#406 – Ruth Lawrence

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby speaks with Newfoundland-based actor, writer, director, producer, and self-described instigator Ruth Lawrence. Ruth reflects on a career deeply rooted in community, mentorship, and creative activism. In this rich and thoughtful conversation, she discusses her early theatre influences, why she returned to Newfoundland after studying in Ontario, her passion for mentorship, and how theatre can be a catalyst for social change.

This episode explores:

• Why Ruth describes herself as an “instigator” and how theatre can inspire change
• The value of mentorship and fostering the next generation of theatre artists
• Her return to Newfoundland and how she built a thriving arts career from scratch
• The vibrant and collaborative theatre scene in St. John’s
• Her extensive experience in both theatre and film, and how the two intersect
• Writing her new play If She Runs, an interactive exploration of women in politics

Guest: 🎭 Ruth Lawrence

Ruth Lawrence is an actor/writer/director/producer of film and theatre, based in St. John’s, NL. As a filmmaker, Ruth’s feature films include Little Orphans (Best Canadian Feature, Whistler Film Festival 2020), Hopeless Romantic (2018), and the award-winning comedy feature, Party Pirate, sold-out its opening Gala overnight at the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival in October 2023. Her documentaries A Lot of Love in the Room (2021) and Circus by Komatik (2019) have been featured on CBC Gem. Her latest doc is Finding Grace: A Soul Song (2024). She has directed, written, and/or produced on over 70 short films and webisodes.

She co-founded White Rooster Theatre with Sherry White in 2001 and was its Artistic Director until 2023, producing plays written by women and other marginalized genders. The company expanded its mandate to provide opportunities in the areas of design and production, keeping space for racialized creators. For the company, she has produced over 30 shows, directed Happy Anniversary (co-produced with TODOS Productions) Remnants, and created Other Women Walk. Most recently, she co-wrote and performed in Song Seekers: The Story of Elisabeth Greenleaf and Grace Mansfield. For Opera on the Avalon, she directed Three Decembers and the 2023 premiere of February, based on Lisa Moore’s remarkable novel. For Persistence Theatre, she directed an acclaimed production of Berni Stapleton’s Offensive to Some and is writing a new play, If She Runs, to premiere in their 2025-26 season.

Ruth’s honours include the Joan Orenstein Best Actress Award, the RBC Michelle Jackson Award for Emerging Filmmaker, the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council’s Artist of the Year, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, the YWCA Woman of Distinction, a WIFT-AT WAVE Award, the national Leslie Yeo Award for Volunteerism, and the inaugural Ross Leslie Award for her contributions to film and theatre.

Connect with Ruth: 🌐 Website: www.ruthlawrence.ca 📸 Instagram: @ruthlesslawless

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