The music arcs across time and space, spanning the centuries and sharing the timeless stories of Nova Scotia’s early peoples. Native drumming thunders through the virgin forests, echoing across the still waters of untouched coves and bays. Acadian folk tunes tell the tale of early French farmers and fishermen, joie de vivre in spite of oppression and exile. Hardy Celtic settlers add their jigs and reels to the musical tapestry. Loyalists and freed slaves bring their notes, when the first blacks reach the shores, adding a new tone to Nova Scotia’s cultural song.

From these musical traditions comes Drum, a spectacular musical production reflecting the sounds of Nova Scotia’s black, Acadian, Celtic and native cultures. Since its inception five years ago, the show has become an international hit, touring over 20,000 kilometres throughout North America. From September 12 to October 12, the production returns to Halifax, taking over the stage at the new Bella Rose Arts Centre.

“The new facility brings many advantages to the production,” says marketing director Fiona Diamond. “Our patrons are going to love this theatre gem with variable-width seats, a comfortable lobby, all the amenities of a professional facility and lots of free parking.”

It’s a long way from Drum’s early days in a warehouse on the Halifax waterfront. “Over four seasons in the Pier 20 theatre was a great adventure,” recalls co-producer Brookes Diamond. “It was a bit like camping... We had to bring everything in—gas heaters, portable trailers, rented chairs, a generator for power and yes, even outhouses. It served us well for four years but it certainly is time to move on.”

Organizers are expecting over 10,000 people to check out the fall run of Drum in its new home. Through traditional music and dance, the show is history as you’ve never seen it. The music tells of the struggles and ultimate coming together of four of Nova Scotia’s founding cultures. The cast of 20 drummers, dancers and singers demonstrates each culture’s unique and distinct rhythm, by featuring each and finally bringing them together into one electrifying fusion of dance, music and song.

Drum is a spectacle of music and dance.

Image © Chris Smith

THE DETAILS

Drum runs from September 12 to October 12 at the Bella Rose Arts Centre, 283 Thomas Raddall Drive (just off Lacewood Avenue, near Bayers Lake Business Park). For map and directions to the Bella Rose Arts Centre, click here. Tickets are available at the Ticket Atlantic box office (5284 Duke St., 451-1221).