January 2021 Newsletter

Dear sorely deprived theatregoers and loyal friends of Persephone,

First of all, heartfelt thanks to all those who continue to send donations to the company while we are ‘waiting in the wings.’

On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our deep gratitude. Artists everywhere have been silenced and our 20 year old, independent theatre company must be ready to offer work opportunities, in Montreal, as soon as we possibly can.

​The Greek myth, from which the company draws its name, tells the story of the capture of Persephone. She is condemned to remain in darkness, underground for six months of the year before she can return to the surface and to the light. Sadly our current situation has ordered a longer stay…

Hard as this opening to the New Year might be, I think we must remain ever hopeful. Eventually theatres will reopen and audiences, yearning for live entertainment, will flock to our performances. 

With this in mind, in late November, just before the next festive season, we are planning to produce A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens: David Edgar’s new adaptation. It is an excellent choice for our 21st anniversary and, with its particular humanitarian message, is truly apt for the post pandemic world. The production offers terrific opportunities for actors, designers, and technicians alike. 

I will direct with the assistance of Camila Fitzgibbon, actor/publicist, and special host of the Montreal Theatre Hub. Camila is a well-known, much loved and respected figure in the theatre community. She has now joined the Persephone team, bringing her excellent administrative and creative skills to the company, as well as her vitality and youth!

As for me, I have been very busy using this COVID time to write another play.

It is based on the lives of seven women composers whose remarkable voices have long been ignored and forgotten. The play explores their sense of purpose, power, and determination to compose despite the harsh obstacles they must face.

This show, among others, is being considered for spring 2022.

In keeping with our commitment toward supporting diversity in the community, both these shows will have multi-cultural casts and reflect the reality of today’s society.  

I miss you all and the wonderful young artists I am accustomed to working with. 

Stay tuned, and let us gather together SOON.

Warmest wishes as ever,
Gabrielle, Camila, Clive, Christopher and Louise