Canada at War

Widdifield’s drama troupe ‘The Company’ held a special viewing of their production ‘Canada at War’ Monday night to mark Remembrance Day and honour local veterans.

Canada at War is a touching one-act play that tells the stories of love, loss and triumph Canadian military men, women and their families experienced during the Second World War.

Taking and emotional walk down memory lane it was clear by the smiles and tears on the local veterans' faces it was mission accomplished for the student actors.

“I spent three and a half years in Germany I was posted there the songs that you sang tonight I tell ya brought tears to my eyes, because that’s what we used to sing in the mess hall all those songs, all those war songs I’m telling you it just brought back memories that had me with moist eyes,” on local veteran told the actors after the show.

“We’re losing our veterans 600 a month, so in very short time now there will be none of us left … so enjoy us while you can,” Lionel Murphy tells the students.

"You're all just great," Anne Van Gorder added.

The students were equally touched with the response they received from the veterans after the performance.

They all felt a sense of relief and noted they had a responsibility to capture the depth and emotion of what Canadians went through especially for the special audience members Monday night.

“We’re playing these people,” says Darren Summersby.

“It means so much that they (Vets) came to see us,” states Nick Boegel.

“It was difficult for some of us because we really didn’t know that much about the war but we learned a lot reading and watching movies about the war,” he notes.

“It means a lot that they were moved that’s an accomplishment,” adds Hawton.

Beaming with pride Jim Thompson told the parents in the theatre that they should be proud of what the students had accomplished with the play.

“Some vets think the kids don’t know … boy they sure do.”

The students will present the show to the public this Friday at 7pm.

Tickets are $12 in advance at the school 320 Ski Club Road, during school hours and $15 at the door.



The Company will be taking Canada at War to Nebraska in June 2014, for an international thespian showcase.