After successful runs in Toronto, Dinner With Goebbels is coming to the drama room at Centre Wellington District High School (CWDHS).
Playwrite, psychiatrist and peace activist Mark Leith imagines a dinner party for three, hosted by Karl Rove, creator of the “War on Terror” campaign. Rove was the public relations advisor to George W. Bush.
The guest of honour is Edward Bernays, nephew of Sigmund Freud and inventor of the profession of public relations, a more acceptable term than “propaganda.” Bernays is possibly best known for his orchestration under false pretenses of the U.S. Invasion of Guatemala on behalf of his client, the United Fruit Co. of America to secure their banana plantations.
A third person, also a disciple of Edward Bernays, sits at the table. This is Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi Minister of Propaganda who was able to rouse the German people to invade Europe and to support the “Final Solution,” the extermination of European Jews.
The stated reason for the dinner is to honour Bernays as the father of PR and celebrate their achievements. Rove however, has another agenda.
The play will be presented at CWDHS on Oct. 18. An afternoon performance will be exclusively for students. Prior to the event, the drama and social justice teachers will discuss the play with students. Some students will assist with technical aspects. There will be a “Q and A” session with the actors and director after each performance.
The evening performance at 7:30pm is open to the general public. Tickets are $20 at the door or from sponsors, or $21 at www.dinnerwithgoebbelsfergus.eventbrite.ca. For more information visit facebook.com/dinnerwithgoebbels or call 519-787-0461. Proceeds to the Centre Wellington Food Bank. Elora Fergus Unitarian Universalist Church, Whole Village Ecovillage and Centre Wellington Social Justice Group are sponsoring agencies.
