Emile’s Dream
Written by Robert Chafe
with words and music by Emile Benoit
Directed by Jillian Keiley
In a special co-production with the
Stephenville Festival
April 21 - May 1, 2010
Provincial Tour of Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John’s - Arts and Culture Centre - April 21, 8pm
Carbonear - Sheila Na Geira Theatre - April 22, 8pm
Eastport - Beaches Theatre - April 23, 8pm
Gander - Arts and Culture Centre - April 24, 8pm
Grand Falls/Windsor - Arts and Culture Centre - April 25, 8pm
Labrador West - Arts and Culture Centre - April 27, 8pm
Goose Bay - Masonic Hall - April 28, 8pm
Corner Brook - Arts and Culture Centre - April 29, 8pm
Port au Port - Black Duck Brook French Centre - April 30, 7pm
Stephenville - Arts and Culture Centre - May 1, 8pm
Legendary Newfoundland fiddler and storyteller Emile Benoit was a figurehead for the Newfoundland folk renaissance, contributing over 150 distinctly original fiddle compositions, and his seemingly endless catalogue of fantastical stories of English, Irish, and French origins.
Originally commissioned by and co-produced at the Stephenville Theatre Festival as Vive La Rose, Emile's Dream is a lively theatrical and musical tribute to a true Newfoundland legend. Benoit was a character of mythic proportions while he was alive, and still now, fifteen years after his death. Emile`s Dream is as alive and unpredictable as the man himself, with three actor/fiddlers trading off Emile's words and music in a kinetic verbal and musical juggling act. Kelly Russell, once a protégé of Emile himself, leads the group of three that also includes Daniel Payne and Phil Churchill. Emile's Dream is a must see for any and all with an interest in the music, stories, and French culture of Newfoundland, and for those who love a lively story and a night of great tunes.