DAVID ARCHIBALD and The PERILOUS PIRATE’S DAUGHTER
INTRO SAMPLES PRODUCTION details
PRODUCTION HISTORY
NEXT STEPS
INTRO
The Perilous Pirate's Daughter – The Play
by David Archibald and Anne Chislett
Set against a backdrop of insurrection and intrigue, The Perilous Pirate's Daughter takes us to the tumultuous times of the 1837 rebellion in Upper Canada. Lines were blurred between friend and foe as the young colony attempted to balance aristocratic British authority and responsible government. As always, there was a restless neighbour to the south eager to spread its sway and rid North America of despotic regimes. In a world of red coats and rebels, patriots and pirates, the stakes were high.
Many were killed, some hanged yet, in the winter of our discontent, romance found a way to bloom.
I first came across Bill Johnston while researching a song for Presqu'ile Provincial Park in 1997. Then, with the support of the Blyth Festival's Eric Coates, The Perilous Pirate's Daughter was launched. When Governor-General’s-Award-winning playwright Anne Chislett signed on, the crew was complete. So, welcome aboard as we raise our sails, slip out of the harbour and embark on a swashbuckling journey.
~ David Archibald
"...irresistible charm and hearty enthusiasm..."
"...brimming with satiric jabs at politicians, American foreign policy and bankers who exploit poor farmers."
"The Perilous Pirate's Daughter is also a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the pioneers who settled this country."
Noel Gallagher
The London Free Press, June 28, 2003
SAMPLES
Here's the truth (Almost) Every word Who thought the facts could be so darn absurd
There really was a bold Canadian pirate Who did the deeds we say he did and more Indeed, he had a fiery handsome daughter They robbed the rich and gave some to the poor
There also lived a Navy man named Elmsley Whose job it was to put the rebels down When rougher justice made him feel uneasy He questioned his allegiance to the crown
His meeting with fair Kate, we have invented But, not the new career he finally chose Though if you fear our play will teach you history Rest assured it isn't one of those
Now, Van Rensselaer's very close to our portrayal MacNab you may applaud or may dislike A valiant patriot or vile oppressor He carried out the first pre-emptive strike
The rebel signs and signals are recorded Though silly and unlikely they appear Truth is often twice as strange as fiction As events unfold on stage this will be clear.
LISTEN HERE
https://soundcloud.com/user-233887947/perilous-pirates-daughter-compilation2024?si=bd9122349c03483895a1ae1ce328db00&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&ut m_campaign=social_sharing
The Perilous Pirate’s Daughter
Playwrights Anne Chislett, David Archibald
Genre(s) Comedy, Musical
Cast Size
Total 12 Male 9 Female 3
Synopsis
Pirate Bill Johnston and his dashing daughter Kate lead an unlikely crew of Rebels and Redcoats on a high-stakes chase from Niagara Falls to the Thousand Islands. There’s music and mayhem, action and intrigue at every turn. Full of romance and adventure, The Perilous Pirate’s Daughter is fun for the whole family.
PRODUCTION HISTORY
Development History
Commissioned and developed by the Blyth Festival and Thousand Islands Playhouse.
Production History
Blyth Festival 2003
Thousand Islands Playhouse 2003
Station Arts Sask. 2004
Highlands Summer Festival 2006
NEXT STEPS
Create Community Engagement
Dundurn Castle
Highlands Summer Festival
Port Hope Capital Theatre
Potential Funding
Ontario Arts Council
Canada Arts Council
Haliburton County Development Corp Local Initiatives
Develop Educational/Outreach
Material
Dundurn Castle
Paul Morrisette
Potential Funding
Ontario Arts Council
Canada Arts Council
Haliburton County Development Corp Local Initiatives
Pursue Script Development
National Centre for New Musicals (Theatre Aquarius)
Blyth Festival
Highlands Summer Festival
Port Hope Capital Theatre
Potential Funding
Ontario Arts Council
Canada Arts Council
Pursue Production
National Centre for New Musicals (Theatre Aquarius)
Blyth Festival
Highlands Summer Festival
Port Hope Capital Theatre
Potential Funding
Ontario Arts Council
Canada Arts Council