Harbourfront Theatre Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 6:30 PM EDT – 7:45 PM EDT Tickets http://www.harbourfronttheatre.com/artistic-fraud-between-breaths

Join us for this profoundly moving play that celebrates the wonders of the human spirit and the incredible impact one person can have. The story of Dr. Jon Lien (beloved and forever remembered in Newfoundland as the Whale Man) will touch your heart. With a focus on release and salvation, Between Breaths is an impeccably written piece of theatre, performed beautifully and backed by stirring live musical arrangements.

Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland’s

Written by Robert Chafe
Directed by Jillian Keiley
Music composed and arranged by The OnceWell known in Newfoundland as the Whale Man, Dr. Jon Lien during the course of his work pioneered techniques for rescuing whales entrapped in fishing nets. Often risking his very life in the water with the formidable and frightened animals, Dr. Lien would seek to earn their trust as much as the fishermen’s. He looked for the best way to free whales while doing as little damage to the fishing gear as possible.His efforts saved the lives of over 500 animals, and earned him the hard-won respect of the island’s fishermen. Despite his risky work, Lien’s biggest fight came at the hands of a lengthy illness, the suspected long-term result of a random highway accident. He passed away in 2010, but not before his body was slowly conquered over 8 years by a progressing immobility and dementia.Between Breaths jumps time backwards, from the final moments of Lien’s life – in a wheelchair and dealing with brain damage – to his very first whale intervention. As his life becomes further and further confined, his mind stretches itself in memories of release and salvation.

Written by Robert Chafe
Directed by Jillian Keiley
Original Music Composed & Arranged by
The Once (Phil Churchill, Andrew Dale & Geraldine Hollett)
Additional Arrangements by Duane Andrews
Musical Direction Kellie WalshCast:
Jon – Steve O’connell
Judy – Berni Stapleton
Wayne – Darryl HopkinsMusicians:
Brianna Gosse, Steve Maloney & Kevin Woolridge

Dramaturgy………………………………………Iris Turcott
Additional Dramaturgy ……………………..Sarah Garton Stanley
Assistant Director………………………………Sharon King-Campbell
Costume Design…………………………………Shawn Kerwin
Sound Design & Technical Director……..Brian Kenny
Production Manager & Stage Manager…Mara Bredovskis
Managing Producer……………………………Patrick Foran
Production Assistant………………………….Nefren Feizo-Gas

Please be advised this performance contains occasional use of strong language.

Theatre PEI