Author: The Record
Published July 22, 2024

Gabriel Safdie and Eva Juul. Photo courtesy

Transforming Stanstead through art and vision

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Gabriel Safdie, a multifaceted businessman and artist, has embarked on an ambitious mission to help revitalize Stanstead. His journey, marked by a blend of academic rigor, artistic passion, and community commitment, is intended to turn this historic border town into a thriving cultural hub.

Born in Jerusalem, Israel, Safdie moved to Canada at the age of 13, after spending his formative years in Haifa. “I came to Canada and then spent some years in London and Paris, where I worked on my doctorate in literature and taught creative writing,” he shared in an interview July 18. His academic pursuits were complemented by a burgeoning interest in theater and development, which eventually led him to Stanstead.

Safdie’s involvement with Stanstead began in the late 1970s. “I moved here and got to know the community over the years,” he said. A pivotal moment came in 2008 when he was introduced to the old Border Theatre. “I had a vision for it. It was a momentary sense of insanity, but I saw the potential to do something significant with that building.”

Despite initial setbacks, including unsuccessful ventures and dealing with uncooperative tenants, Safdie persevered. “At least we spared [some] building[s] from becoming a slum,” he remarked. His determination to rejuvenate Stanstead was evident as he spoke about various projects, including a restaurant that, while ultimately unsuccessful due to unreliable partners, served as a learning experience.

Safdie’s contributions to Stanstead are not limited to the Border Theatre. In 2009, he was instrumental in setting up a significant landmark, the standing stones, in the town—a project that brought together community members and experts alike. “We managed to put it up in two days. It was an inspiring and uplifting experience,” he recalled.

His artistic pursuits also led to the establishment of an art gallery, Ye Olde Blacksmith, in 2008, spearheaded by his wife, Eva. “Eva developed it into a wonderful, successful gallery. It’s a place that attracts people from all over, including Montreal and even international visitors,” Safdie noted. The gallery has become a cornerstone of the community, showcasing local artists and providing a platform for students to exhibit their work.

The pandemic posed challenges, but Safdie adapted by creating a successful poetry Zoom event. “We had major poets from English and French backgrounds participate. It was a very good initiative that ran for three seasons,” he said. The event eventually transitioned to live events in local venues, further enriching Stanstead’s cultural landscape.

Looking ahead, Safdie’s vision for Stanstead includes the transformation of the Border Theatre into a state-of-the-art facility. “It’s been decades that I’ve wanted to fix it up,” he admitted. The building, constructed by the Haskell family in 1912, has a rich history. “It was an early cinema and continued functioning until the 1970s. It survived two fires and was eventually [closed down] for construction purposes.”

Safdie’s background in theater and development, which began during his time in London in the 1960s, has been pivotal in his efforts. He served as the president of the Playwrights’ Workshop for ten years in Montreal and has been deeply involved in nurturing new writers. “I’ve always focused on developing new talent and working with emerging playwrights,” he emphasized.

The restoration of the Border Theatre is supported by various stakeholders, including an architect who specializes in theater projects. “[The architect] is wonderful to work with. We’ve secured funding from the federal government and are working on making the building completely green,” Safdie explained. The project has faced bureaucratic hurdles, but Safdie remains optimistic. “The building costs have gone up by 26 per cent due to delays, but we’re committed to making it happen.”

Besides his work in Stanstead, Safdie is also finishing a book on his experiences in China. “I’ve spent a lot of time in China, exploring the country and its culture. The book is in its final stages and will soon be ready for publication,” he revealed.

Safdie’s involvement in the arts extends to his role as president of Traquen’art, an organization dedicated to world music. “I’m very active in various cultural activities. For me, everything connects, whether it’s theater, writing, or music,” he said.

As the conversation drew to a close, Safdie reflected on the future of Stanstead. “We have a very optimistic outlook. The Border Theatre will be a meaningful cultural center for the community and beyond. It’s going to involve Stanstead College and other local institutions. I’m looking forward to a very positive outcome for this venture,” he said.

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