Two big figures in the Atlantic Canadian theatre scene died on Friday.
Mary Vingoe was born in 1955 in Dartmouth.
In a Facebook post, her family says she died after a three-year-long fight with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
She was an actor, a director and a playwright. She co-founded multiple theatre companies, including Ship’s Company Theatre in Parrsboro, N.S., Nightwood Theatre in Toronto, and Eastern Front Theatre in Halifax.
Vingoe directed plays at universities and theatres across the country, including Canada’s National Arts Centre, Tarragon Theatre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, National Theatre School and Neptune Theatre.
In 2011, she received the title of Officer of the Order of Canada for her contribution to the country’s theatre.
In a social media post, Neptune Theatre says she was a legend.
“Mary was a beloved member of our local Nova Scotian theatre community as well, and we send love and condolences to her many friends and family during this time of mourning,” the theatre wrote.
Michael Melski, from Sydney, was known for his plays and documentaries. He died on Friday at 56 years old.
His play Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad, was nominated for Merritt and Dora awards, and it was done professionally more than 40 times, including some in the United States.
His movies also won 16 Best Feature prizes at international festivals, including Growing Op starring Rosanna Arquette, Charlie Zone, and The Child Remains.
He served as Artist-in-Residence at the Shaw Festival, Neptune Theatre, and Eastern Front Theatre.
A Facebook post from an account dedicated to the Charlie Zone said Melski was an extraordinary person.
“He was a fierce supporter of the arts, a generous collaborator, and someone whose friendship and spirit left a lasting impression. His voice, both on and off the screen, resonated deeply in our film community,” the post read.
