ARTS EAST

This weekend, St Joseph's Stage Prophets Theatre Company in partnership with the Beth Israel Synagogue are proud to present Fiddler on the Roof at the Spatz Theatre in Halifax. Coming off a run of sold out shows in the Annapolis Valley, this talented cast will take you back in time to experience an array of emotions as tradition meets love, all within the backdrop of the social unrest in Russia at the turn of the 20th centu ry.  Recently we spoke with actor  Justin Brown who plays the lead role of  Tevye. When and why did you first become interested in theatre? I first became interested in theater in high school but really didn’t follow up on that interest until university. However, I have been involved with singing groups since I was in grade 7. Even before that we had a good arts program in the elementary school growing up in southern Oregon in the U.S. Through junior high and high-school I was involved in all kinds of ensembles. From j...

Atlantic Canadian author Ami McKay has been at the forefront of Atlantic Canada’s literary scene for well over a decade. Her novels - inspiring tales of strong women through history - have empowered readers to own their stories, and to celebrate the subtle moments of magic that life has to offer - “They are there,” she promises, “you just need to look for them.” Recently we spoke with Mckay about her journey into storytelling, the television adaptation of her debut novel The Birth House, and the upcoming release of her genetic memoir, The Daughter of Family G. What is your heritage? I grew up in Indiana. Both of my parents were born in the United States. My mom is a mix of German and Scottish, which is my Celtic connection. Her father was Scottish, her maiden name was Mackintosh, spelled M-A-C-K - just to make that clear! Although he has passed, my grandfather would never forgive me if I didn’t emphasis that subtle difference. My father’s family were from Germany. Tell us ...

While craft beers, spirits and wines have long-dominated the liquor landscape in Atlantic Canada, craft cider - a crisp concoction composed of high-quality apples - it set to become the region’s new go-to brew. Alex and Anne Jamieson hope it is here to stay. “We are originally from the U.K.,” shares Anne via email. “Cider is a major player in the industry there, and we had a feeling that it would become very popular in Canada as well as an alternative alcoholic drink that pairs nicely with all food choices or can be enjoyed equally on its own.” Though the couple spent most of their lives in Scotland, they relocated to the east coast of Canada five years ago. “Our initial idea was to retire in Scotland,” recalls Anne, “but there was a slight change of plans. We left Glasgow and landed as immigrants in July of 2014 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on our way to Prince Edward Island, where we had decided to make our new home. We were looking for a new adventure and a change in ...

Nova Scotia violinist Gillian Smith just released her debut recording Into the Stone. Recently we spoke with Smith about the album, and about her passion for her profession. When and why did you develop a passion for music? When I first started learning the violin with Ninette Babineau and Pat Wyman in Halifax, I fell in love with the instrument. I just loved the sound! Later on I discovered string chamber music and was completely hooked - I remember listening to a recording of the Brahms viola quintets over and over again, thinking that it was the most amazing thing. Are they the same reasons that you do it today? I still love the violin as much (or more) than ever, and I also find teaching the violin very rewarding. I did my doctoral degree in violin performance with the American violinist Jorja Fleezanis, who is a huge proponent of new music (the John Adams violin concerto is dedicated to her and was premiered by her), and really discovered a love for new music in my ...