Lynda will join with Theatre New Brunswick to direct The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe as part of the company’s 50^th anniversary season.

Lynda Hill is a director, theatre creator, dramaturg and arts educator based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She recently completed 16 seasons leading Theatre Direct Canada, one of the Country’s foremost innovators of theatre for young audiences, where she directed several productions including Old Man and the River, Flying Hearts, Sanctuary Song, Beneath the Banyan Tree, Alphonse, Andrew’s Tree, The Phoenix Rides a Skateboard, and Toronto at Dreamers Rock.

Prior to joining Theatre Direct, Lynda directed productions for Native Earth Performing Arts, Cahoots Theatre Projects, Nightwood Theatre, and various independent companies and festivals across the country. And through her own company Willing Suspension, Lynda has created interdisciplinary projects including Arias and the installation performance work No Place Like Home.

The December Lynda will join with Theatre New Brunswick to direct The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe as part of the company’s 50^th anniversary season.

Can you share any background you may have with Theatre New Brunswick?

While this is my first time working with Theatre New Brunswick, I have been aware of its incredible history for many years. It holds a very special place in Canadian Theatre’s history and present ecology!

So this is your first time directing for TNB.

Yes, and I couldn’t be more excited!

As we get closer to the start of rehearsals, can you share a few initial thoughts on The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe?

This adaptation of the first book in the universally loved Narnia chronicles takes us on a snowy and rapid ride through action. It captures the essence of the story and its central characters so efficiently while delivering an inspiring affirmation of the power of the imagination and the resiliency of young people.

Can you briefly explain your process as a director in approaching a play and a new production?

Well, first it is about reading the play over and over again each time through a different lens which allows me to glean new information and a deeper understanding of the piece. Conversations with the designers early on are absolutely essential to ensure we’re all on the same page as we move forward in our collaboration. With this adaptation, I’ve been drawn each time to a line from Mr. Tumnus as he introduces the world of Narnia to Lucy and describes it as “perfect for the imagination.” This has inspired how we approach the staging and design ensuring we’re always trusting the capacity of our audience of children and families.

What excites you the most about directing The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe for Theatre New Brunswick?

Everything, really! The cast is absolutely magnificent with four very talented young people from TNB’s exceptional Theatre School playing the Pevensie siblings at the centre of the story. The design and production team are top-notch and the staff at TNB are so supportive and passionate about the company mission. I am really looking forward to diving into rehearsals in a few weeks’ time.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe runs December 13-15 at the Fredericton Playhouse, December 16 at Imperial Theatre (Saint John) and December 19-20 at théâtre l’Escaouette in Moncton.

To learn more about the production (and to reserve your tickets) head this way—>www.tnb.nb.ca/lion-witch-wardrobe/