On Nov. 10, at 7:30pm, in commemoration of Remembrance Day, the Acton Town Hall Centre is presenting In Word and In Song … We Remember featuring the Georgetown Choral Society.
This event brings the evocative letters of a young Second World War soldier to life, underscored and highlighted by the life-giving music of this terrible time, officials say.
The letters, written by Roy Freeland of Roblin Manitoba, take the listener on a journey from the last years of the depression into the war. Freeland was the son of an Irish immigrant. As a green Lance-Corporal, Freeland is assigned to the inventories of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals in England. His often lyrical memories of home mix homesickness and humour with the realities of war.
The letters were written to Connie Offen, a Roblin school teacher, and will be read by her daughter, writer and producer Linda Sword, a resident of Nassagaweya.
The Georgetown Choral Society, under the direction of Christopher Dawes, will heighten the theatricality of the presentation with popular songs which complement the text and connect this individual encounter with the shared experience of the Depression and Second World War.
From a cross-section of First and Second World War songs such as Brother Can You Spare a Dime? and The White Cliffs of Dover to an illustrative screen presentation and thoughtful reading, the evening will transport listeners to that era of hardship, loss and longing. There will also be a couple of opportunities for everyone to sing along with the choir.
Acting artistic director Christopher Dawes says, “The Georgetown Choral Society has always found great satisfaction in supporting its community’s Remembrance Day observances through music, and it is a special privilege to join this unique theatrical program in the beautiful Acton Town Hall.”
The concept of this special program was championed by Anne and Lloyd McIntrye who have been developing imaginative programming for the Acton Town Hall for several years. John Cripton, impresario and producer based in Nassagaweya, has shaped the visual elements and is providing stage direction for the production.
Tickets for the production are $20 and are available at Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce; Acton Branch Halton Hills Library; Tanners Restaurant; Acton Optical; and at the door.
There will be a cash bar available.
