Part of me cannot believe that we are entering our 5th annual season. Each year, this little theatre company becomes a bit savvier, a bit more established and a bit more likely to hang in there for the long haul. But I assure you, that as we continue to grow, we will maintain the ethos with which we set out – to take risks and to lead with curiosity. To keep going in the face of fear and embody the mantra of “let’s give it a go”. To embrace each unique process and even, on our more evolved days, to embrace the failures. This is a lofty goal for a scrappy little theatre company, but what exactly does it require? It requires a bit of bravery. It requires a collaborative and low-pressure environment. But in a more essential way, it requires a company that cultivates a culture of self-acceptance. I do not have to be perfect to be here, I do not have to have all the answers, I don’t have to be articulate, thin, young, rich, strong, put together, talented, special, successful. These qualities may come and go, but I am enough anyways, just because I am. My hope is that this culture remains at the heart of our theatre company, for as long as it exists.

This season, all the main plays feature characters who are being asked to grapple with self-acceptance. So why, at this moment, has this theme emerged? Maybe it is because we live in a time where shame slinging seems to be a strong social currency. And the work of self-acceptance is the ultimate antidote to this. If we work towards anchoring our self-worth internally, by accepting all the bits of ourselves and bringing them along for the ride, we take the power out of this shame because nothing that is said about us can rock the bone-deep relationship that we have cultivated with ourselves. Ambitious, but why not give it a go?

On a more practical note, the HFN team is thrilled to be back at the Stratford Perth Museum for 2024, working with the exceptional team out there, led by Kelly McIntosh (a veteran of outdoor theatre in her own right). Last season, as we were deluged by rain, we struggled to fight the mud and the thriving mosquito population, which led to our patrons suiting up in wellies and bug spray to attend our shows. But don’t worry, we are putting measures in place to make sure that this year is a lot better! The Museum is working with Upper Thames River Conservation to install drainage and to ensure that the area surrounding the tent will not get muddy. We are also going to install mosquito curtains around the tent and will be working with the Museum on other deterrents. We are so grateful to Kelly and Megan at the Museum for problem solving with us and upgrading the experience for artists and patrons alike.

I look forward to seeing you back at the tent!

Warmly,

Fiona Mongillo