Beneath Springhill is the incredible story of Maurice Ruddick, “the singing miner,” an African-Canadian who survived nine days underground during the historic Springhill mining disaster of 1958. This multi-award-winning one-man show recalls the events during the disaster, the effect it had on the rural Canadian community, and the racial tension that grew from it. The play is a celebration of hope, courage and community.
Linda Kash
Linda Cash
Beau Dixon
Joe Pagnan
Linda Kash
Andrea Houssin
Beneath Springhill chronicles the life of Maurice Ruddick, an African Canadian who survived the historic mining disaster in Springhill, Nova Scotia in 1958.
2015 Dora Mavor Moore Award Best New Play. Beneath Springhill chronicles the life of Maurice Ruddick, an African Canadian who survived the historic mining disaster in Springhill, Nova Scotia in 1958. Ruddick, an African Canadian, was awarded “Citizen of the Year” for saving the lives of his fellow workers. Created and performed by Beau Dixon, with lyrics and music by Rob Fortin and Susan Newman, this one-man show recalls the events of seven miners trapped one mile beneath a small mining town, the effect it had on their rural Canadian community, and the racial tension that surfaced as a result. Originally a live theatre production, in 2020, with support from the Canadian Council for the Arts, Beneath Springhill was filmed for digital release. In 2021, the print version was published by Scirocco Drama Books.
