WINNIPEG November 2, 2007 – Prairie Theatre Exchange is thrilled to welcome the world renowned production of Tempting Providence from Newfoundland and Labrador to its Mainstage beginning November 15. This historical biography by Theatre Newfoundland Labrador has captivated audiences around the world with its simple, elegant telling of Nurse Myra Bennett’s story. In 1921 Bennett signed up for a two year stint as a nurse in remote Newfoundland and ended up staying and working for more than 50. She was the lifeline for thousands in that region – an ordinary woman who did extraordinary things.
“Tempting Providence is one of those plays that you need to see. Theatre of this caliber reignites your faith in our creative capacity and raises the bar for everyone. Once you sit down in the theatre the actors have a way of drawing you in to the story. It is a great skill – and one that director Jillian Keiley has masterfully brought out – to effectively communicate a story relying on storytelling talents and not gimmickry,” says Artistic Director, Robert Metcalfe.
In fact Jillian Keiley was recognized with the highest theatre arts award in Canada – the $100,000 Siminovitch Award – in 2004 for her work. The jury for the award called Keiley’s work “startlingly original and radically imaginative.” In a very competitive field the jury found “…Keiley’s remarkably novel approach to theatre creation allowed the Jury to choose her as the ideal recipient.”
“When I saw the show at the Magnetic North Festival several years ago, I knew that I wanted it at Prairie Theatre Exchange - not just because it’s an exceptional piece of theatre, but because it just ‘felt’ like it belonged in front our audience. I’ve always been impressed by our audience’s openness to plays that are not only entertaining, but offer something with strong, quality content, or are told with a broad range of theatrical vocabulary. Like the production of The Well Being that engaged people so completely a few seasons back, the narrative of Tempting Providence, while strong, is only part of what makes this an extraordinary production,” says Metcalfe.
The impact of Tempting Providence is not lost on critics either. Theatre Newfoundland Labrador has been consistently touring the production since 2002 and has a binder full of positive reviews from critics and thrilled theatre-goers. The tour of Tempting Providence has been across the world – major theatres from coast to coast to coast in Canada, the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Scotland), England, Ireland, and Australia.
“Nurse bio a dose of terrific…” Ottawa Sun
“A story so compelling that every word is a gem..." Vancouver Sun
“The famous dry wit of Newfoundland is here in abundance.” Ottawa Citizen
“Her inspirational story was performed by a quartet of excellent actors whose faultless delivery and subtle characterization were a joy to behold.” John Billington – patron of Lighthouse (Poole’s Centre for the Arts – England)
“It was absolutely superb. The skill of actors in presenting the content and conveying the mood of the times was exceptional.” Angela Hunter – England
“A history lesson; sparingly, creatively and exquisitely staged! Terrific acting!” Alice & Ed Geron – USA
The touring production arrives in Winnipeg on November 9th and quickly sets to work on re-blocking the show for PTE’s thrust stage. The intimacy that the format affords with seating on three sides will undoubtedly heighten the connection between audience and actor. The Talk Back Tuesday performance promise to be lively.
Unlike many other tours, the Tempting Providence shipping footprint is very small. The only real “sets and props” are a kitchen table, four chairs and a tablecloth. However, as anyone who saw The Well Being (January 2003) knows, elaborate sets and costumes are not necessary for a superb night of theatre.
Deidre Gillard Rowlings plays the lead character of Nurse Myra Bennett and is partnered with Darryl Hopkins who becomes her husband, Angus, during the show. All the other characters in the production are played by Melanie Caines and Robert Wyatt Thorne.
Director, Jillian Keiley, is joined by Beth Bartle as stage manager. Costume design is by Barry Buckle and lighting design by Walter J. Snow.
Tickets for this extraordinary production are on sale now at the PTE Box Office or 24/7 online at www.pte.mb.ca. Tickets are available for as low as $21.20 for Preview Wednesday. Prime seating is still available for some performances for $34.88. There are only 20 public performances of Tempting Providence.
ATTENTION
The media/photo shoot for TEMPTING PROVIDENCE is scheduled for Wednesday November 14th at 1:30 pm. Colour photos of the show are available for print publications upon request. All media please call 925-5257 to confirm your attendance.
TEMPTNG PROVIDENCE by Robert Chafe
A Production of Theatre Newfoundland Labrador
Performance schedule:
-Preview:Wednesday, November 14, 2007
-Opening: Thursday, November 15, 2007
-Runs:Until Sunday, December 2, 2007
Times:
-8 pm Wednesday through Saturday
-7 pm Tuesdays
-7 pm Sunday, November 25, 2007
Matinees:
-Sundays at 2pm, plus Saturday, Nov 17 & Dec 1 at 3pm
No show Mondays
Prices:
-Adults $34.88 includes all taxes and fees
-Students and Seniors $25.44 includes all taxes and fees
-Preview Wednesday November 14 – rush seating only $21.20 includes all taxes and fees
-$15.27 curtain ticket 1/2 hour prior to each performance for students with valid ID and subject to availability
Extra:
Every Tuesday performance features Petro-Canada Talk Back Tuesdays where artists involved in the play answer questions from the audience following the performance.
Tickets on sale at the PTE box office, 3rd Floor Portage Place, 942-5483 or 24/7 online at www.pte.mb.ca.
Production Sponsor: Investors Group
Media Presenter: CTV and Hot 103
Supported by:
Canada Council for the Arts,
The Manitoba Arts Council,
The Winnipeg Arts Council,
The Winnipeg Foundation and
The Prairie Theatre Exchange Foundation Trust
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For more information contact: Mr. Carman Johnston, Marketing and Development Manager, at 925-5257; Fax 942-1774; e-mail publicity@pte.mb.ca
