May 19, 2010/ Western Head, N.S. Festival.

They hold it here in Liverpool every other year, the Liverpool International Theater Festival. It is a big deal. Today was the tenth time the event has been held, with the first one 1992. Everyone tells us about the Festival, how well run it is and how much support it has from the town folks, but until now we have never been here at the right time. Tonight I attended the opening ceremony and Ken and I attended the first play.

This Festival is a big deal. Nine groups from other countries and seven from Canada participate in the event. These are amateur groups but this is a competition with two adjudicators. Every morning a coffee klatch is held at Lane's for discussion and comments with workshops held morning and afternoon, with plays in the evening, two per session. Saturday and Sunday plays are shown both afternoon and evening. Tonight the theater was full. They whole town is abuzz both with people and excitement.

I must admit that the reason I attended the welcome session was to hear the Liverpool Girls Choir. I have been told of their reputation but have never heard them, so I went to put up with the speeches in order to hear the girls. They were wonderful and well worth the wait. Our Mayor John Liefe made the best speech, personable and short. He ended his short speech by giving a welcome to the visitors in English, French, Micmac and Gaelic, all welcomes heard in Nova Scotia. Appropriate and short is my idea of a good speech!!