Trent Valley Archives Launches 'Tide of Hope' Production For May

Trent Valley Archives (TVA) is launching a new dramatic history theatre initiative with their production, ‘Tide of Hope,’ at Market Hall in May.

Lindsay Wilson (left) and Paden Gilhooley (right) in a scene from Trent Valley Archives Theatre’s Tide of Hope. A public performance of the play will be staged May 16 at The Market Hall Performing Arts Centre. Photo courtesy of Suzanne Schroeter and Peterborough Museum and Archives.

The production is written by Peterborough playwright Ed Schroeter and directed by Gerry McBride. The play is a prequel to the Peter Robinson immigration story geared toward the general public and Grades 6 to 12 students.

The story follows the fortunes and misfortunes of David Nagle, an Irish land agent and rent collector forced to flee to Upper Canada in 1825 when Irish rebels fighting against English tyranny brand him a traitor. The play commemorates the bicentennial of Peter Robinson's immigration while opening a dialogue about immigration, refugees, migrants and European settler history.

The public fund-raiser is at 7:30 p.m. on May 16. Tickets are $26 per person or $36 for table seating, plus applicable service charges and are available on the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre website.

Two performances for school groups are scheduled on May 15 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Teachers can book their classes by email at trentvalleyarchivestheatre@gmail.com. Admission is $250 for a class of 25 students or more. Teachers may request up to five free seats for themselves and up to four volunteer chaperones at the time of booking.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.