For Cath de la Rambelje, it's always been her and the stage – as her friends say.
She has been involved in theatre for as long as she can remember, but only began the art of performing professionally two years ago.
"It's not only my love for the art of theatre that initially drew me in, but what I have always described as an innate need to perform," Rambelje told The Star.
Her heart craves theatre, she added.
"I can't go a few months without wanting to be in a show. The community theatre creates something indescribably beautiful and unique."
Rambelje is one of the last students to graduate from Trinity Western University's now defunct theatre program, and said she has the department to thank for her successful career.
She most enjoys creating art in a safe space in a community.
"Theatre is all about emotions, but that is not necessarily limited to on stage. Being encouraged to come as you are into every rehearsal is what makes the long, sweaty hours worth it," she said.
Her next performance will be as the loyal badger and Trufflehunter in Gallery 7's production of 'Prince Caspian', the fourth book in the Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis.
The stage adaptation by Damien Atkins follows the story of siblings Peter, Edmund, Susan, and Lucy as they are called by to a very different Narnia, an imaginary land of magic people and animals.
There are few old Narnians left, and the world has been taken over by the Telmarines, led by King Miraz who claims to be the king of Narnia.
Rambelje said the play will encourage the audience to ask themselves, "what do I believe?"
"Perhaps we don't believe there are truly talking animals out there, and that trees couldn't possibly be alive. But there is indeed much more to the world than we can ever possibly know," she said.
The Aldergrove resident is looking forward to sharing the stage adaptation with an audience.
"It's an inspiring story of magic and hope, but it is incredibly fun and humorous. We are shown so much life in this play," Rambelje said.
Directing the play is Gabe Kirkley, who previously directed 'A Tale of Two Cities' last year.
"The play asks us to consider how we react when our beliefs are challenged, when the path forward is unclear, and we must place our trust in things that are unseen yet known to be true," Kirkley said.
The play runs Nov. 8 and 9, and from the 12 to 16 at 7:30 p.m., and with the matinees on Nov. 9, 16, and 17 at 2 p.m. at the Abbotsford Arts Centre (2329 Crescent Way).
Tickets start at $23 each, and can be bought online at gallery7theatre.com or by calling 604-504-5940.
