A Brief History of the Maritimes and Everywhere Else

by Ryan Griffith

A Brief History of the Maritimes and Everywhere Else made its world premiere on March 13, 2018 at the Open Space Theatre in Fredericton. The play marked the company’s fourth production of Griffith’s work in as many years.

A Brief History of the Maritimes and Everywhere Else finds Griffith continuing to explore the characters and places that exist within his own imagined Maritimes, a world that he first explored in his play Lutz, published by Playwrights Press Canada in 2011.

Set in a cabin on a wintery night in rural New Brunswick, Terry, the play’s narrator, shares his life story with his child. This story confronts a truth that is a mystery until the end of the play. This gripping and hugely moving new work promises to haunt audiences long after they leave the theatre.

The world premiere of A Brief History of the Maritimes and Everywhere Else was directed by TNB Artistic Director Natasha MacLellan.

“There's always a bit of a creepy element to Ryan's work that I love,” said MacLellan. “I grew up in rural Cape Breton; grew up on ghost stories and forerunners and a great source of entertainment for us growing up was what we used to call Ghost Hunting - driving to the places where we heard ghosts congregated and waiting for them to appear to us. Ryan captures that feeling, the mystery and uncertainty we've all felt in an old house, in an empty church or while passing through a rural community in the middle of nowhere, and he does so without ever revealing why we feel that way. Ryan's work really makes you think, and then think again."

The production received a sold out run in Fredericton March 13-17 at the Open Space Theatre before touring the province with shows in Bathurst, Florenceville-Bristol, Moncton, St. Andrews, Sackville and Saint John.

Written by Ryan Griffith
Directed by Natasha MacLellan
Featuring Kevin Curran
Costume Designer: Sherry Kinnear
Set Designer: Mike Johnston
Sound Designer: Keelin Jack
Light and Projection Designer: Emily Sousanna

Theatre New Brunswick is currently booking the world premiere production of A Brief History of the Maritimes and Everywhere Else. To request further information and talk logistics, contact Artistic Director Natasha MacLellan at artisticdirector@tnb.nb.ca