Birthday Balloon

Through the lens of a dying marriage Birthday Balloon examines the new Newfoundland identity during the worst economic downturn since the 1930’s. An economic downturn that threatens the very existence of rural Newfoundland. It is a black comedy/drama that poses the question – in light of everything, even when the writing is on the wall – what is it that keeps us in love with and loyal to a province known by one perfect word: home.

Birthday Balloon explores the relationship of David and Millie at a point when they have been met with tragedy and they are on the brink of divorce. David is a pipe fitter working in Fort McMurray, gone for weeks at a time. Millie is his “oil widow” trying to make sense of her life in a changing rural landscape and she’s found out he’s having an affair. One wants out, away from the stench of death and the other wants to go back in time.

Themes of love and loss are explored deeply in this tragicomic play. Common myths about the big bang of Fort McMurray money and Newfoundlanders living the “life of Riley” are dispelled through this heartbreaking tale of a broken marriage and an irreparably damaged family. Steve Cochrane has written the characters with such authenticity that the natural comedic outlook on most things, inherent to Newfoundlanders, is trickled throughout the piece.

Through the pain of David and Millie we see a different Newfoundland and the true nature of what happens when you go West. It isn’t all big cars, big boats and good times. It is for some, but that comes with a huge price.