The River Clyde Pageant is offering a relaxed performance this year. Tickets go on sale June 24 and 25. Photo by Contributed /ContributedArticle contentRiver Clyde Arts is piloting a new accessibility initiative for the 2025 River Clyde Pageant, involving the organization’s first relaxed performance to take place on Friday, Aug. 1.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe River Clyde Pageant is an outdoor theatre production created by local community members and artists from across P.E.I., Canada and the U.S., performed outdoors in the village of New Glasgow. This summer marks the 10th anniversary of outdoor pageantry in New Glasgow, and the fourth year of dedicated accessibility supports on offer for event attendees and participants.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentRelaxed performanceArticle contentThe relaxed performance builds on several existing pageant access initiatives that have been developed and implemented over the past few years, through the organization’s accessibility action plan.Article contentA relaxed performance softens the traditional conventions of theatre to create a welcoming space where audiences are invited to move around, make noise, cheer, or respond naturally to what they see, leave and re-enter as needed, and bring comfort items or sensory aids. Most importantly, other audience members expect and welcome this behaviour, creating a judgment-free space where everyone can enjoy the performance in their own way.Article contentOutdoor setting encourages movementArticle contentThe River Clyde Pageant’s outdoor setting naturally encourages movement and authentic responses, and this pilot aims to ensure everyone knows they can experience the performance however feels most comfortable for them. More information on the relaxed performance is available in the River Clyde Pageant access guide, published on the organization’s website.Article contentArticle content“We’re thrilled to offer our first relaxed performance this year,” said Céleste McNiven, co-producer and accessibility co-ordinator for River Clyde Arts. “This is building on the foundation of welcome and accessibility in the arts we’ve been working toward over the past few years. Each summer, we’ve listened to our community’s feedback on accessibility at the pageant, and worked to expand our offerings. The relaxed performance is about removing barriers and ensuring that everyone can be part of this beautiful shared experience we create together in New Glasgow.”Article contentAlumni, actors, history of pageantArticle contentThis summer’s pageant begins with a special cranky theatre performance commemorating the history of the River Clyde Pageant, featuring alumni actors and melodies from past productions. Audiences will then travel along a meandering path through a field of wildflowers, encountering various ensembles along the way. At the base of the hill, a new story will unfurl around the living set built from windfall from Hurricane Fiona and woven willow, carried along by a lively cast of creatures from human, animal and plant realms.
River Clyde Pageant will offer relaxed performance, new for 2025
