After 18 years, artistic director Michael Shamata is stepping down. His final production at the Belfry Theatre, 'Casey and Diana', serves as a poignant closing chapter.
Michael Shamata, the long-standing artistic director at the Belfry Theatre, is preparing to take his final bow as the company wraps up its 50th anniversary season.. His swan song, the play Casey and Diana, marks the end of an influential 18-year tenure that has defined the character of Victoria’s theater scene.
A Story of Compassion and History
Written by UVic graduate Nick Green, Casey and Diana revisits a pivotal moment in Canadian history.. The narrative centers on Toronto’s Casey House, the nation’s first hospice dedicated to men suffering from AIDS.. Set during the height of the epidemic, the play illustrates a time when fear often dictated the actions of hospital staff, many of whom were terrified to even enter the rooms of those afflicted.. It was in this climate of isolation that the late June Callwood founded Casey House, creating a sanctuary where patients could spend their final days surrounded by dignity and companionship.
Part of the play’s emotional weight stems from the 1991 visit of Princess Diana to the facility.. The iconic images of the Princess holding hands with residents did more than just capture the public’s attention; they fundamentally shifted global perspectives on the HIV/AIDS crisis.. For Shamata, the production is deeply personal.. As a gay man who witnessed the fear and misinformation of those years, he sees the character of Thomas in the play as an embodiment of the many men who faced an unimaginable diagnosis with a mix of anger, sorrow, and an undeniable spirit.
A Legacy of Excellence
Beyond the script, the production brings together a powerhouse team to ensure Shamata’s departure is marked with excellence.. Familiar faces including Celine Stubel and Brenda Robins grace the stage, while the creative team features set and costume designer Shawn Kerwin, composer Tobin Stokes, and lighting designer Alan Brodie.. Brodie’s involvement is particularly notable, as the veteran designer came out of retirement specifically to light Shamata’s final directorial project.
While the theater community prepares for the transition in leadership, the focus remains on the immediate impact of this final production.. The play serves as more than just a theatrical experience; it is a historical mirror held up to society, forcing a reflection on how fear, compassion, and human connection can reshape reality.. For those interested in the craft behind the curtain, the theatre is hosting a Talkback Thursday session on May 7, allowing audience members to engage directly with the cast.
As Shamata steps down this September, he leaves behind a theater that has grown significantly in reach and influence.. The hunt for his successor is already underway, marking a period of reflection for the entire organization.. The Belfry has long been a home for bold storytelling, and this final project seems to be a testament to the belief that even in the face of death, theater has the power to reclaim stories of love and resilience.. The production runs through May 17, offering local audiences one last chance to experience the vision of a director who has spent nearly two decades shaping the local arts landscape.