Glenda Warkentin is returning to Lethbridge in her first starring role in Andrew Kooman’s drama “She Has A Name,” which runs at the Yates-Sterndale Bennett Theatre, May 23-27.
It is the second run of the five cast member play which explores the issue of human trafficking.
Warkentin plays Marta, a social justice advocate as well as one of the ghostly, angelic voices, which help the characters understand the issue.
“Marta is involved in a lot of social justice causes. But human trafficking is what she is interested in now,” said Warkentin, rehearsing on one of the stages of Rosebud Theatre east of Calgary, where she earned her four year degree after earning an interior design certificate from Lethbridge College.
Burnt Thicket is putting on the play, which opens in Lethbridge, then moves to Saskatoon, Ottawa, Montreal Fringe Festival, Halifax, Winnipeg Fringe Festival, Calgary Fringe Festival, Victoria Fringe Festival, Vancouver Fringe Festival, then Kelowna and Edmonton before closing in Red Deer Oct. 2-6.
This is her second round of playing Marta, since the play debuted last year, her character has undergone a lot of rewrites.
“She’s definitely more well rounded. It has definitely helped me understand her character better, but not so huge. They give her a little more heart and will help the audience understand her better,” she said.
Before she started playing Marta, she didn’t realize how deep the issue and its ensuing problems went in in the world.
“Her role is to be compassionate towards these people,” Warkentin continued adding there are a lot of lessons learned in the process.
She noted human trafficking happens all over the world.
“It’s definitely a drama, it’s a play that will supposedly help people understand and give people the opportunity to discuss the issue,” she said.
In addition to helping raising awareness about a pretty prevalent issue, she is excited to come back home.
“I’m pretty excited about it. This will be my first professional acting job here,” she said.
“I know a lot of people there, so it’s going to be great to see them all again,” she said.
She Has a Name runs May 23-27 7:30 p.m. each night with in the Sterndale Bennett Theatre 2 p.m. matinees and Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $22-$27.
