NEW GLASGOW – Firebrand Theatre is returning to New Glasgow as part of African Heritage Month with their latest production, Beneath Springhill: The Maurice Ruddick Story.
The production will take the stage at Glasgow Square Theatre on Feb. 28 as part of the Town of New Glasgow’s African Heritage Month celebrations.
Beneath Springhill is a 45-minute musical that chronicles the life of Maurice Ruddick, an African Canadian who survived the historic mining disaster in Springhill, Nova Scotia in 1958. Ruddick was awarded “Citizen of the Year” for saving the lives of his fellow workers.
Created and performed by Beau Dixon, with lyrics and music by Rob Fortin and Susan Newman, this one-man show will recall the events of seven miners trapped one mile beneath a small mining town, the effect it had on their rural Canadian community and the racial tension that surfaced as a result.
“We are delighted to conclude the month with another presentation of Firebrand Theatre at Glasgow Square that promises to be as well done and moving as the Viola Desmond Story,” Mayor Barrie MacMillan stated in a press release. “Given the great response to last year’s presentation by Firebrand and playwright Beau Dixon, we are looking forward to yet another powerful performance through the story of Maurice Ruddick. It is important to share these stories and to preserve and celebrate the significant contributions of African Nova Scotians.”
Dixon and Firebrand Theatre presented Other People’s Heaven – the Viola Desmond Story at Glasgow Square last year.
Beneath Springhill is a free event, presented by the Town of New Glasgow and Playwrights Guild of Canada. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
