Theatre Newfoundland Labrador’s “Tempting Providence” on Provincial Tour

by Keith and Heather Nicol

  

       This is a big year for Theatre Newfoundland Labrador’s “Tempting Providence” as it celebrates 10 years of performances around the world. “Tempting Providence” tells the story of Myra Bennett, a dedicated nurse who practiced on the Northern Peninsula. I recently got a chance to speak to Gaylene Buckle, Theatre Newfoundland Labrador’s general manager. “When we developed this play we purposely created it so that it could be performed in a variety of “stages” around the province, from church basements to school gyms. Now 10 years later we are doing just that with a provincial tour that will see the play performed in over 70 locations.” Gaylene told us.

A scene from the play "Tempting Providence"        

         If you have not seen this play you don’t know what you are missing. The story is first rate and although people from this province can closely identify with it, it has attracted attention in England, Ireland, Australia and California. “We have performed the play in every Canadian province, except Quebec and this winter in London, Ontario it celebrated its 500^th show! For anyone that wants to see this show at the  Gros Morne Theatre Festival in Cow Head they can see it on just one date-June 1. We premiered the show on June 1, 2002 so that promises to be a special 10^th anniversary show. “ Gaylene said proudly. For the provincial tour dates see:  http://www.theatrenewfoundland.com/  and click the “Tempting Providence” Touring icon.    

The simple set means that the play can be performed in many locations