SASKATOON - It was the era of tie-dye, disco and 53 cents a gallon gas in Saskatchewan. Persephone Theatre was founded in 1974, by actors Janet and Susan Wright, along with director Brian Richmond. It will celebrate 50 years this fall.
In the manner a golden anniversary should be celebrated, organizers have a number of exciting celebrations planned for the 50th season of Persephone Theatre. Aug. 14 marked exactly 50 years since the incorporation date, thus a Red Rose Gala was held at the Glen at Crossmount, near Saskatoon.
“This event was a beautiful celebration of the past five decades, and featured special guests, including founding Artistic Director Brian Richmond; Rosalie Woloski, the wife of Persephone’s longest standing and most influential Artistic Director Tibor Feheregyhazi; Master of Ceremonies, a well-known face at Persephone, actor and music director (and former Box Office Manager) Deb Buck; as well as the musical talents of artists Tim Bratton and Amanda Trapp,” says Executive Director Breanne Harmon.
The gala anniversary celebration presented guests with a first look at the 50th anniversary merchandise that was designed in collaboration with Island. As well, a first taste of the limited-edition cider, brewed especially for Persephone Theatre, by Crossmount. Both merchandise and cider will be available for purchase at theatre events all year long.
Other anniversary events are in the planning stages and will be announced in the fall. There will be many opportunities throughout the season for the public to join in celebration.
The history of Persephone Theatre
“The founding trio were excited to begin a theatre in Saskatoon, as the Wright sisters were from the province. At the time, there were not many regional theatres in the prairies, so they felt it was a good fit for the community,” said Executive Director Breanne Harmon
Since the theatre was located in the heart of the Saskatchewan prairies, they chose the name Persephone, as in Greek Mythology, she is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, the goddess of fertility and the fruitful earth, with a fondness for things agricultural. The founders felt this would show the theatre was capable of growth and change, like the changing seasons of Saskatchewan.
Harmon says in the first eight seasons, between 1974 and 1981, there were no fewer than six artistic directors. In 1982, the Hungarian-born Tibor Fehereghazi was named to the position, where he remained for close to three decades.
Feheregyhazi led the vision, and subsequent campaign, to build a permanent home for Persephone Theatre, located in the River Landing area of Saskatoon. Sadly, he passed away before he could see this dream come to fruition. Before his passing, he expressed his wish for Del Surjik to be his successor.
“In 2007, under the direction of former Artistic Director Del Surjik, Persephone Theatre moved into its new theatre facility, the Remai Arts Centre on River Landing, establishing it as a major contributor and partner in the cultural identity of Saskatoon, where it has been for 17 years,” said Persephone Theatre Executive Director.
Roof repair fundraising ongoing
Because the next phases of the roof repair still need to be done, the 50th anniversary events will include fundraising components. As well, Persephone has also established a Stabilization Fund, where the group is raising $1 million, to start, to protect the company against unseen future challenges, like the pandemic presented.
“This fund will also give the theatre company back their financial stability and to be gold and take the kind of artistic risk that led to some of Persephone’s most memorable past productions.”
As for the roof repair, Harmon says, “The first phase of the roof, the Fly Tower, which is directly above the stage, is on track for completion this summer, as scheduled. We are in the midst of fundraising for the next two phases of the roof replacement, which are set to take place at a future date. “
The Fly Tower portion of the roof has been supported by long-time supporters Malcolm and Marilyn Leggett, who made an incredibly generous donation of $300,000 over a 3-year period (2023, 2024 and 2025), as well $80,000 through funding from the City of Saskatoon Cultural Capital Grant. Persephone has launched a Capital Campaign to raise a total of $2 million for the full replacement, which will include two more phases of construction.
With any significant project comes challenges and the biggest challenge faced in the Fly Tower replacement was poor weather that presented high winds, large rainfalls and wildfire smoke in June and early July.
The organization said it was a huge relief, and highlight, when, after a large rainfall in August, the Fly Tower did not experience any leaks.
“We are grateful for the support of the community in ensuring Persephone Theatre remains a cultural hub in Saskatoon. If individuals or businesses are looking to learn more, or to make a contribution to our Capital Campaign or Stabilization Fund, please reach out to Development Officer Jory McKay at [email protected] or by calling 306-384-7727, or by visiting www.persephonetheatre.org/donate"
