The Oracle at Gros Morne

Faith, survival and hope are key words when discussing the fishery and environment of the west coast of Newfoundland. In 2007, Theatre Newfoundland Labrador (TNL) began discussions with the CURRA to develop a play dealing with the demise and recovery of marine eco systems and the communities that depend on them on the west coast of the province.

CURRA commissioned TNL to develop the play and TNL commissioned Newfoundland playwright Berni Stapleton to research and write it. The result after more than two years and two workshops is The Oracle at Gros Morne. The play, directed by Sarah Stanley, opened on July 8th, 2010 at TNL's Gros Morne Theatre Festival in Cow Head and played for 1,428 people during 18 performances at the Warehouse Theatre.

The fish are gone and the people are heading to the mainland in droves so she heads for the mountain - Gros Morne Mountain that is - looking for answers and direction as he bewildered husband sits at home mending his rotting nets. They both ponder what all Newfoundlanders ponder these days - will the fish come back? Will our people come back? What's to become of us? Is there recovery for our people and the environment? What's the answer? There's only one who will speak the truth - the Oracle at Gros Morne - if her husband will only leave her alone long enough.

We were delighted with the success of the play, which has managed to evoke emotions and discussions from our audiences. TNL is currently planning a reworking of the text during a workshop week in February, 2011 in Cow Head and will remount the play for their 2011 season in Cow Head. TNL is currently seeking opportunities to tour The Oracle at Gros Morne to venues in Newfoundland and Labrador, across Canada as well as internationally. We feel the play is an important, emotional, and gutsy snapshot of the current environmental crisis on our west coast.

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