Can young love withstand the weight of centuries of bitter conflict and the looming threat of war?
Douglas College’s latest production explores that question with the Canadian premiere of Heritage, by Nicola McCartney.
Students in the department of theatre and the department of stagecraft and event technology are present the play, which focuses on Irish native Sarah McCrea, who arrives in Canada in 1914. On the threshold of womanhood and facing a future in a new country, Sarah and her family – who come from Northern Ireland – make their way in Saskatchewan. Sarah is quickly drawn to her neighbour, a southern Irishman named Michael Donoghue.
But the conflict in Ireland between Imperialists and the Irish Republican Army seeps into their relationship as the looming threat of the First World War causes tension.
“In Saskatchewan, history, politics and religion meet and clash,” said director Deborah Neville in a press release. “The two families stoke old fires with the heat and intensity of their heritage.”
Heritage is told through Sarah’s memories as she struggles against politics, religion, the sexual norms of the time and her inability to have a voice, as she’s forced to choose between what’s expect of her and forging her own path.
The student cast includes New Westminster’s Ellen Wakely, along with Jiana Gonzales, Christian Krushel, Timothy Lim, John Adams Rejala and Elizabeth Trottier.
Heritage runs Nov. 9 to 16 at the Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre at Douglas College’s New Westminster campus, 700 Royal Ave.
Tickets are $20 general admission, and $10 for seniors, students, matinees and Talkback Tuesdays. For tickets and showtimes, see heritage.brownpapertickets.com.
