The Road to Bard by Christopher Gaze
Christopher Gaze is the Artistic Director of Vancouver’s 36-year-old Shakespeare festival, Bard on the Beach. He began writing the story of the Bard during COVID, when lockdown forced the company to cancel two seasons in a row. Bard stayed alive with the determination of the company. Helped and supported by many friends, they went online during the pandemic, venturing into film production and focusing more on education.
Bard productions have travelled widely, even back to the UK, where Gaze grew up and studied acting at the Old Vic Theatre School in Bristol. The metal frame of the large purpose-built tent that replaced the original worn-out one where the shows began is now a permanent feature of Vanier Park. In Gaze’s imagination it resembles a whale’s skeleton.
Familiar with Gaze’s face and voice from theatrical and musical productions around the city, I was impressed to learn of the many honours he’s accrued for his unique creative work: a Canadian Meritorious Service Medal, the Order of British Columbia, The King Charles III Coronation Medal and honorary doctorates from SFU and UBC.
Indeed, reading brought back memories from various stages of my life. At UBC I studied Modern Drama with Errol Durbach, who collaborated in a Gaze production many years later. When my daughter was little, the wonderful Jennifer Lines reached down from the stage after a delightful Bard production to shake her hand, further encouraging her interest in theatre.
As an ESL instructor bringing classes to a Bard production, I was relieved to see that the Shakespearean language was no barrier to their enjoyment, as shown by smiles and frowns, laughter and expressions of dismay.
Reading about the people who were involved with the Bard recalled to mind CBC radio personality Vicki Gabereau, businessman-philanthropist Brandt Louie, and architect Bing Thom, who designed the lovely Surrey Public Library among many other local buildings.
Reading this book, I recalled theatrical events including a production of Timothy Findley’s Elizabeth Rex with the author in attendance. I once more regretted missing Equus when it first played here. Local artists and performers fondly recalled included Band Leader Dal Richards, opera legend Judith Forst, theatre director Glynis Leyshon, actors Bernard Cuffling, Nicola Cavendish, Dean Paul Gibson, and Katey and Johnna Wright. All had connections to the Bard.
Other fascinating details about the Bard include the fact that in the first year, there were no paid staff (but an army of volunteers). Over its long life, the company has survived and thrived by working together, sharing profits equally in thin times, and appreciating the services of enthusiastic volunteers, Shakespeare fans all.