Jim Morrow Wins Portia White Prize

Jim Morrow, a theatre artist from Port Williams, Kings Co., is the 2004 recipient of Nova Scotia's Portia White Prize.

Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Heritage Rodney MacDonald presented Mr. Morrow with the $25,000 award at a ceremony at Province House today, March 22.

"I believe this award celebrates the good work by so many people who have been associated with Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia during the past 33 years," said Mr. Morrow. "It also recognizes the value we place on theatre in our community, especially theatre for young people."

For more than 27 years, Mr. Morrow has worked at the Mermaid Theatre in Windsor. The theatre brings professional theatre to school children in rural Nova Scotia, promotes the art of puppetry and enhances the joy of reading. Mr. Morrow's achievements as a director and creator of unique theatre for children have delighted more than 1.5 million spectators throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Known for being an enabling teacher and mentor, he has acquired an international reputation and the respect of theatre professionals around the world.

"Mr. Morrow is a prime example of a Nova Scotia artist who has excelled in the arts," said Mr. MacDonald. "He truly exemplifies the spirit and prestige of the Portia White Prize, and is an extraordinary cultural ambassador for our province."

The Portia White Prize is awarded every year by the province to recognize artistic excellence and achievement by a Nova Scotia artist. The prize honours the memory and example of Portia White, a Nova Scotian who rose above adversity to achieve international acclaim as a classical singer on the great stages of Europe and North America. Her artistic achievements and dedication to teaching young artists stand as models to all Nova Scotians and continue to foster pride in African Nova Scotian communities.

The $25,000 prize will be awarded in two components. The first part -- $18,000 -- is awarded directly to the primary recipient, Jim Morrow. Mr. Morrow named Theatre Nova Scotia as the protégé to receive the secondary award of $7,000.

Nominations for the 2005 Portia White Prize will be accepted until Sept. 15.