Journey’s End Punctuates a Year of Remembering WWI

The Senior School production, led by directors Alison Hart and Sarah Jessani, picked up in our centenary recognition of pivotal battles in Canada’s nation building with a rich multi-media approach to remembering history. 

The era was evoked by original music written by Emily Johnson’s senior music class. The acting talents of the cast even reflected the camaraderie of the soldiers with ensemble performances spearheaded by Daniel Raymond, Denis Miller, RJ Steele, Henry Gold, and Michael and Nicholas Vassos. The thoughtful performance of the soldiers in the trenches was given effective atmospheric support with authentic projections, sophisticated lighting effects and a soundscape that made the theatre tremble at the climactic conclusion as reluctant heroes grapple with the effects of violent war.

There were three performances, including a special matinee for the Grade 7s, who have been studying World War I since the beginning of November. Grade 7 teacher Stephen Dame said the timing was perfect for the students to see the play. 

“They were able to see living, breathing people in WWI uniforms and not just look at photos,” he said. “It allowed them to put human faces to the idea of trench raids, which made it more than just concepts we talked about in class.” 

Ryan Shum, Class of 2023, enjoyed the play and thought the seniors did a great job. 

“I thought the play showed very accurately how the trenches were in the war, not just what the government wants you to believe,” he said. “It showed you how war breaks people, how horrible war can be, how bad the food was. There were also points of humour in it and some very intense points in it too. Overall, it seemed very accurate.”