Clothes may say a lot about a person, but a person’s relationship with their wardrobe can say even more.
At least that is the story of Love, Loss and What I Wore, written by Nora and Delia Ephron, a reading being held at the Oasis United Church.
“It is a really interesting story that weaves clothing items through the backdrop of a richer story,” said Nicola Cavendish, who will read the lead character. “This is a story about women’s clothing and their particular relationship to it and represents the things in the cupboard we can’t throw away, the things we ought to throw away and the power it holds over you.”
Love, Loss and What I Wore is a reading of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes and the memories they trigger to tell funny and often poignant stories that everyone can relate to.
“I have read this three different times in Vancouver for fundraisers and people always come back the second night with friends because it is such a great time,” said Cavendish.
A group of South Okanagan women are bringing the readings to the stage at the Oasis United Church as a fundraiser to help them acquire a new location. Other cast members include Elyse Blaise, Mia Harris, Sharon Moriarity, Judi Ritchey and Eleanor Walker.
“The readings, at the heart of the matter, are about how we perceive ourselves. It has quite a few hilarious bits in it. As well there are moving sections about women dealing with breast cancer and honest pieces that are very touching,” said Cavendish.
Cavendish is known best for her role as the lead character in Shirley Valentine. She also shared screen time in Penticton director Sandy Wilson’s film My American Cousin, won a Genie Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role for the 1991 film The Grocer’s Wife and a Gemini Award nomination for The Sleep Room. Her roles on television include The Beachcombers, The X-Files and many more.
Performances of Love, Loss and What I Wore are on June 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. and on June 8 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $15 at the Dragon’s Den, Shatford Centre, Oasis United Church office during weekday mornings, from church members and at the door. A meet-the-cast reception will take place after the Sunday matinee performance.