What’s next for Ottawa’s theatre scene?
Reported by: Tinahnia, Openfile
In a funny way, the resurgence of Ottawa’s theatre scene over the last dozen years can be traced back to Canada’s most famous political assassination.
On April 7, 1868, Thomas D’Arcy McGee, a Father of Confederation and Member of Parliament, was shot in the head on Sparks Street, less than a year after Canada was born. The perpetrator was allegedly Patrick J. Whelan, who was hanged publicly at what’s now a youth hostel—formerly Carleton County Gaol—on Nicholas Street.
That was Canada’s only assassination of a federal figure, and the whole episode continues to fascinate history buffs in the nation’s capital. Among those who were captivated by the story was Pierre Brault, who created a one-man show about Whelan called “Blood on the Moon” with collaborators Judi Pearl and Jon Koensgen.
“Blood” debuted at the Ottawa Fringe Festival in June 1999 at Arts Court—right next door to the former jail where Whelan was hanged.
Nobody realized that “Blood” would become a legend of its own—even a catalyst for the growth of the Ottawa theatre scene. A smash hit at Fringe that year, “Blood” was picked up by the NAC’s then-Artistic Director Marti Maraden for a reprisal on Canada’s national stage.
For full story, go to: What’s next for Ottawa’s theatre scene?
Time for Tulips: Festival season kicks off Friday with Canadian Tulip Festival
Tony Lofaro, The Ottawa Citizen
Much like May weather in Ottawa, the Canadian Tulip Festival is always evolving. And this year, the festival, which kicks off Friday, may evolve into having few tulips.
Fewer blooms will be just one of the changes to the festival this year. Organizers are restoring a single passport to all events, reducing the Celebridée speaker series, and bringing several Ottawa bands to the stage at Major’s Hill Park, including Amos the Transparent and The Murder Plans. The International Pavilion featuring the culture and cuisine of more than 20 embassies is back at Major’s Hill after a disastrous stint last year at Lansdowne Park. A children’s program has been added, and Waylon, a hot new Dutch artist, will perform in the Mirror Tent May 15.
The festival’s theme is “Liberation,” and things get rolling at noon Friday with a street party on Sparks Street to mark the 65th anniversary of the liberation of The Netherlands at the end of the Second World War.
“We intend to have a huge celebration and throw a street party much as in the spirit of 1945,” says festival spokeswoman Christine Charette.
Read more: Time for Tulips
