This year has been one of fundamental change for regional theatre cornerstone Neptune Theatre, having them pivot their approach to content with their new digital platform, Neptune At Home. Looking towards the future of the theatre and Atlantic Canadian theatre at large, Neptune has announced, alongside Prime Mover Theatre Company, that award-winning multidisciplinary artist, director and educator Patricia Cerra will be the first Artistic Director Intern for the company’s newly revamped RBC Chrysallis Project.
Neptune’s Chrysallis Project began in 2018 as a way to offer mentorship and foster local talent in every branch of theatre development (writing, directing, design, etc.) – but this year’s announcement highlights that the Chrysallis Project will now focus on fostering and giving opportunities to IBPOC artists (Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour).
“As an IBPOC artist, I’m committed to passionate leadership that engages in the inclusivity of diverse voices,” Cerra states. “Building these bridges will be invaluable for our communities and our industry.”
The decision to refocus the goals of the Chrysallis Project came during the industry’s shutdown, addressing the ongoing lack of diverse representation of IBPOC artists in the business, something that Prime Mover Theatre’s founding artistic director says has “become damaging tropes, the status quo, and an excuse for the theatrical community to avoid taking decisive action to make change.”
Forward movement has been a constant directive of Neptune over the past several years; with Jeremy Webb stepping into the role of artistic director and Annie Valentina being appointed artistic accomplice, both the programming and the initiatives have reflected progressive desires of the community. Patricia Cerra brings an important and fresh perspective to the work Neptune Theatre does, and her wealth of experience with both community and theatre committees – including the board of directors for Theatre Alberta and Mental Health and Wellness Task Force with CAEA – is ample evidence for her selection as Artistic Director Intern.
Cerra’s position begins on January 18th, and she will collaborate with both Neptune and Prime Mover to oversee the planning of the 2021-2022 season as well the development of new policies and programs to continue the necessary progress for the theatre and industry at large. While the current state of the performing arts has been relatively static, Cerra has a bright outlook for what lies ahead:
“As uncertain as the future feels right now, a shift has happened. Seeds have begun to be planted, and I have great hope that something beautiful will emerge.”