The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, will attend an evening of theatre and a celebration of Rising Tide Theatre�s 30th anniversary, this evening (Friday, September 19), at the Arts and Culture Centre in St. John�s.

"This is indeed a milestone for Rising Tide Theatre, and for theatre in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Jackman. "For 30 years, this company has helped promote and celebrate our culture, while providing our emerging and established artists with an opportunity to hone their craft. I congratulate artistic director and executive producer Donna Butt, and all who have been involved over the years � both the performers, and those behind the scenes � for sharing their talents with us, and with visitors from throughout the world."

Rising Tide will be presenting So Let�s Bring on Our Favourite: The Joan Morrissey Story on September 19, with a post-performance interactive session that will include the family of the late performer, the writers, and key cast members. On Saturday, September 20, the company will present Daddy, What�s a Train?, a remount of the first production performed by Rising Tide theatre in 1978.

Minister Jackman said the 2008 Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP) has so far provided more than $350,000 in financial support to the theatre sector, including $70,000 to offset costs associated with Rising Tide Theatre�s production of its Seasons in the Bight Festival in Trinity. The festival runs through to October 13, 2008.

The CEDP budget is providing a total of about $2.4 million to support the professional arts and heritage sectors this year.

For more information on the arts component of CEDP and application guidelines, visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/services_programs/CEDP/ARTS.

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Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca

2008 09 19                                                  10:00 a.m.