January 21, 2003 -

Ottawa (Canada) - The National Arts Centre (NAC) will unveil its exciting, multi-million dollar Theatre Renewal Campaign in support of artistic creation and first-ever major renovations of the NAC Theatre on Thursday January 23, 2003.

Close to 200 NAC patrons will be on hand at the launch, which will feature Shakespearian sonnets performed by Kelli Fox, Kate Hurman and Tom Rooney, who star in the production of The Winter's Tale now playing at the NAC, as well as excerpts of Marivaux's La Double inconstance performed by Éric Leblanc and Ansie St-Martin of Quebec City's Théâtre du Trident, and an excerpt from ABSTRACTION, the 1998 work choreographed and performed by dancer José Navas, artistic director of Montreal's Company Flak.

Hosted by Peter Herrndorf, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre, and Janet Yale, President and CEO of the Canadian Cable Television Association, and Chair of the Theatre Renewal Campaign. Veteran stage actors Martha Henry and Albert Millaire, honourary chairs of the Campaign, will offer their support through videotaped messages. Members of the NAC's artistic team will be on hand, including Cathy Levy, Producer of Dance Programming, Marti Maraden, Artistic Director of English Theatre and Paul Lefebvre, Assistant Artistic Director of French Theatre.

Patrons and the media will be able to see and try out some of the new seats the NAC is looking to acquire for the NAC Theatre next summer.

Date: Thursday, January 23, 2003
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Theatre of the National Arts Centre

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For more information, please contact:
Carl Martin
Communications Advisor, NAC
(613) 947-7000, ext. 560