Community Partners Ready to Host Titanic-related events

People will be able to experience the history of Titanic and to learn more about Halifax's connection to the tragedy through a series of community events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the ship.

"Nova Scotia is taking a co-ordinated approach and bringing together the exceptional talent of our artists with the knowledge and expertise of the heritage and scientific community to tell the story of our connection to Titanic," said David Wilson, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage.

The Alderney Landing Theatre in Dartmouth will host the world premiere of the play Titanic: The Untold Story April 2 to 10. The play focuses on two characters of African descent, Joseph Philippe Laroche, whose family sailed on the Titanic and Jack Johnson, a heavyweight boxing champion who was reportedly refused passage on the ship.

"Titanic: The Untold Story is one of the most intriguing stories from the Titanic sinking and this is the first time it is being told on stage," said Anthony Sherwood, owner, Anthony Sherwood Productions. "Be prepared for a memorable and exciting experience in live theatre."

More information on the play is available at www.alderneylanding.com .

A one-day public seminar to explore Halifax's connection to the Titanic will take place April 9 at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO) in Dartmouth. Titanic - The Halifax Connection will focus on the history of the Titanic and findings from the first scientific expedition to the wreck site in 1991.

Natural Resources Canada's objective for the expedition was to better understand changes in seabed stability over time by using the ship as a marker. For example, studying the wreck site has helped determine how often submarine landslides occur in that area.

More information on the seminar is available at www.novascotia.com .

Bell Aliant and Music Nova Scotia will present And the Band Played On: a Tribute to Jock Hume, John Clarke and the RMS Titanic Orchestra April 10 at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in Halifax. The performance, hosted by Steve Murphy, will feature Meaghan Smith, Lennie Gallant, Bruce Guthro, Jenn Grant, the Rhapsody Quartet, Evans and Doherty and a 32-piece orchestra that includes Symphony Nova Scotia musicians.

"It is important to remember the musicians and the role they played that night," said Scott Long, executive director, Music Nova Scotia. "The show must go on, as it always does. It is the musicians and their crews who sacrifice everything to make it happen."

More information on the tribute is available at www.artscentre.dal.ca

Information on other Titanic-related events will be available on www.novascotia.com as details are confirmed.