BUILDING PRIDE WITH WORLD PREMIERE OF SASKATCHEWAN PLAY

Saskatchewan's strong literary heritage will be showcased in Persephone Theatre's production of The Walnut Tree.

Tonight, Saskatoon's Persephone Theatre launches its 35th season with the world premiere of a play based on the novel The Walnut Tree by the late Saskatoon writer Martha Blum. Informed by her own life experience, Martha Blum tells a story of growing up in Eastern Europe and putting a life back together after enduring the horrors of World War II. Like her own life, the road travelled leads to Saskatoon. The Walnut Tree was originally published by Saskatchewan's Coteau Books and won both First Book and Saskatoon Book Award at the Saskatchewan Book Awards in 1999.

"The adaptation and staging of The Walnut Tree is an all-Saskatchewan production with a significant cultural impact and importance," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. "Martha Blum's words, dramatized for the stage by playwright Geoffrey Ursell, will leave an important legacy for our province and I am proud we have been able to help make that happen."

The Building Pride program was launched earlier this year to celebrate the rich history of our communities, recognize the significant achievements of our cultural organizations and support creative and innovative special initiatives that leave a legacy for future generations. Through the program the Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport contributed $45,000 for The Walnut Tree project.

"We're grateful that the province's Building Pride program has made it possible for us to begin our 35th season with this new and very powerful Saskatchewan work," Persephone Theatre Artistic Director Del Surjik said. "Theatre is one of the most collaborative of art forms, and bringing The Walnut Tree to the stage has been one of the finest examples of this. A novel by a Saskatchewan writer adapted by a Saskatchewan playwright, workshopped by Saskatchewan actors and dramaturges, and then directed and designed by Saskatchewan's finest talents. This is truly one of the highlights of this anniversary season."

The Government of Saskatchewan congratulates Saskatoon's Persephone Theatre on the launch of their 35th season of producing outstanding theatre for the province. "As a cultural institution Persephone stands tall and this milestone is worthy of note and our applause,' Duncan said.

The Building Pride program's next funding deadline is October 31, 2009. Details can be found at www.tpcs.gov.sk.ca/buildingpride/.

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For more information, contact:

Sean St. George
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9087
Cell: 306-526-8635