After more than 26 years, the moment has finally arrived for me to put away my notebook, unplug the keyboard and step fully into retirement. As I said to my partner not long ago: “I don’t have any words left.”
It has been one of the great honours of my life to spend these years talking with, writing about, and championing the people who make the performing arts what they are. I didn’t always get it right, but I always tried to do it with care, curiosity, and respect.
I’m leaving with a lifetime of memories: many wonderful, a few less so, all unforgettable in their own ways. These moments and the people behind them will stay with me for years to come. And yes, I’m naming names.
My very first theatre review in 2007: The Syringa Tree at the Vancouver Playhouse.
That first wild year I hit 100+ shows.
The productions that remain unforgettable to me: Beyond Eden, Onegin, Killer Joe and Circle Game.
Robin Perelle, my editor at Xtra!, whose guidance shaped my writing more than anyone else ever has.
Colin Thomas and Jo Ledingham inviting me onto the Jessie’s Critics’ Choice Award committee.
The many writers who joined me over the years, especially David C. Jones, one of the most joyful humans I’ve ever known.
My conversations with Ed Asner and Natalie MacMaster, who were two of the most gracious people I spoke with over the years.
Working with The Carleton gang during the pandemic on our Facebook Live sessions with Nova Scotia musicians, which became some of the most meaningful work of that period.
Jovanni Sy, my first cyberbully.
Amanda Campbell and her cabal of Facebook mean girls, who made it clear I wasn’t exactly welcomed to Halifax.
My two most challenging interviewees: Ivan Coyote and Judy Gold, who both seemed to have far better things to do than talk to me.
And above all, to David, who has been with me through every word, every deadline, every late night, and every opening night. What a gift it’s been.
Mark Robins