St. Croix Theatre Company Brings A Lot of Theatre to Charlotte County and Educates Locals About the Arts

The St. Croix Theatre Company based in Charlotte County, New Brunswick aims to enhance the cultural landscape of Southwest New Brunswick by actively involving the community in its productions either as talent or as audience members. The company's most recent production of "Riding the Waves" was written by members of the St. Croix Theatre Company and was based on Charlotte County residents' stories about living with mental illnesses.

The magnitude of its influence spilled outside of Charlotte County across the province because of the nerve it hit telling authentic stories about mental health in the post-pandemic landscape. Director Peggy Fothergill says putting on plays in Charlotte County is one of the most enriching experiences of her life, having relocated here from Montreal. She is struck not only by the talent here but by the number of residents willing to embrace the theatre.

The St. Croix Theatre Company has brought a lot of art to Charlotte County and helps to educate the community about the arts. The community's involvement in the production process has helped to create a well-rounded performance, and the audience's feedback helps to shape future productions. Hilda's Yard is a testament to the talent and dedication of the St. Croix Theatre Company and reflects the changing times in Charlotte County and the world. 

"Charlotte County is fascinating from that point of view because you have people born and raised here, generations and generations, and then you have people who've just arrived here, like my co-director Christine Lannaman and others like costume designer Bert Devoe, who come and combine their talents with local talent," says Fothergill. "And then [there is] the audience who comes--people from St. Andrews and from St. Stephen and St. George and all the surrounding communities. It's extraordinary when the combined talents come and help with the production process, but also who come and tell us what they want to see."

The St. Croix Theatre Company is preparing to stage a production of the play "Hilda's Yard" by Canadian playwright Norm Foster. The play is about an older couple, Sam and Hilda, and their adult children, Janie and Gary, who unexpectedly return home in 1956, a time of change and transition. The production features six actors, including experienced performers and local talent, and explores themes of family, community, acceptance, and understanding.

The play's emotional scenes and humourous moments provide a range of emotions for the actors to explore and audiences to enjoy. The production team has taken care to ensure that the costumes and sets accurately reflect the time period. The play's simple setting allows the audience to focus on the characters and the story. The play's themes of acceptance, tolerance, learning, and understanding are particularly relevant in today's world.

The St. Croix Theatre Company aims to promote theatre and to support young, creative playwrights and local talent. Members of the public have praised the company's transformative impact and ability to resonate with viewers. The company emphasizes that theatre is a collaborative medium that can offer a sense of camaraderie and allow individuals to step out of their comfort zones. For those who have never experienced theatre before, the members of the St. Croix Theatre Company describe it as a uniquely human experience that offers a special connection between actors and audiences.

The play is set to premiere on May 26th to 28th in St. Stephen and on June 2nd to 4th in St. Andrews, with tickets available both online and at local retailers. The St. Croix Theatre Company encourages anyone interested in theatre to get involved and to experience the transformative power of theatre. The company hopes that audiences will come away from the show feeling happy and joyful, having experienced a meaningful connection with the play's themes and characters.