Belgian troupe Lucky Leo performing their play, The Raise. Photo courtesy Liverpool International Theatre Festival

The play’s the thing once again in Liverpool.

After four years the Liverpool International Theatre Festival is returning to the Astor Theatre.

Nine acts from around the globe will walk the boards in what is considered one of the top ten amateur theatre festivals in the world.

Chairperson of LITF Jean Robinson-Dexter says given the international nature of the performers, one of the things the selection committee looks for are plays that can be understood whether acted in English or not.

“It can transcend the language barriers. We’ll often look for plays that are less verbal or not language heavy, so to speak, so that they can make that crossover so that folks can understand what’s happening,” said Robinson-Dexter.

The festival has been held every two years since it began in 1992.

The last edition of LITF was scheduled for 2020 but like so many other events, was cancelled due to COVID.

This year the festival will start Thursday October 13 with a parade of flags down Main Street leading to the opening ceremonies in the Astor Theatre.

LITF has partnered with the South Queens Chamber of Commerce to round out opening night with a block party featuring live music and events beginning at 8pm.

The weekend will be jammed with performances followed by social evenings at the Liverpool Curling Club.

The 2022 edition of Liverpool International Theatre Festival will also see the return of the ever popular “Coffee Critique” which is open to all performers and all-access pass holders.

Robinson-Dexter says the critique started as an opportunity for performers to discuss their work amongst themselves but has become one of the most unique and popular components of LITF.

“Our audience very quickly wanted to be involved in that. They wanted to hear it and they wanted to ask questions,” said Robinson-Dexter. “It’s usually a jam-packed room. People are just so engaged in learning about how theatre happens in other countries.”

Sales of the all-access passes ends Wednesday October 5, but Robinson-Dexter says there are still multi-performance packages and individual passes available through the Astor Theatre box office.

The Liverpool International Theatre Festival runs from October 13-17.

More information can be found on the festival website.

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Astor Theatre, Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Photo Credit: Ed Halverson

An all-day concert to support people fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine will go ahead.

The event, Queens Care Day for Ukraine, was scheduled at Liverpool’s Astor Theatre April 30 but was postponed after several performers became ill.

Astor Theatre General Manager Jean Robinson-Dexter says a new date for the event will be announced shortly.

Robinson-Dexter says after hearing the stories about the suffering in Ukraine she and a group of volunteers decided they had to do something.

“I guess it’s over a month ago now when they said that a theatre, a children’s theatre was bombed in a city in Ukraine,” Robinson-Dexter. “And that just kind of hit me to the core that places that people come together because they love theatre and they love the arts, and for that to happen…”

While Robinson Dexter and fellow organizer Ashley Goodwyn work to find a new date for the performances, Deborah Raddall, Melanie Inglis and Charmaine Stevens are spearheading efforts to raise money through a hybrid online and live auction.

The silent auction is already accepting bids through the Queens Care Day for Ukraine Silent Auction Facebook page.

Bidding will remain open until noon on May 12.

The auction will then go live, in person at the Liverpool Town Arts and Cultural Centre from 5:00pm to 8:00pm and the winners can claim their prizes that night.

Local artist Roger Savage will be painting portraits on-site that day and donating all the proceeds to the fundraiser.

Savage has agreed to take sittings this Saturday as well which must be scheduled in advance by calling the Astor Theatre box office.

Robinson-Dexter says the group has set a goal of donating $10,000 to the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.

She says the effort is the result of many people bringing their talents together for a good cause.

“What can we do? Well let’s do what we can do best and have performers on our stage and bring our community together to do what we can,’ said Robinson-Dexter. “So often we feel helpless when these things happen in other parts of the world.”

For more information visit the Queens Cares – A Day For Ukraine Facebook page or call the Astor Theatre box office at 902-354-5250.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

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Region of Queens Administration Building. Photo Ed Halverson

A surprise announcement during the public comments portion of their latest meeting has Region of Queens council buzzing.

Deborah Spartinelli, vice-president of the Queens County Aquatic Association informed council her organization had received a $3 million anonymous donation to be put towards the construction of a new outdoor pool.

Mayor Darlene Norman says the group is interested in discussing a potential partnership arrangement with the region.

“Because we all know that we have an outdoor pool in Milton that has been bandaged together and really needs replacement.”

