Artistic powerhouse Paul David Power on loss, legacy and the power of imagination

An award-winning playwright, writer, actor, producer and director, Paul David Powerwas invited to share his perspective in CBC East Coast "all in" a monthly CBC newsletter featuring stories and ideas that reflect all the ways we're different on the East Coast.
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I'm a writer but sometimes the words just don't come.

When I was approached by CBC to write a first-person column for their East Coast "all in" newsletter, I was thrilled.

There were so many things I wanted to write about. Being an artist in Atlantic Canada and the close-knit arts community we have. Living with a disability and the daily challenge to live in an inaccessible world. The current state of our economy and cost of living post- pandemic.

But all those ideas flew out the window on July 14, 2023. My father, John Charles Power, passed away at the age of 89. It seems, no matter the age or health status, we are never truly prepared for the loss of a parent. For me, it was an inevitable reality I always feared.

The loss had overtaken most of my thoughts and ideas when it came time to draft this piece, which became rather fitting.

My father was my first introduction to the CBC and learning to appreciate our rich arts community here in Newfoundland and Labrador.- Paul David Power

From the late 1970s to his retirement in 1989, my father was the regional director for CBC NL.It was his job to determine budgets and programming priorities. He also firmly believed the broadcaster had a pivotal role in supporting and showcasing our province's arts and culture.

One of the golden eras for local programming was, in my opinion, during his tenure. Legendary shows filled our screens such as Stars of the Festival, Land and Sea, The Wonderful Grand Band, Up at Ours, Tales from Pigeon Inlet, Skipper & Company, Jamie's Old Fashioned Christmas and Reach for the Top, among many others.

I grew up with these shows, and I was lucky enough to visit the CBC station several times during the production of these programs. I think that began my fascination with and admiration for creating for the purpose of entertaining, informing and, in some instances, teaching.

One of my earliest memories of being at CBC with my father was when I was about six years old.

Every year, CBC had its annual children's Christmas party at the television station. I remember piles of kids running around the black-floored studio that usually housed sets for series we saw each week on TV.

But, for one day, the studio was transformed into a holiday wonderland with Christmas lights, balloons, kids' activity tables. The focal point of the space was always a stage with an ornamental throne for Santa himself.

Adjacent to the wonderland was the permanent studio for Here & Now, CBC's long-time local supper hour newscast. It was a permanent set that couldn't be tampered with even during the all-important children's Christmas party.

As a kid living with a physical disability who used leg braces and crutches, I sometimes found it difficult to engage in the usual marathon chases and rough-housing that dominated the typical holiday party activities.

My father, sensing the lack of accessible activities to hold my attention until the jolly old man made his appearance, took just me to the Here & Now studio where other kids weren't permitted. I felt special.

During that top secret visit, Dad encouraged me to explore the news desk. He found some old news copy back when paper was still a thing and set me up at the news anchor's desk. He went behind the powered-down camera and pretended to film as we began our newscast. I shared the important news stories of the day as only a six-year-old could.

Dad then encouraged me to take position in front of one of the most significant television screen backdrops, which every early 1980s Newfoundland TV viewer recognized: the plexiglass weatherboard.

Long before the use of green screens, local CBC weatherman Karl Wells would take his place there with a white grease pencil to give the forecast.

Here I was, at six years old, wielding the almighty grease pencil, creating my own imaginary weather report that would have the province ready to call a state of emergency.

Perhaps the image that stands out most is my father's smiling face having as much fun playing make believe as I was.And now, some 40 odd years later, here I sit creating something for CBC with my imagination.- Paul David Power

I can only hope that somewhere Dad is standing behind that camera smiling and feeling a sense of pride.

I'm proud of the years of accomplishment my father had at CBC. But I'm even more proud I was lucky enough to call John Charles Power my dad.

Get to know Paul

Who or what inspires you and why?
Determination. Anyone who faces challenges but refuses to give up is a great testament of character.

What do you enjoy most about living on the East Coast?
No matter where I travel, the East Coast is always "home." There's such a sense of community and belonging here that you don't experience in larger urban centres.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Right now, it's having my own production company, Power Productions, and as artistic director, the ability to create further access to the arts for persons who live with a disability.

What is your motto?
Put it off until tomorrow! I'm a true procrastinator.

What is your favourite winter/summer activity on the East Coast?
Checking out local performances and artists.

Who are your favourite writers?
Locally, I love Robert Chafe, Michael Crumney and David French.

What is your most marked characteristic?
I gotta go with the crutches, of course.

Can you share a recent event or experience that gives you hope for positive change?
I think we are seeing more tangible actions when it comes to respecting and supporting diversity in the province. Things like the opening of Quadrangle Community Centre, more understanding about mental health, and a growing trend of understanding accessibility if a right not a favour.

What advice would you give your future self?
Pick up a salad once in a while.

Paul's Picks

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More about Paul

• N.L. play about disabilities stopped at United States border

• I've hit a wall. And I may not get over it

• I was never a car guy, but here's why I fell in love with one

• I learned to change a light bulb, and many other things, after my partner died