Award-winning play set to take centre stage to commemorate 100th Anniversary of First World War

Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War award-winning author’s play is set to take centre stage this month.

The Governor General Award-Winning play, The Wars, based on Timothy Findley’s book will be taking centre stage at the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario.

Grand Theatre’s Artistic Director, Dennis Garnhum, says Timothy Findley was one of the greatest people he has ever worked with.

“He was intensely patriotic, and his passion for Canada was extraordinary. When he talked about this novel, he reminded me that we all live many wars in our lives, and it is how we navigate them that defines us.”  Dennis said in the press release.

Timothy Findley’s The Wars is intense and powerful. It follows a young man from his family home in Toronto, to the fields of France, and through great storytelling, it reminds the audience of the sacrifices of our soldiers in the “war to end all wars.”

The show’s set will use 4,000 poppies handcrafted by veterans and volunteers during a local community event in September. The event was in partnership with the St. Joseph’s Health Care London’s Parkwood Institute, and each poppy will be proudly displayed on stage during the shows run from October 23 through November 11.

“Many of our Veterans have so much pride, and they appreciated the opportunity to recognize their fallen comrades,” said Doreen Campbell, veterans arts instructor in the press release.

Throughout the showing of Timothy Findley’s The Wars, the Grand Theatre will be hosting other events during the production’s three-week run.

THE WORLD REMEMBERS Exhibit – October 23 to November 11

The World Remembers is described as a powerful, unique, and Canadian-led expression of remembrance and reconciliation marking the centenary of the First World War. The project respects the losses on both sides of the conflict and looks to the future with hope and understanding.

The Grand is honoured to display this exhibit, which recognizes the name of each of the 1,0003,167 soldiers, nurses, and other military personnel from Canada and allied nations that participated and perished during the war. The display will be featured in the Grand’s lobby throughout the run of the play.

This project was created by Canadian actor and Governor General’s Performing Arts Award winner R.H. Thomson and his production partner, lighting designer Martin Conboy.

Other Events at the Grand Theatre this fall

Forces night at the Grand

On October 25 The Grand Theatre is proud to host a Forces Night. The evening will begin at 7:30 pm and will bring together  Veterans, as well as, those currently serving in the National Defence and CAF. Tickets are available at a 25 per cent discount to active military and Veterans. To purchase tickets contact Monica Hodgson, sales and partnership manager at[email protected]or 519-672-9030 ext. 291.

The Walrus Talks Remembrance

The Walrus Talks Remembrance is a collaboration between The Grand Theatre and Western University. This national speaker series comes to the Grand for the first time and will take place on the Spriet Stage on Monday, November 5, at 7 p.m…  The evening will explore the nature of how our minds work, how memories define us, and how the past can shape the future. Artists, writers, business leaders, and others will give their own unique perspectives on remembrance. Tickets are $14.50. Learn more about the event at grandtheatre.com/event/walrus-talks-remembrance.

Enhance Your Experience

New to the Grand Theatre this season is the Wednesday Speak Easy series. Following each Wednesday performance on the Spriet Stage and McManus Stage, patrons can extend their theatre experience and get closer to the artists with exclusive talks, casual conversations, and spontaneous happenings in the relaxed atmosphere of the Poster Lounge or McManus Lounge.