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I can’t say for sure but, growing up in Conception Bay South, it’s highly likely a Rising Tide production was my first exposure to theatre. I’m sure many others can say they same.
Founded in 1978, Rising Tide Theatre has a long and storied history as one of the province’s premiere production companies. They were the “it” team for many, many years, living up to their name; if a rising tide lifts all boats, then perhaps it’s fair to say this company were an integral part of the wave that led to the numerous professional companies we see in the province today.
They certainly were pioneers in the province’s community pageant scene, starting the New Founde Land Pageant in Trinity in 1993. Today, the company offers a full season of theatrical performances at their own space, the Rising Tide Arts Centre, on Green’s Point. According to their website, the Centre is “a focal point for the 20,000 annual visitors who are drawn to the unique blend of art, entertainment and history.”
Rising Tide commissions and produces many new works, some of which were featured in the dramatic reading on Friday night. Performers Bailey Jackson and Amelia Manuel joined Artistic Director Mallory Clarke and Founder/ Senior Producer Donna Butt on stage. The talented foursome shared scenes from a variety of works, including A Tidy Package (by Amy House and Berni Stapleton – see night three!); an adaptation of Eyes of the Gull (by Margaret
Duley); Stars in the Sky Morning (created by Rhonda Payne and Jane Dingle); and more.
I especially enjoyed the inclusion of two songs: “Heaven in Harbour” by Carolyn Fowlow and “Good Woman” by Mallory Clarke. Both Mallory and Amelia have beautiful voices that blended perfectly in these performances. Why “Heaven in Harbour” is not better known is a mystery; it’s a love song to English Harbour and captures the love of this place in the way “Saltwater Joys” does for so many.
…And, for the record, I’m moving to Trinity for the sea air; Donna Butt looks and sounds fabulous.
Saturday promises to be a packed evening with international themes. The Festival is featuring the voices of two African-born playwrights, both living and working in St. John’s. Beauty Behind the Norms by Nicole Obiodiaka explores female empowerment in a deeply patriarchal Nigerian community. Aya and The Masquerades, written by Karen Monie and produced by White Rooster Theatre tells the story of a young Cameroonian girl who goes on a journey to find a magical settlement full of promise.
Founded in 1978, Rising Tide Theatre has a long and storied history as one of the province’s premiere production companies. They were the “it” team for many, many years, living up to their name; if a rising tide lifts all boats, then perhaps it’s fair to say this company were an integral part of the wave that led to the numerous professional companies we see in the province today.
They certainly were pioneers in the province’s community pageant scene, starting the New Founde Land Pageant in Trinity in 1993. Today, the company offers a full season of theatrical performances at their own space, the Rising Tide Arts Centre, on Green’s Point. According to their website, the Centre is “a focal point for the 20,000 annual visitors who are drawn to the unique blend of art, entertainment and history.”
Rising Tide commissions and produces many new works, some of which were featured in the dramatic reading on Friday night. Performers Bailey Jackson and Amelia Manuel joined Artistic Director Mallory Clarke and Founder/ Senior Producer Donna Butt on stage. The talented foursome shared scenes from a variety of works, including A Tidy Package (by Amy House and Berni Stapleton – see night three!); an adaptation of Eyes of the Gull (by Margaret
Duley); Stars in the Sky Morning (created by Rhonda Payne and Jane Dingle); and more.
I especially enjoyed the inclusion of two songs: “Heaven in Harbour” by Carolyn Fowlow and “Good Woman” by Mallory Clarke. Both Mallory and Amelia have beautiful voices that blended perfectly in these performances. Why “Heaven in Harbour” is not better known is a mystery; it’s a love song to English Harbour and captures the love of this place in the way “Saltwater Joys” does for so many.
…And, for the record, I’m moving to Trinity for the sea air; Donna Butt looks and sounds fabulous.
Saturday promises to be a packed evening with international themes. The Festival is featuring the voices of two African-born playwrights, both living and working in St. John’s. Beauty Behind the Norms by Nicole Obiodiaka explores female empowerment in a deeply patriarchal Nigerian community. Aya and The Masquerades, written by Karen Monie and produced by White Rooster Theatre tells the story of a young Cameroonian girl who goes on a journey to find a magical settlement full of promise.
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