Moby Dick

Moby Dick

Photo: David Hou, courtesy of The Stratford Festival

How to adapt a 680 page novel into a 90-minute stage performance? Director Morris Panych chose to relate the story of Captain Ahab, the great white whale, and the loyal but conflicted crew through movement: no speaking, no singing, just mime, physical theatre, and dance – co-created by movement/mime teacher Wendy Gorling and choreographer Shaun Amyot – framed by the work of an all-star team of designers:

Set Design, Ken MacDonald; Costume Design, Dana Osborne; Lighting Design, Alan Brodie

Moby Dick

Photo: David Hou, courtesy of The Stratford Festival

As first mate – Starbuck – Joe Matheson presented a steadfast counterpoint to the charismatic but obsessed Ahab. His was not a mutinous role, but rather that role of a man unable to ignore his conscience: refusing to stay silent while Ahab gambled with their lives yet unwilling to dethrone the man to whom he had pledged his loyalty.

“…story-telling at its finest… MOBY DICK is a truly creative piece of theatre magic… I’m not going to mention any names, as I’d have to include everyone in the program.”
– Connie Meng, NCPR Radio

Moby Dick

Photo: David Hou, courtesy of The Stratford Festival

“(Ahab’s) good angel is convincingly externalized in the person of Starbuck, the first mate, played by W. Joseph Matheson…”
– Robert Cushman, National Post

“a hugely talented and dedicated cast that includes Shaun Smyth as Ishmael, David Ferry as Captain Ahab, Marcus Nance as Queequeg, and W. Joseph Matheson as Starbuck.”
– John Colbourne, Toronto Sun

“… ambitious and audacious… from the stance of W. Joseph Matheson, the authority of first mate Starbuck comes through. ”
Paula Citron, Toronto Globe and Mail

“… unusual artistic work, brimming with creativity and innovation… W. Joseph Matheson is convincing as Starbuck…”
– Sharon Malvern, Stratford Beacon-Herald