Norman anticipates the group will make a presentation to council at their next meeting to explore a partnership.

The public comment section also brought to council’s attention that there are issues with people being able to properly hear what’s being said in council chambers.

Council had looked at upgrading sound and video in the room last year, but the effort was shelved when the public balked at spending over $100,000 to solve the problem.

Norman says she’s now heard from several public and staff sources that people are struggling to hear and it’s time to address the issue.

“I know of someone who sits on one of our committees. He wears a hearing aid, and he has become so frustrated with his inability to hear in that room,” said Norman. “If the sound quality is so poor in that room, we have to fix it.”

Norman says a quick poll of councillors showed most are in favour of prioritizing solving the sound issues over the video issues.

She says money has been set aside to fix the sound problems in this year’s draft budget.

Council also approved flying the Autism Acceptance flag and the Ukrainian flag on the special purpose pole outside the Liverpool Cultural Arts Centre.

The Astor Theatre, located in the Arts Centre, asked to have the rent charges waived for the months of January and February.

Norman says council was understanding that despite the theatre’s best efforts they couldn’t open during that time.

“COVID rules and protocols shut the door on them again,” said Norman. “So, we approved that we would waive their rent which is a $1,000 loss.”

In conversation with QCCR, Norman provided a peek into the ongoing budget process and says the news is good.

“Due to all kinds of unexpected monies coming in from federal government, the province doubling their funds, deed transfer flying way higher than anyone ever thought, we are projected a very large surplus at the end of March to the tune of probably $3.2-$3.4 million.”

Norman will discuss the budget in more detail later this week.

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Astor Theatre in Liverpool. Photo Ed Halverson

As COVID restrictions relax, life is beginning to return to normal at Liverpool’s Astor Theatre.

General Manager Jean Robinson-Dexter says the arts venue was hit hard throughout the pandemic.

“Our revenues over the last fiscal year and part of the year before, way down, negligible in fact because we haven’t either had rentals or concerts or shows,” said Robinson-Dexter.

She says financial support from all levels of government kept the theatre afloat during the pandemic.

Some changes are coming as the venue ramps up their offerings.

Robinson-Dexter says the Astor is adjusting their box office schedule to open from 11:00am to 4:00pm Wednesday through Saturday, to include the weekend.

“By making that bit of a shift, folks that aren’t able to join us during a weekday can come downtown and do a little shopping, have a coffee and come to the gallery,” Robinson-Dexter.

Works by Mi’kmaq artist Alan Syliboy will be on display in March after Syliboy and his band the Thundermakers with special guest Morgan Toney perform in the theatre Saturday.

In addition to art and live music the Astor is once again showing movies.

Audiences can watch the Nova Scotian production “Dawn, Her Dad and the Tractor” Thursday and Friday.

Robinson-Dexter understands some patrons may feel uneasy about mask requirements being lifted on March 21 but says people are still welcome to wear masks in the Astor.

“They are not obliged, but if folks are more comfortable doing that, we’re very happy for them to do that,” Robinson-Dexter.

To learn more about upcoming events head to the Astor Theatre website or Facebook page.

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Astor Theatre, Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Photo Credit: Ed Halverson

Astor Theatre management was hoping for a better start to 2022.

The popular Liverpool theatre has been effectively closed since the province announced restrictions just before Christmas to limit the spread of the omicron variant.

General Manager Jean Robinson-Dexter says safety measures such as checking for vaccination, masking, and having ushers escort patrons directly to their seats encouraged a good turnout at many of the shows before they were shut down.

“People told us that they felt safe, they felt welcome and so we will just continue to do that once we’re able to welcome folks back here,” said Robinson-Dexter.

The province announced those restrictions have been extended until the end of January and Robinson-Dexter is still unsure what will happen after that.

She’s been reaching out to promoters and performers scheduled to play in February to decide if they will go ahead with their dates with the risk of more potential restrictions cancelling those shows as well.

“We’re just, kind of in wait and see, hoping that we can reopen and I’m not expecting that it’s going to be at full capacity for a while.”

Astor theatre interior. Photo Ed Halverson

Opening for 50 to 100 people is not economically viable for the theatre or performers according to Robinson-Dexter.

She hopes the community understands that leaves the theatre in a precarious position.

