A poignant story of love, loss and post-war survival comes to the Kelowna stage for three days this November.
Liberation Days, written by Calgary playwright David van Belle, revisits Canadian soldiers香蕉视频直播� liberation of the Netherlands香蕉视频直播� from years of Nazi occupation during the Second World War.
In the weeks that follow, a Dutch woman and Canadian soldier fall in love and try to forge a new life together despite both having pasts that desperately want them back.
Presented by Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 and directed by Kendra Hesketh, Liberation Days runs Nov. 8 to 10 in the Mary Irwin Theatre.
香蕉视频直播淚t is a love story and a story of survival and how people persevere when they have lost everything,香蕉视频直播� says Bonnie Gratz, New Vintage Theatre香蕉视频直播檚 artistic director.
Emma and her mother have sold everything, have gone hungry, have seen others ally themselves with the Germans just to survive.
When the liberators arrive, 香蕉视频直播渢here香蕉视频直播檚 a strong kinship, of course, but for some, also a little animosity,香蕉视频直播� Gratz says, explaining that while the Canadians bring a 香蕉视频直播渂right, shining hope香蕉视频直播� to many, for others, they also highlight everything that has been lost.
Performed across Canada, the play香蕉视频直播檚 Kelowna premiere is timely as the Okanagan prepares to mark Remembrance Day, Gratz says, noting some of those liberating soldiers would have hailed from the region.
香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 our story 香蕉视频直播� it香蕉视频直播檚 a Canadian story 香蕉视频直播� and that makes it even more meaningful, I think.香蕉视频直播�
Message remains meaningful today
While a poignant piece of history, Liberation Days has much to say about Canada香蕉视频直播檚 continued efforts in the world, and how globally we all continue to need each other, Gratz suggests.
香蕉视频直播淲hen we think of war, we often think of a set number of years 香蕉视频直播� but we don香蕉视频直播檛 always think about the after-effects. The experience shapes their lives in both positive and negative ways and it shapes who they become,香蕉视频直播� she reflects, suggesting that a commitment to rebuilding after conflict 香蕉视频直播� to understanding the human cost 香蕉视频直播� is vital. 香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 the investment Canada is making to make sure countries and their people are built up for the future.香蕉视频直播�
Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 connection
Complementing the on-stage performances, New Vintage Theatre has also partnered with the Kelowna Museums, which will bring a variety of related displays to the lobby, and the Kelowna-Veendam Sister City Association, which supports cultural exchange between the Okanagan and the Netherlands, in recognition of the role played by Kelowna troops in the liberation of Holland.
Tickets and details
Tickets for this beautiful tale of humanity and hope are $25 adults, $20 students, seniors and members, and $15 veterans. The minimum age is 12 years.
, or call the Rotary Centre for the Arts box office at 250-717-5304.