Rising Tide Theatre thriving after nearly five decades on the stage
Rising Tide Theatre has been the touchstone of Newfoundland and Labrador’s artistic fabric for nearly five decades. Spearheaded by Artistic Director and theatre icon Donna Butt from their longtime home in Trinity, the company continues to showcase the talents of local artists while holding a lens to the picturesque serenity of the region.
Now, in their highly anticipated 2024 season, tradition and change collide for a company that continues to hold a proverbial finger to the pulse of all things Newfoundland and Labrador.
Multi-talented artist Mallory Clarke, a longtime contributor to the company who has worn more than their fair share of hats, has stepped into the position of Interim Artistic Director, with Donna moving away from the role after more than four decades.
Amidst preparations for the busy summer festival season in Trinity, Mallory checks in with Downhome, reflecting on the changing Tide, the immeasurable impact of their predecessor, and love of the art of storytelling in all its forms.
“One of the things that I find really interesting is the history of Newfoundland theatre and Rising Tide’s relationship to the creation of a local professional theatre ecology. That part of it is very interesting to me and one of the things I’ve always been drawn to about it,” shares Mallory, a diverse performer, writer, director, and educator.
“The building is like a cultural hub and has been an economic generator for the region. And I think that’s very recognized in the community, for sure, Rising Tide’s impact. It’s unlike anything that I’ve ever experienced elsewhere.”
Mallory, who first joined Rising Tide as a performer in 2014, replaces longtime artistic director Donna, who steps away from the role of after 46 years, transitioning to Founder/Senior Producer to oversee the expansion of the Rising Tide Arts Centre and lead major digital and archival projects.
“Donna is somebody who pioneered professional theatre in this province. And it’s pretty amazing that I get to work with somebody who is partially responsible for creating my career trajectory and the career trajectory of everybody who works professionally in the theatre arts in this province,” says Mallory of Donna’s continued impact on Rising Tide.
“I have learned so much from Donna, as a creative person, but also as an artistic leader. She almost single-handedly is responsible for my career in a lot of ways because she’s taken a lot of risks. The first time I directed my own show here, I directed two showcases here in 2018, and at that time I was only 25 years old. I don’t think I know any other regional theatre of this magnitude or any other artistic leader who would let a 25-year-old be responsible for two of their main stage productions. So I was always really grateful for that.”
Rising Tide’s 2024 season boasts a series of new and returning favourites, from local film screenings and the ever-present fan favourite Trinity Pageant, to Evan Mercer’s adaptation of The Flying Doctor, and the return of Maiden Voyage.
Directed and written by Meghan Greeley with Mallory crafting the music, Maiden Voyage follows Sally, who must follow her betrothed when he is pressed into the navy and sent into battle on the high seas. She must disguise herself as a sailor, with much shenanigans to follow in this gender-bending dramedy based on the traditional folk song “Willie Taylor”.
“We took that story and we blew it up and made a big musical out of it and it has all original music,” Mallory says of the crowd-pleasing musical. “We (Mallory and Meghan) were writing it on commission for Rising Tide, and she and I had both worked here a long time, we knew what kind of things worked in this space. We knew what kind of things resonated with the audience. And so we wanted to make it specifically for here, a show for here, but with some modern touches. So there’s a lot of queer themes in there, there are many gender questions in there as well, but it’s really family-friendly.
“One of the things I loved about doing it last year was how much kids enjoyed it and resonated with it. Our fiddle player, her daughter was four, came to see it and said, ‘Mom, it’s the best movie I ever saw. I cried twice, once for love and once for sadness.’ And I was like, I never need any other audience feedback ever again. No more notes. So I’m really excited to bring it back again this year. It’s really near and dear to my heart.”
For the Mount Pearl native who holds a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from the Boston Conservatory and MFA in Theatre Performance Creation from York University, stepping to the helm of the Rising Tide ship is a heavy challenge, but one they embrace wholeheartedly.
“I always envisioned myself as an artistic director, and I think that’s because I find so much fulfillment in bringing artists together and finding the resources for artists to create their vision. I find that really satisfying to be able to kind of give artists opportunities in that way. And it’s the same reason why I love teaching. It’s because watching somebody surprise themselves with their own abilities, or watching somebody learn something in real-time and being able to be like, wow, I helped them get there, is such a rewarding experience.”
For more details on Rising Tide’s 2024 season and much more visit risingtidetheatre.com
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