Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador general manager Gaylene Buckle packs up the set of Tempting Providence for its U.S. debut. (CBC)

Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador is taking its production of one of the province's best-known plays south of the border.

Tempting Providence tells the story of Myra Bennett, a British nurse who came to Daniel's Harbour, on the Northern Peninsula almost nine decades ago.

A non-existent medical system at the time meant that she became the primary healthcare provider for people along a 350-kilometre stretch of the remote coastline.

Now, the theatre company has been invited to participate in the California International Theatre Festival, something general manager Gaylene Buckle said the company is very excited about. While it's a story about life in rural Newfoundland, Buckle said Tempting Providence is a play that connects with people from all walks of life.

"I think it's a story that transcends borders," Buckle said. "It's a story of heroism; of a woman who came to Newfoundland in the 20s and became quite a hero on the Northern Peninsula and even back home in Britain."

Buckle said their hope from the start was that this play would be shown on stages from coast to coast, which is why they hired award–winning playwright Robert Chafe to write the story.

"Whether or not there's arts and culture centres or traditional theatres, we want to be able to play in church halls, in churches. We want a play we can take to rural Newfoundland and Labrador," said Buckle.

Set for the road

It isn't just the script that's versatile. The props have been designed with mobility in mind: a table, four chairs and a sheet are transformed into anything, from a loaf of bread to a backpack, a baby and a lifesaving sled.

After a few more performances at its home base in Cow Head this month, Buckle said everything will be packed up again for the play's debut in California.

"There is the prestige of representing Canada at an international theatre festival in California," she said. "But it's about opening new markets as well."

Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador will be paid for their performances at the California festival. In addition, both the federal and provincial government are assisting with the cost.

Tempting Providence will be shown at the California film festival on July 23 and 24. After that, the play's next stop will be at the Festival Players in Prince Edward County, Ont., from July 27 - 30.