Raising money and awareness for victims of violence through theatre
A Fredericton theatre company that raises money for local non-profits is taking on the subject of intimate partner violence through its newest production.
“The Spitfire Grill” follows three women escaping abusive relationships and their unique healing journeys, says Jill Pelkey, co-founder of Harmony Productions.
“It’s been a huge undertaking, in terms of discussion, where the content of the show is so heavy,” says Pelkey.
The production will donate a portion of the money raised by ticket sales to Transition House -- a shelter for women and children fleeing abuse in Fredericton.
Fellow Harmony Productions co-founder Katie Hazzard says her company tries to align the messages of its shows with community support groups in Fredericton.
“I’m looking forward to being able to tell this important story to our community,” said Hazzard.
The actors say playing the role of a woman escaping violence has given them a new understanding of the community to which they will be donating.
“The fact that some funds are going to Transition House, and that we are instrumental in helping make that donation means so much to me,” said lead actor Karen Frampton. “I love getting involved in different activities that give back to the community.”
Pelkey says, over the course of rehearsing, the company has scheduled time with each cast member to discuss the emotional weight of the show.
“And how you're really portraying real stories throughout this production, and how important it is to get that right,” said Pelkey.
The production of "The Spitfire Grill" will take place at Fredericton High School’s Tom Morrison Theatre from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise’s disappearance
It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place
The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
Man fatally 'slashed in the neck' in downtown Toronto, suspect outstanding
Police are searching for a male suspect after a man was “slashed in neck” on Sunday morning in downtown Toronto and died.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.