The Astor receives annual grants to help cover some of the operating costs and the federal and provincial governments have come forward with more money to help the theatre weather the pandemic.

But it takes funding from multiple sources, including fundraising and ticket sales to keep the Astor afloat.

Robinson-Dexter says the theatre has just wrapped its annual December donation campaign, but she hasn’t seen the totals yet.

She looks forward to reopening the Astor as soon pandemic conditions permit because the theatre is more to the community than entertainment.

“And it’s so important for people, both, I think, for social connection, to get folks out in the community, seeing friends again, and just for their mental health and well-being,” said Robinson-Dexter. “Music can fill you up.”

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Astor Theatre in Liverpool. Photo Ed Halverson

The Astor Theatre is returning to life as COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift.

The hub of arts in Liverpool has been closed for most of the pandemic, forcing the cancellation or postponement of theatre productions, movies, arts events and the bi-annual Liverpool International Theatre Festival.

Interim General Manager Jean Robinson-Dexter says convincing people it is safe to leave their homes and enjoy group activities could be a challenge.

“I think people, it’s a bit of, they’re torn. They want to come back, they want to see a movie, they want to sit in a theatre, and that’s the reaction that everybody has when they come back in. it’s like they’re so happy to be here again. So we want them to know that we have all these protocols in place and that we’re doing everything we can do to make it safe for them to be here,” said Robinson-Dexter.

People are already familiar with the COVID precautions in place, such as hand sanitizing and social distancing and Astor staff is also keeping a close eye on capacity limits laid out by public health.

Robinson-Dexter says even though the province is allowing indoor gatherings of 150 people the theatre is limiting their capacity to no more than 120 because of the limited space available to maintain social distancing.

Astor theatre interior. Photo Ed Halverson

The Astor Theatre has been able to host some events through COVID such as the Queens County Music Festival, but in a very limited capacity.

In the past couple of weeks the Astor has begun to expand their offerings, including, a month-long exhibit by local artist, Melissa Labrador and has held auditions for an upcoming performance by the Winds of Change theatre group.

Robinson-Dexter says unfortunately some of the equipment needed to project films was damaged in a power outage.

“A piece of the projector broke and just with the technician being in another province, we had to wait for him to be able to come in and fix it once we got the part,” Robinson-Dexter. “So, we’re just in the last steps of getting that up and running again and we’ll be able to start movies again sometime in the next few weeks.”

More information on upcoming events can be found on the Astor Theatre website.

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Melissa Labrador with one of her paintings on display at the Astor Theatre. Photo Ed Halverson

An Art exhibit at The Astor Theatre hopes to educate visitors about the need to connect with our natural environment.

Artist and Indigenous Guardian Melissa Labrador calls the show “N’in L’nu”.

“So it’s N’in L’nu which [means] I’m L’nu. L’nu is who we are as Mi’kmaq people and then I did North, South, East and West because regardless of where I am on the earth, I am who I am and that doesn’t change,’ said Labrador.

A self-taught painter whose work is inspired by her relationship with Mother Earth, Labrador said, “A lot of my art focuses on that connection. It incorporates stories and traditions of my ancestors, my family, my people and also things that are important that we pay mind to as our climate is changing and the world that world that we know is changing everyday.”

Labrador says she tries to balance the negative messages of climate change with the positive experience of getting out and connecting of nature.

Some of the paintings on display at the Astor Theatre as part of Melissa Labrador’s N’in L’nu art show. Photo Ed Halverson

Many of the figures in this show are inspired by the petroglyphs found in Kejimkujik and images of whales and stars also feature heavily in the collection.

So much of what is happening in artist’s life goes into their work and Labrador tries to ensure when a piece of art finds its forever home the owner has the best impression.

“With everything that I create, I try to have a positive message there,” said Labrador, “So when the person or persons are taking that piece with them, they will feel that positive energy that went into creating that.”

Labrador’s N’in L’nu art show is on display at the Astor Theatre until the end of August.

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Liverpool International Theatre Festival Logo. Contributed by LITF

Theatre lovers can firm up their calendar as the Liverpool International Theatre Festival has announced they will be returning in 2022.

LITF is usually held at the Astor Theatre in autumn but will go ahead May 12-15 next year.

The 2020 edition of the event had been postponed until October of 2021 due to COVID-19.

