Beyond VIMY – Multi-Media Stage Performance

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of construction of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Canada’s timeless monument to peace in France. Two hundred and fifty acres of the Vimy battlefield site was gifted to Canada by France in perpetuity in memory and thanks for Canada’s efforts in the first World War.

On Saturday, October 25th the premiere performance of the multi-media theatrical production Beyond VIMY will direct attention to this profound chapter of Canada’s heritage that pledged to remember and honour the lives that were lost in this struggle, rise above conflict, embrace forgiveness and strive for peace. The show will emphasize the importance of celebrating the past and future of Canadian sovereignty, unity and peace.

This 110-minute show (plus 20-minute intermission and black & white photography exhibition) will be anchored by the nationally recognized, Juno nominated, Canadian acoustic folk-roots band, The Fugitives. They will perform their moving stage production of Ridge, a powerful remembrance of the history and personalities associated with Vimy Ridge based on the songs and letters written by WWI soldiers who were there, in the first act. Songwriters Adrian Glynn and Brendan McLeod are joined by banjo player Chris Suen (Viper Central) and violinist Carly Frey (The Coal Porters).

Act two will feature members of the Victoria Philharmonic Choir under the direction of Peter Butterfield, Pipe Major Roger McGuire, cellist Amy Laing, acclaimed professional dancers Andrea Bayne and Peter Starr, plus black & white, fine-art photography by Blair Ketcheson of the Vimy Memorial in France, plus current music from The Fugitives latest album.

Tickets are available directly from the Mary Winspear Center, 2243 Beacon Ave, or by calling 250-656-0275. Produced by the Creatively United for the Planet non-profit society with support from the Gail O’Riordan Climate and the Arts Legacy Fund through the Victoria Foundation and Veteran’s Affairs.

BC Transit routes 70 and 72 can be taken from Victoria to the Mary Winspear Center in Sidney.