Press Kit - Kids' Entertainment

INNOVATIVE PUPPETRY AT THE THEATRE LOFT
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia launched its
Theatre Loft project in the early Spring of
2008, thanks to support from two Canada
Council for the Arts programs – the Supplementary
Operating Funds Initiative and the Artist in Residence
Program. Housed in the Mermaid Imperial Performing
Arts Centre, the Loft is a 60-seat professional development
space dedicated to the pursuit of puppet excellence. The
intimate space is also available to the community and to
visiting artists for small-scale theatre and music events.
Further support from the Canada Council’s Artist in
Residence program will bring Mermaid veteran Zach
Fraser to the Loft early in 2009. Initial plans call for Zach
to explore the concept of homeland, and to create a piece
of puppet theatre accessible to audiences of many cultures,
languages, and nationalities.
The Mermaid Loft’s inaugural project featured Brian
Fidler, an outstanding Yukon theatre artist with an unusual
approach to puppetry. Following his residency at the Loft
in January 2008, during which he worked with Mermaid
production and artistic staff, he performed his innovative
one-person stage piece, CAM AND LEGS to outstanding
critical acclaim at Calgary’s Fringe Festival this past summer.
Negotiations are underway for regional and national touring
for the show, which the Calgary Herald called “a tiny, beautiful,
funny piece of theatre”.
COMMUNITY AWARD FOR JIM MORROW
Jim’s many contributions to Nova Scotia’s arts community
were recognized on September 28th, 2008 at
the Deep Roots Music Festival in Wolfville, NS. Bill
Carr (above left) presented his long-time friend with
the 2008 Valley Arts Award. Both began their professional
careers with Mermaid Theatre in the late
‘seventies. They are joined by Mermaid veterans Liette
Legere and David Carmichael – as well Trash, Puss and
Opus.
(Photo: Wendy Elliot)
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