Arts & Culture
Matthew Briard stars in Wait Until Dark at Metro Theatre.
Photo by Tracy-Lynn Chernaske
Richmond father and son involved with Metro Theatre show
By Hannah Scott
Published 4:41 PST, Fri February 17, 2023
Last Updated: 12:58 PST, Mon March 6, 2023
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Two Richmondites are involved in Metro Theatre’s latest production, Wait Until Dark, which opens this week.
Don Briard, who directed Metro’s Always a Bridesmaid in 2020, returns to direct Wait Until Dark, a thriller that focuses on Susy Hendrix, a woman who has recently become blind. His son Matthew Briard plays one of the show’s villains.
“My favourite thing about doing this show is the process of creating an experience for the audience in which they can lose themselves in an old story, even if they know how it ends,” says Don. “In live theatre every production, even every performance, is unique. Each actor brings their own vision of the character, so while a play's text may be the same, every performance is unique for its audience.”
Given the show’s focus on darkness and Susy’s experience with blindness, the lights in the theatre will be dimmed during the ending sequence to create an immersive experience.
“I hope the audience will see that disability does not equate to weakness, and mental strength can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles,” says Don.
Matthew says he first attended one of his dad’s rehearsals aged one and a half years, and has gained an appreciation of the journey by being able to watch the entire theatre process as he grew up.
“Wait Until Dark is a well-known production whether you've seen it before, or you've read the book, or you've seen the movie,” he says. “My goal is to reinvent the experience for the audience. I want you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next, regardless of whether you've seen it before or not.”
Matthew adds that he doesn’t want to disclose too much about his character Roat, as audiences are meant to watch him develop throughout the play.
“Let's just say he is the worst person you would ever have to deal with,” he adds.
Wait Until Dark runs from Feb. 18 through March 5. For more information or to buy tickets, visit metrotheatre.com/show-60-5-wait-until-dark/.
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