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Befana's Star shines at Shadbolt Centre

Physical comedy. Verbal wit. Energy. These are the three ingredients a Vancouver-based theatre company has mixed into its upcoming play of Befana's Star, being presented at the Shadbolt Centre.
Befana's Star
Befana's Star is on at the Shadbolt Centre Dec. 13 and 14.

Physical comedy. Verbal wit. Energy.

These are the three ingredients a Vancouver-based theatre company has mixed into its upcoming play of Befana's Star, being presented at the Shadbolt Centre.

"This traditional Italian holiday story has had many incarnations, but this is the first time we've done this version of the show," said Burnaby born-and-raised actor Susan Bertoia, who also wrote the script for the BellaLuna production.

As the folklore goes, on Jan. 6, also known as Epiphany, a bright star appears in the eastern skies. An old woman - Befana - is approached by the three Magi (also known as the Three Wise Men) heading to Bethlehem to see the child king. They ask for directions and end up staying the night at her house. Befana decides to follow the star herself and bring delicious treats as gifts to the baby.

According to the Italian legend, Befana is unable to locate the child and to this day, flies on her broom on the eve of the Epiphany and delivers gifts to children around the world. The naughty ones get coal, onions or garlic.

For Bertoia, this is a play that all ages can enjoy.

"As an adult, you're going to laugh. You're going to get the nuances," she told the NOW.

Bertoia, who plays Befana, noted keeping this Italian story alive is important for the whole community.

"It's great to go to the classics and use the oral tradition of storytelling. But I think some Italians who celebrate the Befana don't necessarily know the whole back page as to why. And for others, they learn how other cultures celebrate this time of year."

When asked if wearing more than one hat - both playwright and actor - has been difficult, Bertoia answered "not really."

"I came upon writing stuff because there's not a lot of stuff written for what I want to do. I suppose it's a bit daunting, but I get to speak the words that I wrote," she said. "When looking around for a show to bring my family to, there wasn't a lot out there, so I thought this would be another option."

The Burnaby resident is also acting alongside her eight-year-old daughter, Sabine.

"Our cast has six members, including a musician, which makes it a nice mix of professionals and students," Bertoia added.

The hope is to make Befana's Star an annual tradition in Burnaby.

"The Shadbolt Centre has been so supportive of this. It's where I took my first drama class, and I used to be a teacher there for many years," she said.

The production runs Dec. 13 and 14 at 4 and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased by visiting shadboltcentre.com or calling the box office at 604-205-3000.