Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “The Dresser” showing Aug. 10-15 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
“The Dresser” features an award-winning cast, including Sir Anthony Hopkins, Sir Ian McKellen and Emily Watson with Sarah Lancashire, Edward Fox and Vanessa Kirby.
Adapted and directed by Richard Eyre, “The Dresser” gives the audience a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of traveling stage actors. The film — based on a stage play — focuses on a regional Shakespeare theater troupe traveling the outskirts of England trying to keep the Bard’s work and their craft alive, all while air raid sirens signal a German bombing.
In the closing months of World War II, aging actor Sir (Sir Anthony Hopkins) and his wife Her Ladyship (Emily Watson) bring Shakespeare to the provinces with a company depleted by conscription.
Sir is plainly unwell, discharging himself from the hospital and Her Ladyship believes he should cancel his upcoming performance of “King Lear”. However, Norman (Sir Ian McKellen), his outspoken, gay dresser disagrees, and is determined that the show will go on, cajoling the confused Sir into giving a performance, one which will be his swan song.
At the same time, drawing a parallel between King Lear and his fool as Norman, despite ultimate disappointment, serves his master.
“The Dresser” will be shown at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre Aug. 10-15. Showtimes will be Saturday, Aug. 10 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 11 at 7:00 p.m.; and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 13, 14 and 15 at 4:00 p.m.
Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members. For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.org.
