Persephone Launches Building Campaign and Announces Janet Wright as Honorary Chair
May 17, 2006, Saskatoon — Persephone Theatre Capital Campaign Chair Dr. Bill Thomlinson today announced the official kick-off of Persephone's capital fundraising campaign for the new Persephone Theatre to be built at Saskatoon's River Landing.
Dr. Thomlinson made another exciting announcement. Renowned actress Janet Wright will be Honorary Chair of "Building on a River of Dreams", the Persephone Capital Campaign. Ms. Wright, who stars in the hit Canadian television comedy, Corner Gas, was a co-founder of Persephone Theatre in 1974 with her sister, Susan, and Brian Richmond. Janet Wright will lend her name to the Persephone capital campaign and will support Persephone's fundraising efforts.
Ms. Wright noted that her involvement was a return to her roots. "Persephone Theatre is a grand adventure which stands in testament to Saskatoon's enduring commitment to culture and the performing arts. Persephone's success is stunning, having achieved a track record for both outstanding artistic achievement and prudent financial management. Persephone is woven into the fabric of Saskatoon, part of what makes this city a special place. Now it's time to take Persephone to the next logical level, to ensure the theatre we founded in 1974 continues to grow with Saskatoon, and continues to strengthen this city and the arts."
Dr. Thomlinson also announced that Persephone Theatre has already raised more than 60% of its $11 million fundraising goal. "We have raised $7 million through major commitments from all three levels of government as well as the private sector." Thomlinson noted that "these investments in Persephone Theatre are a ringing endorsement of our project and now the theatre will be turning to individuals and the private sector to raise the remaining $4 million. With the generosity and support of our community we have the opportunity to leave a remarkable legacy for the arts for generations to come."
Dr. Thomlinson explained that the capital campaign's initial contribution was a private donation of $1 million from the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation. The remaining $6 million came from a $2.5 million Government of Canada contribution from the Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan initiative; a $2.5 million provincial contribution from the Government of Saskatchewan; and a $1 million contribution from the City of Saskatoon.
Persephone Theatre Artistic Director Tibor Feheregyhazi provided details on the features of the new theatre, which will include a 450-seat main stage with balcony and boxes, an orchestra pit and wing space, expanded workshops, advanced sound and lighting technology, a second "black box venue" stage with seating for 100, and a spacious lobby with a spectacular view of the River Landing area.
A key feature of the new facility, according to Mr. Feheregyhazi, will be the ability to accommodate other performing arts groups who do not currently have adequate production space in Saskatoon. "There is much excitement about the building and all that it will change. I tell you it does not change everything because a building is just an instrument. Live theatre is all about the human voice and our connections and these need to be shared in an intimate space. I promise you that this will not change; we will just have a better instrument," he said.
Dubbed "Building on a River of Dreams", the capital campaign is the most ambitious production in the history of Persephone Theatre. Led since 1982 by Tibor Feheregyhazi, Persephone is considered one of the finest regional professional theatre companies in Canada. Founded in 1974, Persephone Theatre has occupied a modified church on Rusholme Road for more than 20 years.
For information or to get involved, please call 384-2126.
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