St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre Basement Theatre
Named in Honour of Former Artistic Director

In recognition of her extensive contributions to the arts community in this province, the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre basement theatre has been named the Barbara Barrett Theatre. The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, made the official announcement last night during a special ceremony at the theatre.

“Since her move to Newfoundland in 1946, Barbara Barrett has made a tremendous contribution to the arts community,” said Minister Dalley “Her passion for the arts is infectious. She has thoughtfully and professionally guided numerous actors and stage crews during their careers. During the 16 years she was the artistic director of the Basement Theatre, she coordinated more than 1,000 performances certainly making Barbara Barrett deserving of this tribute.”

The naming of the theatre comes at a fitting time as Barbara Barrett, at the age of 89, directed the curtain raiser titled In Town Tonight, for this year’s 62nd Provincial Drama Festival.

Upon being informed that the Basement Theatre was being named in her honour, Barbara Barrett said, "I would consider it the most important honour of my life, it was very emotional."

John Perlin is Honorary Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Drama Society, an organization of which Ms. Barrett has been made an honorary lifetime member. He said the committee could not be happier Ms. Barrett received this honour during the festival.

“From her appointment in 1975 until her retirement in 1991, Barbara’s name was synonymous with the basement theatre,” said Mr. Perlin. “She truly gave a dark space light.”

The basement theatre is an intimate, 76-seat black box theatre which was established in the early 1970s and underwent significant renovations in 2008. It continues to be a dynamic component of the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre.

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Biographical Information

Barbara Bettine Barrett, C.M., O.N.L
For more than 60 years, Barbara Barrett contributed outstanding service in Newfoundland and Labrador in the realm of theatre arts. Her life-long relationship with theatre helped advance the activity of the dynamic acting community in the province. She assisted in the production of more than 1,000 performances, encouraged and empowered budding actors, and inspired the creation of theatre groups. She has been named a recipient of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador (2007) and the Order of Canada (1996) in recognition of her cultural work in the province. Barbara Barrett spearheaded many educational, cultural, and social programs and is regarded as the “matriarch” of theatre in Newfoundland and Labrador.

2012 04 12                               9:25 a.m.