Chairperson Jean Robinson-Dexter says they had hoped to host the event this year but given the state of the pandemic thought it would be prudent to hold out a few months longer.

“It’s disappointing in one sense that we can’t be together in October but we’re very hopeful that by next May most of the world will be vaccinated and we’ll have good travel protocols that we’ll be able to welcome these troupes here in Liverpool next May,” said Robinson-Dexter.

For four days every two years, the LITF welcomes up to a dozen theatre troupes to Liverpool from places as far away as Russia and Africa.

Robinson-Dexter says the influence of the festival extends deep into the community.

“We have social events and the troupes visit the schools and we have workshops and a fabulous opening ceremony then a closing ceremony where we present the awards,” said Robinson-Dexter.

The Astor Theatre is home to LITF. Photo Ed Halverson

Another highlight of the festival is what they call a coffee critique where experts adjudicate a troupe’s previous night’s performance in front of an audience.

“That’s usually a full house of folks that subscribe for the whole festival and attend that and there’s lots of lively discussion,” said Robinson-Dexter.

She says on March 13 organizers spoke with most of the troupes who were scheduled to perform this year to tell them of their plans to delay the event by six months.

She says they were understanding of the precautions and expects the majority will be involved with the May 2022 festival.

As to whether an audience will be waiting for the festival to return, Robinson-Dexter says from all she has seen and heard, people are craving engagement with the arts.

“My sense is that the community will happily fill theatre seats once we’re able to do that safely and we’re moving in that way,” said Robinson-Dexter.

The 2022 edition of the Liverpool International Theatre Festival will be significant not only for its return from the pandemic. It will also mark 30 years since the event was started back in 1992.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

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Four candidates for Queens mayor participate in a debate at the Astor Theatre, Liverpool. Photo Credit: Ed Halverson

Candidates vying for to be mayor in the Region of Queens gathered on stage at the Astor Theatre Sunday attempting to woo voters to cast a ballot for them in the upcoming municipal election.

David Dagley, Brian Fralic, Susan MacLeod and Darlene Norman responded to eight questions put forward by the South Queens Chamber of Commerce, who organized the event.

After taking a couple of minutes to introduce themselves, the candidates took turns answering questions on topics ranging from their stance on open pen fish farming and gaining the confidence of the business community, to how to provide more opportunities for physical activity and arts and culture and what they see is council’s role in protecting the natural environment.

All candidates expressed some level of concern about open pen fish farming. David Dagley pointed to his 45 years in fish conservation before saying he would support fish farms only in a bay that flushes appropriately. But as mayor he has no opinion.

“Municipal governments work closely with the province to receive grants,” said Dagley. “Making waves when it will have zero impact on the review process is counter-productive and may ultimately result in a financial cost to local taxpayers.”

Both Brian Fralic and Darlene Norman expressed their opposition to open pen fish farms while Susan MacLeod says she is not against open pen farms that are suited to an area and monitored by the province. She understands the industry has experienced growing pains but opposes any expansion or new sites in Liverpool Bay.

When asked how to increase the business community’s confidence in the region Brian Fralic committed to adding resources to the region’s economic development effort if it is supported by council.

“The branding project, the internet project for the county, waterfront development and flood mitigation have stretched the resources in that department,” said Fralic. “Additional resources in economic development will put a focus on business opportunities to all four corners of Queens County.”

Darlene Norman said if there was communication between municipal staff and the business community they would know where the challenges lie.

Susan MacLeod agreed better dialogue is needed and the region should also look at reducing red tape.

While David Dagley said the region’s economic development officer regularly attends chamber of commerce meetings. He also pointed to work council has done to promote the region in Ontario, which has led to an uptick in visitors and in people moving to the area.

All candidates were supportive of efforts to use the regional facilities to provide opportunities for Queens residents to be more physically active and enjoy better access to arts and culture.

Darlene Norman wants to see a staff member hired through council who would help with operations at the Astor Theatre.

Susan MacLeod would like for the region, Queens Place and Astor Theatre to work more closely together.

David Dagley wants local communities to feel more empowered to expand their recreation offerings.

And Brian Fralic encouraged everyone to make use of the trails and facilities while calling arts and culture the keystone of Queens.

