CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — For the first time in its 55-year history, the Charlottetown Festival will not entertain audiences from around the world this summer.
Confederation Centre of the Arts CEO Steve Bellamy announced Friday the cancellation of the festival, along with changes to visual arts and heritage programming at the centre in 2020.
“With the necessary restrictions on large gatherings and the need for social distancing remaining in place for some time, our ability is limited, not only to host audiences, but to prepare with rehearsals and construction in the months ahead of our performances”, said Bellamy in a news release.
“We are truly saddened not to be able to share in the joy of live theatre together this season and I want to express to all of our members, partners, patrons, and artists that we cannot wait to celebrate the arts as a community again when the time is right.”
The festival was slated to run from June 3 to Sept. 26, featuring four major productions as well as the long-standing TD Confederation Centre Young Company.
This marks the first time since 1965 that the festival, and its flagship production Anne of Green Gables—The Musical, will not be staged.
“With respect to the legacy of our crown jewel musical, we recognize the added weight of not being able to present the 56th season of this incredible production,” said artistic director Adam Brazier.
“Anne of Green Gables—The Musical is a rite of passage for thousands of Islanders and visitors every year. While it is upsetting to put this legacy on hold, this is the right thing to do for the safety of all involved.”
Brazier said patrons can rest assured that Anne will return next year.
Current ticket holders are asked to fill out an online form for ticketing options.
The Confederation Centre Art Gallery summer season is also being impacted, with major exhibitions A Life’s Work: Canadian Artist Robert Harris 1849-1919 and BGL: Two Thumbs Up Arts and Crafts being delayed to 2021 due to the pandemic.
A revised schedule will be announced in the weeks ahead, offering alternative programming for when the gallery reopens.
The gallery is currently participating in Field Trip, an online national visual arts initiative, alongside more than 25 other Canadian galleries and museums. It is also offering online visual art activities.
In the weeks ahead, an announcement will also be made outlining summer presentations of the Confederation Players guided walking tours and the Confederation Chamber replica exhibition. The centre is exploring options for presenting these celebrated heritage programs.
The centre team continues to monitor the pandemic situation day-to-day and is accessing the potential for additional programming this summer. Visit confederationcentre.com and social media for up-to-date information.
The Centre complex itself remains closed to the public based on guidance from Public Health, but many staff are working from home and are available via email and phone.
