so supportive, cheering each other on including cast, directors and crew hands,” Pawluk said. “The way everyone cares for us as a whole is like a very solid family.”
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students. Doors open at Duchess Park Theatre at 6:30, curtain rises at 7 p.m.
