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— L-R: Darryl Hopkins as Angus Bennett & Deidre
Gillard-Rowlings as Myra Bennett TEMPTING PROVIDENCE She signed up for a year, and stayed for a lifetime. by Robert Chafe The first British settlers to arrive in Newfoundland found the climate too harsh and headed south to Virginia. It took sterner stuff in the form of London-born nurse, Myra Grimsley, to endure the region’s bleak weather and conquer its stubborn inhabitants. Tempting Providence is a gripping story of courage and strength based on the remarkable life of the outport nurse who became known as “the Florence Nightingale of the North.” Gateway brings the story of one of Newfoundland’s most celebrated historical figures to the MainStage February 2 to 18, 2012. In 1921, an English nurse (Deidre Gillard-Rowlings) is offered a contract to leave her home and relocate to the isolated community of Daniel’s Harbour in Newfoundland. The need for medical assistance is dire, but the town’s inhabitants (Robert Wyatt Thorne, Willow Kean) are wary of newcomers. Myra makes her way into their hearts, traveling by foot, horse, dogsled, and boat to deliver babies, set bones, and extract teeth on the isolated 320-kilometer stretch of roadless coast under her care. She falls in love and marries Angus Bennett (Darryl Hopkins), committing her life and love to the people of Newfoundland. Produced by Theatre Newfoundland Labrador, Tempting Providence is entering its eighth year of national and international touring. The play was nominated for a Governor General’s Award in 2004. Director Jillian Keiley also serves as the show’s Set and Props Designer, with Lighting Designer Walter J. Snow, Costume Designer Barry Buckle, and Stage Manager Karen Griffin.
Adult/Senior: $45-$47 Tickets online www.gatewaytheatre.com or Box Office: 604-270-1812.
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