UPCOMING:
Between Breaths is playing from November 12th to 23rd, 2025, at the Firehall Arts Centre in Vancouver.
AVAILABLE FOR TOURING
Well known in Newfoundland as the Whale Man, Dr. Jon Lien looked for the best way to free whales while doing as little damage to the fishing gear as possible. His efforts saved the lives of over 500 animals, and earned him the hard-won respect of Newfoundland’s fishermen for rescuing whales entrapped in fishing nets. Often risking his very life in the water with the formidable and frightened animals, Dr. Lien would seek to earn their trust as much as the fisherm the island’s fishermen. Despite his risky work, Lien’s biggest fight came at the hands of a lengthy illness, the suspected long-term result of a random highway accident. He passed away in 2010, but not before his body was slowly conquered over 8 years by a progressing immobility and dementia.
Between Breaths jumps time backwards, from the final moments of Lien’s life – in a wheelchair and dealing with brain damage – to his very first whale intervention. As his life becomes further and further confined, his mind stretches itself in memories of release and salvation. Robert Chafe’s writing and Jillian Keiley’s direction are accompanied by musical compositions from celebrated Newfoundland folk trio, The Once, and performed live by onstage musicians.
Between Breaths was developed with the kind assistance of the Banff Playwrights Lab, 2015. Special thanks to Brian Quirt and Jenna Rogers.
Previous Tours:
LSPU Hall, St. John’s NL, July 2018
Arts and Culture Centre, St. John’s NL, February 2019
Arts and Culture Centre, Stephenville NL, April 2019
Arts and Culture Centre, Corner Brook NL, April 2019
National Arts Centre, Ottawa ON, May 2019
Lawrence O’Brien Arts Centre, Happy Valley-Goose Bay NL, October 2019
Neptune Theatre, Halifax NS, October-November 2019
Festival Theatre, Wolfville NS, November 2019
Factory Theatre, Toronto ON, November-December 2019
Confederation Centre of the Arts, Charlottetown PEI, June 2021
Fredericton Playhouse, Fredericton NB, March 2023
Imperial Theatre, Saint John NB, March 2023
Capitol Theatre, Moncton NB, March 2023
Neptune Theatre, Halifax NS, October 2023
LSPU Hall, St. John’s NL, March 2024