Press Releases

Press Release (April 2004)

The Curtin Travellers is proud to announce its first production; a one man showed named "Water". The one-hour show about the Walkerton Water Tragedy of May 2000 will be performed at Victoria Jubilee Hall in Walkerton on Fri May 7th and Sat May 8th at 8:00 PM. Admission will be by donation, with proceeds to Victoria Jubilee Hall, The Walkerton Healthy Community Initiative (WHCI), and for drama scholarships for Sacred Heart High School and Walkerton District Secondary School.

Brad Curtin is both writing and performing the piece. He has been researching and writing since last year. Greg Schnurr, an artist and educator at Sacred Heart High School is designing and constructing the set. Darlene Spencer, head of acting at the Randolph Academy of the Performing Arts in Toronto, is directing. All the artists are excited to be working together on such an important project.

"The story that this piece tells is both enlightening and life changing. It needs to be shared," said director Spencer.

The shows in Walkerton are the start of a cross Canada fringe festival tour that will visit Hamilton, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, Saskatoon, Athabasca, and Vancouver. "Water" is also on the waiting list for festivals in Winnipeg, Edmonton and Victoria.

"It's been a lot of work, planning and organizing to bring this project off successfully," said Curtin. "Between researching, writing, conducting interviews and organizing details of the tour, it's been a challenge to bring it all together."

Curtin said he had little choice about tackling the heavy topic.

"It may not be a matter of me choosing the story, but being from Walkerton, having the story choosing me," he quipped.

"When I came to think about what to write about, I was looking for something a large number of people could relate to. As far as topics like that go, there is only one. Luckily I have a great creative team working with me, and I am very proud of the production we will present."

Set designer Greg Schnurr said one of the challenges of his job was deciding what materials to use.

"We wanted to use something functional, creative and close to the tragedy itself. What we came up with was pipes. The eventual design I created using this material meshes well with the piece Brad has written. I'm very excited to see them blend together under the lights," he said.

Other parts of the set include water bottles and oversized media elements, such as a television and radio.

Director Darlene Spencer is not a stranger to working with difficult material. She played a major role in the success of "Single and Sexy", a play series which kicks off the year for new students at the University of Waterloo. As a director and producer of this project for thirteen years, she has managed to entertain while giving vital information on everything from alcoholism to various forms of abusive relationships.

"I think that often the hardest stories to tell, are the best for theatre. What we need to share most about our experiences, often only the stage can convey," said Spencer. Currently the artists are blending their considerable talents to bring the project to life. Rehearsals start in early April. The town of Walkerton itself has been receptive to helping with the endeavour.

"I was very nervous to approach anyone for help at first," said Curtin. "But after the businesses and individuals I approached realized the positive intent behind the project, they were very generous in assisting in whatever ways they could. I have been deeply touched by how much we've learned by opening our hearts and taking care of one another. It seems only right we share this with others."

The Curtin Travellers hopes everyone can come out and support the good causes on the opening night of this local production of national importance.

Fourth Anniversary of Walkerton Water Tragedy Marked with Premiere of Play in Walkerton.

Theatre Company: The Curtin Travellers

Show Name: 'Water'

Primary Contact: Brad Curtin

Telephone: (519) 881-1217

E-mail: curtintravellers@yahoo.com

Web Site: http://curtintravellers.tripod.com

Walkerton, ON- Friday May 7th and Saturday May 8th marked the debut performances of The Curtin Travellers' one-man show, WATER. The play, written and performed by Brad Curtin, is based on the Walkerton water tragedy of May 2000. The show was well received by audiences at Victoria Jubilee Hall in Walkerton, receiving a standing ovation on opening night.

The show will tour across Canada this summer to Theatre Fringe Festivals, from Hamilton to Vancouver, starting in early June and finishing in late September. Before taking the show on the road, the new theatre company wanted to get feedback from the community; audience members were encouraged to comment on the performance and give suggestions on anonymous comment cards. On the whole, the remarks were very positive, complimenting the company on everything from the acting, set, script, and sound to the pace of the show.

A diverse mixture of audience members took in the opening night. Children, high school students, parents and grandparents were in attendance, along with a few reporters and VIP's including the Mayor of Brockton, Charlie Bagnato. He and Curtin were heard on CBC radio's Ontario Today the next day talking about the show. The Mayor's reaction to the show was very positive.

"WATER captures a myriad of events covering the entire four years right to the present," said the Mayor. "The emotions portrayed cover the whole range." It was simply amazing."

A pleasant surprise for the show patrons, local radio personality Scott Pettigrew lent his voice for the project. He re-recorded the original boil water advisories, giving an air of authenticity and immediacy to the events unfolding in the play. Pettigrew was able to see the play on Saturday, and had this to say:

"I think WATER took a complex issue that evolved over a number of years and told it with compassion and sensitivity. Brad showed incredible flexibility as an actor to bring such a wide variety of characters to life."

On Saturday night, audience members received a special treat as the 'River of Tears' (a 44 metre-long sheet of cloth with blue tears sewn on it) was displayed along the balcony of the hall itself. This touching reminder of the support the community received from across the country was brought to the performance and displayed by Mary Anne Buehlow of the Sacred Heart Parish in Walkerton. A Memorial Quilt, which was created for the people of Walkerton, was also displayed.

The Walkerton performances raised a total of just over $1160. All of these donations will be distributed equally to Victoria Jubilee Hall, the Walkerton Healthy Community Initiative, and to Sacred Heart High School and the Walkerton District Secondary School for drama scholarships.

The Curtin Travellers is now busy preparing for the cross-country tour. The first stop will be the Hamilton Fringe Festival. WATER will be held in the Jackson Square Theatre, at the corner of James and King in downtown Hamilton.

"We're excited to be hitting the road soon" said Sarah Brebner, stage manger. "We do need to find a trailer as soon as possible though. We were extremely happy with the shows in Walkerton, particularly with the audience's reaction. Now we can concentrate on bringing the best show possible to people across the country."

While on tour, The Curtin Travellers will donate 10% of ticket sales to Ryan's Well, a foundation helping developing nations provide people with clean drinking water.

"I have been in contact with Ryan's Well for some time and I know it's a great cause" said Curtin. "I spoke with Ryan's Mom on the phone, they're going to try to attend a show in Ottawa. They're really doing great work."

For those who missed the show, they may be able to soon see it on video. David Bajurny's East Hill Productions in conjunction with The Curtin Travellers, may soon offer the show on video for a small donation to charity.

"We'll want to record the show in Hamilton first to get some different angles," said Curtin. "After that it shouldn't be long until Dave can make the tapes available. It will be great for those who missed the show."

A new website is being worked on now by the company. It can be found at http://curtintravellers.tripod.com. On the website will be show dates, times, ticket information, photos from the show and other useful information. The company can also be reached by e-mail at curtintravellers@yahoo.com or by phone at 519-881-1217. The Curtin Travellers hopes all its supporters can follow the continued success of its first production WATER as it tours across the country.