63rd Annual Provincial Drama Festival Takes the Stage in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Executive Council
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
March 28, 2013

The 63rd annual Provincial Drama Festival is set to get underway in Happy Valley-Goose Bay from March 31 – April 6, hosted by Mokami Players. The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, will participate in the opening ceremonies at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 31 as well as the closing ceremonies at 7:00 p.m. on April 6.

Both events will take place at the Lawrence O’Brien Auditorium, located adjacent to Mealy Mountain Collegiate in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

“As a theatre enthusiast myself for many years, I have had the wonderful opportunity to participate in previous Provincial Drama Festivals,” said Minister McGrath. “I am very pleased to see the festival include the Lake Melville region, and I am particularly pleased to note, that for the first time, the plays will be held in the state-of-the-art Lawrence O’Brien Auditorium.” 

Newfoundland and Labrador is rich in creative and theatrical talent. This drama festival is the ideal venue to showcase the outstanding work of amateur theatre groups who enjoy working together and sharing their artistic talents with appreciative audiences. The Provincial Drama Festival showcases a full year of hard work for the organizers and theatre groups.

“For over 60 years this festival has showcased numerous outstanding performances, and has entertained audiences in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “As a government, we appreciate the tremendous opportunities that the festival provides for people who want to get involved in the performing arts, and so we have been very proud to support this festival through the years.”

Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future includes more than $17 million for the cultural and heritage sectors, bringing the total investment to $87 million since the launch of Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture in 2006.

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Media contacts:

Roger Scaplen
Director of Communications
Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs
Labrador Affairs Office
709-729-1674, 697-5267
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca

Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation 
709-729-0585, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca

2013 03 28

NT4