INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE AWAITS SASKATCHEWAN PLAY

A Saskatchewan play is one of the first 20 artistic works selected for the Cultural Olympiad 2010.

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today announced that Regina's Globe Theatre's production of Elephant Wake by Saskatchewan actor, director and playwright Joey Tremblay will be staged next year in Vancouver as one of the official works of the Cultural Olympiad 2010. The one-man play, written and performed by Tremblay, was selected to join a prestigious group of Canadian and international projects to be staged during next year's 2010 Winter Games.

"Elephant Wake is a work of masterful storytelling from one of Canada's finest professional theatres and one of this province's premier theatrical talents," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Christine Tell said. "It tells a uniquely Saskatchewan story that holds universal appeal and through the Cultural Olympiad 2010, we will be sharing it with the world."

The play, set in the fictional Saskatchewan community of Ste. Vierge, reveals the thoughts, fears and memories of Jean Claude, its last inhabitant. The heroic and touching script tells the story of Jean Claude's life as he reminisces about growing up in the small rural town, reflecting on the changes he has seen over the years and escaping into a world of dream-like images.

"The victory of Jean Claude is not one you might think to associate with the athletic triumphs of the Olympic Games," Tremblay said. "Against all odds his victory is a small peculiar triumph of hope over despair, of laughter over sadness and perhaps life over death. It is a victory of the heart. The fundamental value of Jean Claude's triumph embodies the spirit of what I believe it means to be from Saskatchewan. I'm very humbled to have been selected to present this quirky prairie tale among the work of such esteemed peers in the context of such a prestigious international event."

Led by Artistic director and CEO Ruth Smillie, Globe Theatre first staged Elephant Wake as part of its 2008-2009 season and has been preparing to send the work on a national tour. The play's selection for the Cultural Olympiad 2010 will mean audiences across the country will have a chance to see the work.

"Globe Theatre is deeply honoured to be among the first 20 companies selected for the Cultural Olympiad 2010," Smillie said. "With the outstanding support of the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Arts Board, Globe Theatre will be touring Elephant Wake to theatres across Canada next season, including the Vancouver East Cultural Centre as part of the Cultural Olympiad 2010. We are very proud of this production and look forward to sharing Elephant Wake with the world."

"The Cultural Olympiad 2010 will provide this and other exciting opportunities to focus international attention on Saskatchewan," Saskatchewan Arts Board executive director Jeremy Morgan said. "The Saskatchewan Arts Board is continuing to partner with artists and arts organizations to work with VANOC and showcase our province's vibrant arts scene."

The Saskatchewan Arts Board, through a financial contribution from the provincial government is actively working with VANOC to profile Saskatchewan talent at the Cultural Olympiad 2010. Saskatchewan musical and visual artists participated in the Cultural Olympiad 2009 and other Saskatchewan artists are expected to take part in 2010.

"I want to congratulate the Globe Theatre and Joey Tremblay on this wonderful opportunity and thank the Saskatchewan Arts Board for helping bring this all together," Tell said.

The Government of Saskatchewan's goal is to use the Cultural Olympiad to showcase Saskatchewan's artistic talents and contributions in the fields of music, visual arts, theatre, new media, literature and the cultural industries. The calibre of Saskatchewan artists participating will profile the cultural and artistic vibrancy of Saskatchewan and ensure Saskatchewan's cultural sector is recognized and featured as an integral part of Canada's artistic, cultural, economic and social fabric.

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For more information, contact:

Sean St. George
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9087
Email: sean.stgeorge@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8635