THE HEART OF THINGS
Inspired by a true story of tragedy in a Nova Scotia fishing community that catapults the sexuality of a young fisher into conflict with deeply rooted prejudices in their community.
In The Heart of Things, a young fisher, Junior, hangs himself to death from the mast of his boat. The fallout from the tragedy inspires his twin, Bren, to act on their lifetime dream, to be accepted as a fisher. Their determination puts their own sexuality in direct conflict with deeply rooted prejudices in their community.
Fishing is recognized as one of the most dangerous occupations in Canada today. The Canadian Mental Health Association says, “Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people after motor vehicle accidents.” Stress from bank loans, declining fish stocks, extreme climate, international trawlers, ocean pollution, technology and fish sticks are the context for Dr. Simon Sherry, Dalhousie University raising the alarm recently on CBC Radio about our increasing suicide rate among young male fishers.
From the composer of The Heart of Things, John Plant, “The Heart of Things deals with the struggle for gender equality, sexual identity, the ecological and economic realities of the fisher's life, suicide, sexual abuse, generational tensions, the intricate web of family relationships with the structure, resonance and complexity of classical Greek tragedy. It manages to do this without preaching, by creating indelible, moving characters and thrusting us into their very particular world. As the play unfolds, its themes evolve in a way which irresistibly suggests music: non-linear, contrapuntal, with contrasts between subtly modulating continuity and abrupt, stark juxtapositions. The stage directions frequently include verbal descriptions for music of a symphonic character. There are passages which are more like recitative, others which amount to 'arias,' in which a lyrical expansiveness transforms the flow of time.”
- "Truly a joy and honour. WOW!"
- "Excited to see where this show goes next!"
- "Excellent work! Can’t wait to see the finished opera!"
THE HEART OF THINGS
Inspired by a true story of tragedy in a Nova Scotia fishing community that catapults the sexuality of a young fisher into conflict with deeply rooted prejudices in their community.
In The Heart of Things, a young fisher, Junior, hangs himself to death from the mast of his boat. The fallout from the tragedy inspires his twin, Bren, to act on their lifetime dream, to be accepted as a fisher. Their determination puts their own sexuality in direct conflict with deeply rooted prejudices in their community.
Fishing is recognized as one of the most dangerous occupations in Canada today. The Canadian Mental Health Association says, “Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people after motor vehicle accidents.” Stress from bank loans, declining fish stocks, extreme climate, international trawlers, ocean pollution, technology and fish sticks are the context for Dr. Simon Sherry, Dalhousie University raising the alarm recently on CBC Radio about our increasing suicide rate among young male fishers.
From the composer of The Heart of Things, John Plant, “The Heart of Things deals with the struggle for gender equality, sexual identity, the ecological and economic realities of the fisher's life, suicide, sexual abuse, generational tensions, the intricate web of family relationships with the structure, resonance and complexity of classical Greek tragedy. It manages to do this without preaching, by creating indelible, moving characters and thrusting us into their very particular world. As the play unfolds, its themes evolve in a way which irresistibly suggests music: non-linear, contrapuntal, with contrasts between subtly modulating continuity and abrupt, stark juxtapositions. The stage directions frequently include verbal descriptions for music of a symphonic character. There are passages which are more like recitative, others which amount to 'arias,' in which a lyrical expansiveness transforms the flow of time.”
Thank you for your interest in The Heart of Things. Come see us October 22-27, 2024. Tickets for limited seating will be available through Heat’s website and at Memory Lane Heritage Village/events.
Production/Creative Team
Wanda R Graham - Artistic Director
John Plant - Music Director
Curtis Botham - Charcoal Drawings
Christian Hansen - Projection, Animation, Design
Jocelyne Fleury
Production Actors
Soo Garay - "Nan"
Background and development The Heart of Things
The Heart of Things is a drama - with music - for actors - an opera to be spoken, not sung. Inspired by a true story, this opera contains blood, suicide, molestation, frustration directed at government departments, one kiss, and a great deal of love, laughter, and joy, at who fishers are, and for what they do when they are out in their boats.
Wanda R. Graham, an award-winning theatre artist living in a fishing village herself, created the text, supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and Arts Nova Scotia. The Production Draft was created after the two-week writing retreat with Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre, May 2018, dramaturge Maureen Labonté. Internationally renowned composer John Plant, who also lives on one of Nova Scotia’s dramatic seashores, created the soundscape including full virtual orchestra. Music director for Heat’s one-week workshop supported by Arts Nova Scotia and Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre, and the production October 22-27, the work's creation by John Plant was supported by Arts Nova Scotia.
Heat Theatre is delighted and honoured to share through production October 2024 with community partner Memory Lane Heritage Village - a story about a fishing comunity in a fishing community. Heat is motivated by an interest in exploring emotional delivery in the territory ‘between-speech-and-song’ for actors; the voice, sometimes rhythmical, theatrical, at times to intensify and clarify the literal meaning of the text, at times evacuating the meaning of the words, using them as abstract live sound.
Underneath the voices is fishers’ love and will to survive in a maritime fishing village, a culture on the brink of its own extinction. What’s at stake for us is what we will eat when the last source of wild fresh protein is gone.
Workshop Creative Team
Wanda R Graham - Artistic Director
John Plant - Music Director
Curtis Botham
Nick Bottomley
Meet The Workshop Actors
Henricus Gielis - "Ariel"
Kya Mosley - "Casey"
Lou Campbell - "Bren"
Martha Irving - "Nan"
Matthew Lumley - "Les Sr", "Big Daddy"
Spencer Laing - "Les", "Junior"
SPONSORS
If you would like to sponsor this show (or any other show we produce) click the link below;
Dr. Simon Sherry on Nova Scotia's escalating suicide rates...
Sherry, Simon - Department of Psychology and Neuroscience - Dalhousie University
Dr. Simon Sherry’s Research | Crux Psychology
New study shows suicides in Nova Scotia reached record high in 2021 - CityNews Halifax
Psychology professor on Nova Scotia's record high suicide rate | CTV News
The conversation starts with you...
Our sponsorship goals ensure this unique and important production happens. With your help we start a conversation about fisher care.We care about fishers, Do you? Heat Theatre will gladly discuss the role and benifits of sole sponsorhip, co-sponsorships and any level of individual support. Sponsors on the Eastern Shore have already stepped up to build this network. Any donation above $20 will receive a tax receipt
Make a commitment by donating today.