CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Co-creators and producers Laurie Murphy and Amanda Mark invite people of all ages to experience “Ebb & Flow: Tides of Settlement on P.E.I.”, their new multi-media stage show running Saturdays from July 13 to Aug. 31, 7:30 p.m., at Charlottetown’s Beaconsfield Carriage House.
“With fellow Island artists, historians, economists and community cultural organizations, we are presenting original literature, music and dance along with photography, archive materials and film that together present a living poem,” says Murphy, adding it’s a snapshot of P.E.I.’s in- and out-migration of settlers, from the indigenous Mi’kmaq to colonizers, and from newcomers to refugees.
Each evening includes an exhibition of photography, newspaper articles and artifacts, an instrumental ensemble playing at 7:30 p.m., followed by a multimedia stage presentation at 8 p.m. For those wishing to join in post-show activities, there will be a facilitated Q&A, with weekly guests, and a music jam.
Onstage artists include Luis Anselmi, Ava Brooks Murphy, Tiffany Liu, Amanda Mark, Laurie Murphy, Shannon Mullally and Julie Pellissier-Lush.
Additional writing is by Margie Carmichael, Yvette Doucette (a poem, “All Fruits Ripe, Mama” as recorded by the author), Jason Kun (a short story about working at his parents' restaurant, The Golden Wok), Emily Nasrallah (a passage from “Flight Against Time”, as recorded by Mona Nasrallah and David Rashed) and Jim Sentence.
Contributions include historical expertise by Jim Hornby, Ed MacDonald (UPEI history) and Linda Berko (P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation), select articles featuring newcomers to the Island by Sally Cole (The Guardian), Acadian reunion Facebook photo albums courtesy of Georges Arsenault, a presentation of DiverseCity photos courtesy of Craig Mackie, production advisement by Melissa Mullen, technical advisement from Renée Laprise, FilmP.E.I., sound and visual imagery by Wink Audio P.E.I. and show photography by Mistsuki Mori.
The facilitated Q&A features a panel of individuals and organizations providing historical, artistic and community expertise. It will be an opportunity for the audience to learn more about settlement on Prince Edward Island. Guest panelists will vary each Saturday. The music jam is an opportunity for audience members to share music from their own backgrounds. They are encouraged to bring an instrument, a song and tune to suggest, sing or play.
To book advance tickets, write to [email protected] Otherwise, tickets are at the door, limited and cash only. All ages are welcome. Refreshments will be provided for sale. The P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation Beaconsfield Carriage House, at 2 King St., Charlottetown, is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible.
