Statement of Clarification
March 29, 2010, Halifax, NS, Canada: The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is disappointed that the subject of Her Majesty’s potential visit to the show became public knowledge before all issues could be resolved. Amidst all the rumours that are circulating, the Tattoo wishes to make its position very clear. The stairs in question are not stairs; they are theatrical presentation risers that no one uses without extensive rehearsals under show lighting conditions. The risers are a part of the world’s largest indoor stage and during the Finale are already packed with (rehearsed) musicians. This is not in any way shape or form an age issue. A large number of the Production Team is well over 60 years of age. This is a safety and dignity issue. The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo will not place Her Majesty or His Royal Highness in the position where their physical safety and/or their public dignity could be in any way compromised. The Tattoo has always been and still is prepared to do anything to make this visit possible and is only concerned that the appropriate levels of safety and dignity are maintained for the Monarch. The very first show was opened in 1979 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Subsequent shows have been attended by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke of York, The Earl of Wessex and The Princess Royal. The Tattoo has an immense amount of experience in the protocol and security surrounding royal visits. Numerous options have been presented to enable Her Majesty to attend the Tattoo and be seen by thousands of Nova Scotians and members of the Canadian Forces as well as by the thousands of national and international military and civilian performers of all ages. These options include the construction of special stages for Her Majesty, the ability to speak from the Royal Box and even a chance for a walk-around backstage with the cast and crew. The Tattoo is immensely disappointed, especially on behalf of the younger cast members and those cast members serving in the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, that officials somewhere in the chain of communication between The Tattoo hopes this decision can be reversed. Further information is available by contacting Tattoo Coordinator of Communications, Leah Whitehead at (902) 420-4620 or lwhitehead@nstattoo.ca -30- |