Elliot Byers (Baxter) and Dave Mulgrew (Leo) provide plenty of laughs. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Theatre

Rural comedy made for Saskatchewan, says Odyssey director

Apr 3, 2024 | 5:00 PM

A story and humour that can relate to everyone in Saskatchewan is how Matt Derworiz is describing the latest offering from Odyssey Productions.

Dogbarked opens next Wednesday night, April 10, at the Prince Albert Wildlife Federation Building.

Set in rural Saskatchewan, the play explores uniquely Saskatchewan themes including the contrast between rural and urban cultures and follows two brothers, who are struggling to make ends meet with their gas station after a highway was rerouted from the town.

“This is the story of my family farm; it’s the story of my grandfather’s gas station; it’s the story of the people in Rosthern when the highway moved,” said Derworiz who is directing the show. The play was originally written by Saskatchewan playwright and actor James O’Shea and had its world premiere at Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon in 2004.

On Tuesday night, the cast practices a scene. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

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Over the course of the story, the two brothers spend their days drinking beer and thinking up new money-making schemes. Then one day, an unexpected visit and meeting with two television producers, whose car breaks down in the small town, sets a flurry of humourous events into action.

The play explores what happens when the two worlds collide. When asked what the appeal was to bring this play to Prince Albert, Derworiz replied he loves working on Saskatchewan art and added that as a community theatre group, it’s their job to represent the community and one way to do that is by doing work that is made by artists in Saskatchewan.

“Odyssey Productions is a little club but we’ve got our part to play in building our arts in Saskatchewan and in Prince Albert,” he said.

Elliot Byers plays the role of “Baxter” and said he drew his inspiration from his own home town of Carrot River which gets referenced in the play.

“It’s really everybody I know from back home and so I use my brother Sheldon as part of the character because he’s kind of a rough and gruff farmer guy but really sensitive and that’s what Baxter is,” Byers explained.

Patty Hudye-Koroluk and Noland Fehr offer their bag of tricks and treats to the play. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

In addition to its quirky characters and witty humor, the play touches upon some well known Saskatchewan tensions such as the question of whether to leave or stay. Prior to moving to Prince Albert, Byers noted how he lived in large american cities as well as Vancouver and Calgary, but most enjoys his final stop.

“I can’t get over how amazing and friendly the people are,” he said, adding the arts community has been especially supportive and welcoming.

The opening night on April 10 is a show only, and doors open at 6 p.m. The following shows April 11 to 13 will be a part of a dinner theatre.

Tickets can be purchased through the theatre company’s website.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell