Between Breaths makes its Western Canada debut at the Firehall Arts Centre, November 12 to 23

Artistic Fraud production draws on the true story of Newfoundland’s Dr. Jon Lien, also known as “The Whale Man”

The Firehall Arts Centre is presenting the Western Canadian premiere of Newfoundland-based company Artistic Fraud’s profound play Between Breaths from November 12 to 23.

Inspired by a true story, Between Breaths sails through the extraordinary life of Dr. Jon Lien—known to many as “The Whale Man”—who devoted his career to saving whales trapped in fishing nets off the coast of Newfoundland. Over the years, he rescued more than 500 whales, bridging the divide between science and the local fishing community with empathy and respect. But as the play traces Dr. Lien’s legacy, it also reveals his most personal struggle: a battle with dementia that slowly threatened the very core of his identity.

Set to a hauntingly beautiful live score by indie-folk trio The Once, Between Breaths is a powerful meditation on memory, loss, and the deep connections that endure even as everything else fades.

Tickets are available through the Firehall Arts Centre.

Post sponsored by Firehall Arts Centre.

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THEATREStir VancouverOctober 17, 2025Partner Content, Firehall Arts Centre

Between Breaths makes its Western Canada debut at the Firehall Arts Centre, November 12 to 23

Artistic Fraud production draws on the true story of Newfoundland’s Dr. Jon Lien, also known as “The Whale Man”

The Firehall Arts Centre is presenting the Western Canadian premiere of Newfoundland-based company Artistic Fraud’s profound play Between Breaths from November 12 to 23.

Set to a hauntingly beautiful live score by indie-folk trio The Once, Between Breaths is a powerful meditation on memory, loss, and the deep connections that endure even as everything else fades.

Tickets are available through the Firehall Arts Centre.

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