Tattoo for goes extra International for 40th anniversary show
Par Ryan Melanson,
L’équipe du Trident
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo always presents a diverse cast, but for its 40th anniversary show in 2018, they’ve made an effort to be more international than ever before. For the first time ever, acts from countries like Brazil, Jordan and Singapore will perform on the Tattoo stage from June 26 to July 2 at the Scotiabank Centre.
The Tattoo officially launched its 2018 season with a cast reveal and preview at its Dartmouth headquarters on May 10, and Jennie King, the show’s Managing Director and Executive Producer, highlighted that she’ll be welcoming groups from every continent for this year’s event.
Ryan Melanson, Trident Staff
“This year marks a great opportunity to truly embrace the International context of the Tattoo,” she said.
Guests were treated to an unveiling of this year’s acts, a tour of the organization’s new office in Burnside, and even a special preview in the form of flamenco dancing from Halifax’s own Megan La Azulita.
International acts include the Brazilian circus performers Cores de Bahia, Kenyan acrobats Simba Zambezi, the Combined Singapore Police Force Band, the Silent Drill Team and the Royal Circassian Honour Guard of Jordan, the German Air Force Band Munster, and others, alongside North American representatives like the 2nd Marine Division Band out of North Carolina and the Langley Ukulele Ensemble from British Columbia.
That’s just a small sample, and of course, returning local favourites like the Tattoo Highland Dance Team will be back, along with the Massed Pipes and Drums, featuring military members from 12 Wing Shearwater, 14 Wing Greenwood, 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment and 5 Cdn Div Support Group, supported for the first time by the pipers and drummers from the Tattoo’s Youth Pipes and Drums program.
As for CAF bands, Tattoo guests will see performances from the Stadacona Band of Maritime Forces Atlantic, the National Band of the Naval Reserve, the Royal Canadian Artillery Band and the Canadian Army Band.
“The CAF have been with the Tattoo and have been a signature supporter since the very start. We’re very proud to share in the message of a Strong, Secure, and Engaged military,” King said.
“Our storytelling is driven by the spirit of those who wear the uniform,” she added, noting the show will contain tributes under the Heroes and Legends theme, focusing on the end of the First World War, the Battle of the Atlantic, and women in service.
The Tattoo also announced special Canada Day programming at the Halifax Common as part of the Tattoo Festival, with displays, music, vendors, kids’ activities, and a performance by the CAF’s Skyhawks Parachute team.
For more information about this year’s Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, visit http://nstattoo.ca/show or phone 902-420-4625.
