Nestled in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, my city is perfectly positioned to provide professional theatre experiences that enhance life for everyone. Such venues as the Shaw Festival in the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Shakespearean Theatre in Stratford or the Princess of Wales Theatre in downtown Toronto have been well known for many years. These theatres are within a couple of hours’ drive from my home over excellent highways or via other transportation options.
But they are not the only venues! Many smaller places offer local professional theatre throughout the summer season: Grand Bend, Drayton, Cambridge, Goderich, Port Stanley and the Lighthouse Theatre at Port Dover light up their summer stages every year. Even my small city of Woodstock has a thriving amateur theatre. The one that gets most of my theatre money, however, is down the 401 towards Windsor in a little village called Petrolia. VPP or Victoria Playhouse Petrolia as it’s known is well worth the two-hour drive over roads that are well-maintained but not so busy as the truck-infested 401 highway.
When we get to Petrolia, invariably we join the throngs–every seat is filled–in showing our appreciation for yet another production. The two Co-Artistic Directors, David Hogan and David Rogers have been knocking the socks off their audiences for quite a few years now. They consistently hire amazing talent, choose stunning theatre and musical works, and do everything they can to attract half of Ontario down the highway to Petrolia.
A steady core of thrilling performers take part in the varied playbill and there are always a couple of new finds to tread the boards at VPP. One person I must mention is the music director, Mark Payne. He arranges music, he plays piano, he sings and he totally enthralls the audience. This is a theatre where most of the actors also play instruments and sing, a format I’ve come to enjoy wholeheartedly through watching my sister’s company, Garner Theatre Productions, in many different variations and formats. (Donna has played more than one role at VPP, most recent in the Irish show last September.)
So what’s the big deal?
Wonderful as a day out at the theatre is, there exists a larger significance for society as a whole. Theatre outlets provide places for actors and musicians to do what they love most–be on stage celebrating the power of the imagination. Women and men hold their instruments as if they are extensions of their bodies. They sing their hearts out creating imaginary people, and I love them for it.
An expectant vibe fills the theatre as the seats fill up with people waiting to be captivated by yet another production. Audience members ditch their worries and sink into the imaginary world on stage. What a break to join that world, and to think of how others face situations or problems in their lives. Even if the world on stage is imaginary, it takes both actors and watchers away from day-to-day life into fantasy.
This makes me think of the current tendency to do away with the art and music programs in today’s schools and replace them with yet another iteration of STEM subjects. Yes, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are the basics in education if we think of building bridges or developing another new medicine to cure another form of cancer. The arts, however, make that life more wonderful.
And they give many of us an unbelievable opportunity to lose ourselves in painting or singing or writing. I loved teaching. I joined in my students’ sense of accomplishment when they found the words to get their message across in their stories. When the fifteen-year-old boy in my class told me he had finished the book I gave him to read, he was beaming. A low-functioning kid, he said that book was the first book he had ever read. The power of story had just opened up for him. He had the tools to find pleasure in stories for himself.
People need connection with both sides of the brain. Yes, they may be wired to excel in STEM subjects but the Arts subjects make them well-rounded and give them a chance to relax and enjoy by imagining. Many many years ago I learned that reading stories to preschool kids helps them develop their ability to analyze, a skill definitely needed throughout their lives.
Let’s enjoy all that the world has to offer and not limit ourselves. People need beauty, imagination and creativity. Engaging in creative activities can take many forms, such as painting, writing, dancing, playing music, crafting, cooking, gardening, or any other activity that allows people to express themselves and tap into their imagination.
As a final note let me tell you about Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional character. Holmes has an unparalleled analytical ability which makes him invaluable in solving crimes. He does chemical experiments, sits reasoning over the strangest objects and invariably finds the answer. He also spends hours playing his violin and a satisfied smile is always on his face then and when he is at a concert.
Today I am working on my new book and I’ve promised myself to find a little time to sit at the piano and sing, maybe even some of my own songs.
