Nary a Christmas passes without a mention of Charles Dickens’ tome A Christmas Carol. The popular 19th century story has been translated and adapted to film, opera, musical and even a ballet.
This Saturday, Dec. 10, CBC Radio and Trinity Church in Port Alberni will host a dramatic reading of the popular holiday tale at 7 p.m.
A novella originally written in December 1843, in Victorian-era England, Dickens’ tale of Ebenezer Scrooge has been a favourite for well over a century.
The story is viewed as an indictment of 19th century industrial capitalism, and reflects some of Dickens’ own childhood memories.
Literary critics credit Dicken’s Carol with rejuvenating old traditions in England.
CBC Radio started the trend in dramatic readings of the novella in 1990, and has always promoted charitable giving in concert with the readings. The first time the dramatic reading was brought to Port Alberni was in 1997, says Gordon Scoffield, who will be reading the seventh stave, after Scrooge wakes up from his dream.
“When Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol, readings became so popular he re-wrote it for a dramatic reading,” Scoffield explained.
On Saturday, five local people and two from CBC will be reading the story. There are seven staves, or stanzas, and a choir will perform in between staves.
Saturday’s event starts at 7 p.m. at Trinity Church (Angus Street and Fifth Avenue).
Proceeds from ths year’s dramatic reading will go to Young Life Port Alberni.
Donations of non-perishable foods for the Bread of Life would also be welcome. Tickets are $10 at the Rollin Art Centre or Somass Drug Store. Please call 250-723-8362 for more info.
editor@albernivalleynews.com