Your Theatre Update 

 
MRT Welcomes Artistic Associate

Cape Breton native, Natasha MacLellan, with assistance from the Canada Council for the Arts, has joined the staff at Mulgrave Road Theatre for a six month term. As Artistic Associate, Natasha is involved in the day to day operations of the theatre under the guidance of the Artistic Director. Natasha's enthusiasm and experience are a welcome addition to the offices at MRT.

Natasha was recently chosen by Portia White Award winner Mary Vingoe to receive the prestigious Protégé Award valued at $7,000, which recognizes her as an established theatre artist.  

Natasha credits Mulgrave Road Theatre with providing her with the inspiration to pursue a career in theatre. In Natasha's words "There wasn't much theatre in Margaree, but Mulgrave Road came to my school and it dropped a seed in me. I just loved it." 


Tara Lee Reddick
MRT's Writer in Residence

Writer/performer Tara Lee Reddick will be a familiar face at MRT throughout December. Tara, along with Artistic Director Emmy Alcorn and Artistic Associate Natasha MacLellan will carry out research and collect oral history of Upper Big Tracadie and surrounding area. They hope to reflect a community through the stories of African Canadian women who made great sacrifices and yet remained unknown to the history of the region. 


CONFESSION
tell the truth
Written by Daniel MacIvor  


( l to r) Margaret Smith, Marguerite McNeil and Sherry Smith  
starring in Confession by Daniel MacIvor

Originally produced by MRT in the fall of 2008, Daniel MacIvor's , Confession saw significant revisions in 2009. Opening night in Guysborough provided the audience with the first opportunity to view the revamped version of Confession, much to their approval.

As with the original piece, Confession was once again deemed a critical success. A powerful production of reflection and human connection, the performances of Marguerite McNeil, Sherry Smith and Margaret Smith in Confession allowed the audience to unravel the mystery of hope, despair and finally acceptance.

Along with two performances in Guysborough, Confession toured to Sackville, NB, Halifax and Sydney. The one night stop in Halifax   played to a full house, with all tickets being pre-sold, a few additional seats were added to allow   those waiting for tickets to enjoy the show. The Sackville and Sydney portions of the tour featured a talk-back session, and although Daniel was unable to attend, he did answer questions by cell phone during the Sydney session, much to the delight of audience members.

               "Daniel has taken it to another level. I think it will leave people questioning and the
                answers aren't all there. I don't think you can go to this production and not come out
                affected by it. It's a very powerful piece."

                                                                                    Sherry Smith, Actor (Chronicle Herald Interview)

Confession was made possible in part by the support of The Craig Foundation, and The Charles and Mary MacLennan Foundation. 

Audience Response to Confession

"Wonderful show, very emotional."   ~   "Life altering - makes you think."

"As a mother to a daughter and a daughter of a mother who is gone - so powerful. Thank you."

"Packs a punch - almost like it was about my life. Riveting."

"It was amazing, surprising, thought provoking, and emotional. Simply breath-taking."


 boo

After a two-year journey, MRT produced 'boo' in Guysborough and at the Atlantic Fringe Festival (garnering a "Fringe Hit" designation). Written and performed by Charlie Rhindress, this one-man-show is an exploration of an event that "happened" in a man named Boo's life. Something that changed his life forever. Boo is reluctant to talk about what "happened," because it is truth and Boo doesn't like the truth, he prefers to make people laugh.

                 " There is so much heart and soul in boo, in the telling about an event that so many
                   people have emotional experiences with. Whether we are in the theatre or not,
                   everyone seeks to connect, to look for the truth, and then construct elaborate
                   mechanisms in attempt to avoid both… I think many people will see elements 
                   of themselves reflected back in the complex, contradictory, theatrical, emotional
                   character named Boo."                

                                                                                                    Amanda Campbell (The Way I See It)

Mulgrave Road Theatre’s Recipe for Success 

2 Heaping cups of creativity
3 Level cups of volunteers
2 Handfuls of generosity
1 Head full of knowledge
1 Dash of timing

Sprinkle generously with care
Add plenty of trust and mix well.
Spread over a long period of a time
Then share with your community.

It has been said that the recipe to success is only as good as the ingredients you use. Mulgrave Road Theatre has been using the same recipe for over 30 years and has developed a loyal following of local residents who have come to appreciate being the first to see new Canadian plays right here in their hometown.

The historic theatre building located on Main Street in Guysborough has been an attraction for visitors from around the globe, and though it can appear quiet from the exterior, the interior is frequently bustling with activity. Whether it’s a new script in development, rehearsals taking place, or administrative duties being performed, there is always something being accomplished behind those burgundy doors.

Much of MRT’s success is owed to the unwavering dedication of our outstanding volunteers who contribute to the theatre in dozens of unique and inspiring ways -- and they share a common passion for keeping culture alive and well in Guysborough County. They’ve given freely of their skills, their time and their resources to make Mulgrave Road one of the most successful cultural organizations in Canada.

Guysborough resident Jim Muise shares this sentiment. For more than two decades, he’s been involved with Mulgrave Road as a fundraiser, board member, and a promoter of the arts:

“As a volunteer member of the Mulgrave Road Theatre Board of Directors, I have been privileged to experience – and contribute to – the presentation of live professional theatre in Guysborough. My involvement has allowed me to see and appreciate theatre at a deeper level. I have also felt it important and rewarding, as a Board member, to be empowered to give voice to the interests of the general community as represented by the Theatre's activities and productions. So, over the three decades of the existence of Mulgrave Road Theatre in Guysborough, I have witnessed our interconnected growth and development to the benefit of all.”

While Mulgrave Road Theatre relies on support from its volunteers, another major contribution to its success is the kindness of local businesses. This support provides Mulgrave Road Theatre with an opportunity to maintain its commitment to being a hub of cultural development in rural Nova Scotia. The sustained generosity of the business community allows Mulgrave Road Theatre to continue making contributions to the people of Guysborough and beyond.

Each year, the theatre hosts “playwrights in residence” – encouraging them to become part of the community, and to become inspired by the legacy of great Canadian plays that have originated from Guysborough County. Renowned Atlantic Canadian playwrights like Daniel MacIvor, Mary-Colin Chisholm, Robbie O’Neill and countless others have been associated with Mulgrave Road Theatre during its long and prestigious history. Creativity at its finest!!

Mulgrave Road’s success is a balanced combination of support from the the public and business communities, from dedicated volunteers and staff, and from theatre artists who thrive on nurturing new plays. Mulgrave Road Theatre invites you to become a volunteer and/or a member, and support the organization that supports the voices of Atlantic Canadians. For further information contact Sherry Richard at 902-533-2092.

In Print

The following Mulgrave Road Theatre plays have been published and can be purchased directly from the publisher by clicking on the appropriate link:

Lauchie, Liza & Rory by Sheldon Currie
J. Gordon Shillingford Publishing Inc.

Caribou by Michael Melski
Playwrights Canada Press

Tighten the Traces by Robbie O'Neill
Breton Books

Signed copies of Tighten the Traces are still available at the theatre!
Priced at $13.86 (GST included) this book is an opportunity for anyone who knew Leo Kennedy, or has experienced the play, to enjoy at their own leisure.