The government of British Columbia has provided $50,000 to enable a tribute in music, poetry and stories honouring the BC Forest Service's 2012 centennial year to tour the province.

Inspired by the logger poetry of Robert E. Swanson, B.C.'s Bard of the Woods, "Good Timber - Songs and Stories of the Western Logger" presents a spirited depiction of life in the logging camps and communities central to the cultural legacy of forestry in British Columbia.

Created and presented by Victoria-based the Other Guys theatre company, the show's singers, musicians and actors perform against a multi-media backdrop featuring rarely seen images from the BC Archives. Last spring, the performance went on tour to Port Alberni, Chilliwack and Vernon. This summer, the show will run at the Firehall Arts Centre in Vancouver from Aug. 7 to 19, and then continue on tour in the fall to Kelowna, Kamloops and Prince George.

Quotes:

Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"Forestry figures prominently in the history and development of many communities across British Columbia. The cultural side of forestry includes a wonderful legacy of poetry, folklore and stories created by generations of British Columbians who made their living and raised their families in forestry communities."

"Best wishes to the Other Guys theatre company for a successful tour of communities across our province. I'm sure the performance will delight people of all ages, while reminding everyone that the history of the forest industry in British Columbia includes a home-grown cultural heritage worthy of celebration."

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations -

"This is a creative way of telling the fascinating story of B.C.'s forest history. It is a fitting tribute as we celebrate 100 years of forestry excellence in British Columbia."

Mike Apsey, president, BC Forest Service Centenary Society -

"I've had the privilege of attending this marvellous show seven times and I plan on seeing it again in various locations in the province. Attend the show - you will love it!"

Mary Desprez, project manager, the Other Guys theatre company -

"The Other Guys theatre company is extremely grateful to the Honourable Ida Chong and the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development for providing a grant that allows us to perform Good Timber in communities that would not otherwise be able to support the touring costs of this production."

"In each community, we are working with local museums to celebrate the forest industry's history in the local region. In this way, we are able to maximize the impact of the grant."

Quick Facts:

• 2012 marks the 100th year that the BC Forest Service has managed most of British Columbia's forest and rangelands ecosystems.

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has provided more than $2.6 billion in support for arts and culture in British Columbia, including the screen-based entertainment industry.

Learn More:

Check out the provincial government's role in supporting sport, arts and culture through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

Visit the B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations online at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/for/

Learn about the Other Guys theatre company at: http://www.otherguystheatre.ca/

Contact:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677