The Government of Canada Supports Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People

TORONTO, ONTARIO-Feb. 18, 2009 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced funding for the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People (LKTYP) before attending a performance of The Forbidden Phoenix.

This funding will support the Theatre's 2009-2010 season for schools and general public audiences. The Theatre will present a total of six productions focusing on youth activism for children aged 3 to 18. The presentations will include international and national theatre, puppetry, and multimedia work.

"Our Government recognizes that creativity and innovation are vital to our Canadian cultural life and to our economy," said Minister Moore. "The Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People was at one time home to horses that pulled the Toronto Street Railway Company's streetcars. The award-winning conversion of this space into a well-designed theatre and studio space is a prime example of what can happen when talent, innovation, and infrastructure come together."

"In addition to producing its own theatre, Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People is a dedicated presenter of professional theatre for young audiences from the finest Canadian artists," said Nancy Webster, Managing Director, LKTYP. "For many years, the Government of Canada has ensured that the diverse audience we serve may access this excellent work."

The Theatre's current show, The Forbidden Phoenix, is a mix of martial arts, musical drama, and Peking opera. Nearly 400 students in grades 3 to 6 from four schools in the Greater Toronto Area attended today's performance.

The Government of Canada has provided $70,000 through the Arts Presentation Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentation of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.