Portal Players Dramatic Society will present The Importance of Being Earnest as their entry in the North Island Zone Drama Festival in town in May. The News continues its feature on the actors behind the play with Yvette Deveau.
Yvette Deveau could not be less like the character she portrays in the upcoming Portal Players interpretation of Oscar Wilde’s classic, The Importance of Being Earnest.
Lady Bracknell is snobbish, classist, and careless about her treatment of other people’s feelings. Deveau is grounded, artistic, and lives by the gentle motto, “treat people the way you wish to be treated yourself.”
“I’m a big fan of British comedies and their satirical structures,” Deveau says. “And Lady Bracknell’s mannerisms make every situation she is in extreme – it’s a wonderful play.”
Deveau says that Bracknell’s upper class English character was loosely fashioned around a combination of Wilde’s own mother, Lady Wilde, and his lover’s mother, Lady Queensberry. The role is challenging for Deveau, but she is enjoying meeting it.
A veteran of the Capitol Theatre for more than four years, Deveau is no greenhorn to the stage. Having participated in several productions prior to The Importance of Being Earnest, she says that she spends as much time as possible at the theatre and supporting Portal Players.
“I volunteer as much as possible, often working concession and backstage for many shows.”
When not throwing a high-class English accent at rehearsal or pouring a glass of red at concession, Deveau spends the rest of her time at home with her two sons, or taming wild manes at her hair salon. Deveau has been styling tresses for more than 22 years in the Alberni Valley.
“Life is short,” Deveau says simply. “There are many trials and tribulations. It’s important to enjoy life and make the best of what you are dealt.
“Laugh often, sing and dance whenever possible. Love unconditionally. And always treat people the way you wish to be treated yourself.”
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The Importance of Being Earnest opens May 5 and runs through to May 21 at Port Alberni’s Capitol Theatre on Argyle Street. It is Portal Players’ entry in the North Island Zone Drama Festival that is being held at Capitol Theatre this year.
The Importance of Being Earnest competes in the festival on May 22. For tickets, please call the box office at: (250) 723-1195.