SAINT JOHN, New Brunswick, May 19, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament (Saint John), today announced funding for the Saint John Theatre Company.
This funding will enable the Saint John Theatre Company to undertake two important projects during Saint John's 225th anniversary year: the Theatre on the Edge Festival and the Marco Polo Project.
"It is a very important year for the City of Saint John," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is extremely pleased to support the Saint John Theatre Company and its role in marking this historic city's 225th anniversary. There is much to celebrate, and organizations like the Saint John Theatre Company make an enormous contribution not only to local community spirit, but also to the larger economic picture."
"Celebrating anniversaries is not only fun, it's good business," said Mr. Weston. "Everyone benefits–citizens, tourists, Canadians near and far. As Canada's first incorporated city, Saint John has much to reflect on. These two projects of the Saint John Theatre Company–the Theatre on the Edge Festival and the Marco Polo Project–will help us do just that."
"We are extremely grateful to the Government of Canada for recognizing the growth of our Theatre on the Edge Festival through enhanced funding and thrilled to have its support in presenting the Marco Polo Musical during the City of Saint John's 225th and the Theatre Company's 20th year of operation," said Executive Director Stephen Tobias. "This promises to be the largest theatre event ever staged in New Brunswick by New Brunswickers."
The 8th annual Theatre on the Edge Festival will be held from August 2 to 15. This is a community-based summer theatre festival designed to showcase local talent in activities such as locally written one-act plays, performances of Shakespeare in the Park, and various other theatrical presentations.
The Marco Polo Project: To Hell or Melbourne will be presented during September and October. This special commemoration of the city's 225th anniversary will feature live performances of the Marco Polo Musical at venues across the city, and include post-performance discussions on the Marco Polo and its significance to the history of Saint John.
The Government of Canada has provided a total of $68,700 ($14,000 under Local Festivals and $54,700 under Community Anniversaries) through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
