Underneath
The Story:
Tour-de-force performances ignite this taut psychological thriller, based on a short story by Virginia Munroe. When a beautiful, compassionate young woman misjudges the character of a dark and brooding stranger she encounters on a train, the result is a stripping away of niceties that quickly leads to murder.
The Writer:
Virginia Munroe is a writer with a long list of accomplishments to her credit. She has published numerous pieces in newspapers and periodicals, on subjects as diverse as modern music, the Peace Movement in Canada and self-realization. She has co-written and hosted several television documentaries, including one on the making of music as therapy for the elderly. Recipient of a large award from the Ontario Arts Council for a novel-in-progress, Virginia is presently at work on a novel entitled, Tracking the Moon. Co-writer of the soon-to-be-released film, Valentine, she has co-written six other screenplays, all of which have been successfully optioned. Virginia recently completed the script of Underneath, based on one of her many short stories.
The Director:
Ross Munroe's directing credits include television commercials, performance videos and television documentaries. He is currently in the late stages of post-production on his feature film Valentine, an 80-minute black comedy about to be launched in the European festival circuit. Ross is one of only 140 or so fully-accredited directors in the Directors Guild of Canada. He is in rehearsal with Underneath, which is slated to go to camera in April 2001. Ross has a highly visual style, referencing a wide array of elements from Jungian psychology, myth, art and Eastern spiritual traditions. His work takes an allegorical approach, engaging the creative faculties of audiences and challenging them to transcend their preconceptions at a visceral level.
The Actors:
Kenneth McGregor is a twenty year veteran of stage and film. He has acted, directed and taught all over the world, including New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London, New Zealand and Canada. Film and television appearances are many, and include The Hurricane, Cocktail, Matlock and Wind At My Back. Kenneth can be seen in the recently released X-Men and in the upcoming The Piano Man’s Daughter.
Diana Chaplin made a name for herself on the west coast, co-producing and co-hosting the entertainment television show, Reel Pro-Files, and performing in the Fringe Festival. A gifted and sensitive actress, she has studied and acted in Paris with world renowned teachers Jack Waltzer and John Strasberg. Since moving to Toronto, her film roles have included principal credits in a variety of long-format roles including Returning, Wink, The Novelist and Lament. Diana has extensive commercial credits on both television and radio, and tours as a superb jazz singer.