Candidates were also asked what they see as council’s role in enhancing and protecting the region’s natural assets. All four used Carter’s Beach as an example.

Susan MacLeod said the secret is out and both the province and municipal government should accept that visitors want to come to Carter’s Beach.

“So rather than shut it out for everyone, let’s take the attitude: if you can’t hide it, highlight it. Work together to make this a welcoming spot. Put in an access road away from the residential area and provide safe parking and walkways to the beach,” said MacLeod.

David Dagley noted the beach and road are provincial property and council has been in contact with the minister responsible on this issue for many years and are waiting on his decision on Carter’s.

Both Darlene Norman and Brian Fralic expressed their frustration that the municipality has so little control over the beach.

Candidates then had to let voters know what they would do to build a strong, cohesive government team that effectively represents the regions in the county.

Darlene Norman recounted an exchange with someone on their doorstep who pointed out it’s a bad sign when three members of council are running for mayor. Norman had strong words for the three candidates.

“I was part of a council that, we were not all best friends, but we all worked together and we got along together. I have watched and observed the present council as they snicker at each other, as they raise their eyebrows and as they butt into the mayor’s speech. That is not good governance,” said Norman.

David Dagley said seven councilors should easily be able to represent their constituents and talked about how council meetings were rotated through different communities prior to COVID-19 to bring the governance to the people.

Brian Fralic said many of the issues in the region can be traced back to poor communication on the part of the region, something he will work to improve by creating open dialogue within council, between staff and throughout the community.

Susan MacLeod echoed the need for better communication, particularly by erasing the historic divide between North and South Queens.

QCCR recorded the debate and will be rebroadcasting it in its entirety several times before the polls open on October 17.

Listen in for dates and times or check our Facebook page.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Astor Theatre, Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Photo Credit: Ed Halverson

After months of inactivity due to COVID-19, Liverpool’s Astor Theatre is once again opening to the public.

The Astor had cancelled or rescheduled every performance this spring and summer because of the lockdown and precautions against spreading the coronavirus.

Chairman of the Astor Theatre Society John Simmonds says as those restrictions have started to ease, he’s hearing from the community they want to see live shows again.

“The desire is certainly there. From what I’ve been able to ascertain, in myself and our other board members and people in the community that we interact with, the desire is certainly there,” said Simmonds. “What may not be there is the comfort level. So, it’s going to have to happen slowly.”

Chairman John Simmonds sits in the balcony of the Astor Theatre in Liverpool. Photo Credit: Ed Halverson

Simmonds says the Astor is following all the safety protocols set out by the health department, including: hand sanitizing stations, social distancing, mandatory wearing of masks, directing the flow of people and limiting the number of patrons who can attend events.

The Region of Queens mayoral candidates debate being held Sunday at 3:00pm is the first function to be held under the new protocols. The first run of 80 tickets sold out in less than a day and more had to be added. In all, the event will have a capacity of 128, a far cry from the 348 the Astor could hold.

Simmonds says the debate will be a good opportunity to test new ways of presenting entertainment.

“We’re going to be considering some live-streaming as we’re going to be doing with the debate, and perhaps other events, maybe get into a few movies now and then and just see how it goes. It’s a learning proposition. None of us have ever been in this before, so we’re learning as we go and we think we’re going to be okay. The main goal, of course, is to keep the theatre operations viable,” said Simmonds.

The theatre let their two staffers go once their contracts expired during the COVID-19 shut down. Simmonds says spending less on those salaries and other day-to-day expenses while still being able to access funding from various levels of government has put the Astor in a good financial position.

“We’ve been able to maintain those grants, so right now, we’re in as good a financial position as we’ve ever been which allows us the luxury of going slowly and carefully as we reopen.”

The Astor Theatre society is also diversifying what they have to offer and will be providing more than entertainment to Liverpool going forward.

The group reached an agreement with the Region of Queens last year to manage the adjoining meeting spaces and art gallery. Simmonds would like to see community make use of the additional space.

“We will do what we need to do to try and promote the different rooms and the different activities. I have a meeting here tomorrow night with my dog park association. I want to start a chess clubs and teach kids chess. Those kinds of things, just to bring a wide variety of activities.”

Simmonds is hopeful the province’s COVID-19 numbers remain low so the Astor will be allowed to resume their usual programming later in the fall.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson