Shawn Wright’s theatre career began when he was in Grade 3. He remembers watching his mother perform on stage, surrounded by writers, directors and artistic minds.
A University of New Brunswick degree and many theatre festivals later, Wright is honouring his mother’s memory and recognizing the debt he owes her by writing and performing a new play.
He will be performing as both himself and his mother in Ghost Light at Theatre New Brunswick.
“It sounds like a ghost story, but I’d say it’s more of a raucous comedy that takes some very touching turns. A dramedy I would almost say,” said Wright.
Wright’s mother and her sense of humour are the main inspiration for Ghost Light. Wright believes that audiences, especially from New Brunswick, will be able to relate to her crazy stories. He believes it will remind people of how crazy their own families are.
“My mother was a larger than life figure. I’d describe her as the early twentieth century Amy Schumer,” said Wright.
Wright’s mother passed away two years ago. Wright said writing Ghost Light was cathartic for him.
“I was dealing with grief and I wrote to deal with it,” said Wright. “I started recording her stories before she passed away, and they were so hilarious that I put them on Facebook. It gained a sort of cult following, so I started writing a book and then it developed into this play.”
Making his professional debut at Theatre New Brunswick, Wright is now one of Canada’s most celebrated stage actors. He is a member of both the Shaw Festival and The Stratford Festival. He performed in The Bricklin, Hockey Dreams, Oleanna, and played as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at TNB.
Acting and performing from a young age, Wright always wanted to pursue a career onstage. He said he has his mother to thank for getting him involved in the theatre.
“She was an actress so I’ve been in the theatre since I was a baby,” said Wright.
St. Thomas professors Ilkay Silk and Ted Daigle had a big influence on Wright’s acting career. Wright said that Silk prepared him for more serious roles while Daigle taught him his comedic timing.
“Silk taught me how to really use my head, and Daigle taught me how to really use my heart,” said Wright.
Ghost Light will be performed at Theatre New Brunswick’s Open Space Theatre on Nov. 17 to Nov. 27.
Wright recommends all theatre students at STU and UNB to get involved in the arts community in Fredericton, and to see as many plays as they can.
“Listen to your mother, you might be able to make money some day,” said Wright. “Go to as many shows as you can and see what you like or don’t like. There’s no better training ground for young actors than watching someone who is further down the road than you.”
