It’s been 60 years since the end of the Korean War and local theatre company Vision Theatre Productions is commemorating the anniversary with a stage production of M*A*S*H in support of the Groves Hospital Foundation.
Based on the 1970 movie, mixed with the comedic genius of the 1972 to 1983 television series, M*A*S*H captures life at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) during the Korean War, which is called “the forgotten war” by some, as it is often overshadowed by the remembrance of the First and Second World Wars.
Canada, however, played a significant role during the conflict, with 512 volunteer soldiers losing their lives. Following the end of hostilities in 1953, Canadian soldiers remained in Korea for three years to assist with rebuilding and reestablishing peace.
The play takes a satirical and serious look at life inside a MASH unit.
All the favourite characters from the original series are featured in the stage production, including Hawkeye, Duke, Trapper, Frank Burns and Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan.
Also making an appearance will be several local doctors from Groves Memorial Community Hospital, who will have special walk-on roles during each performance.
“We wanted to get the community involved in this production,” said Vision Theatre Productions executive producer Fred Morris.
“We wanted to honour the memories of those that served in a way that allowed everyone in the community to be a part of the giving.”
As the curtain opens on the stage of the Fergus Grand Theatre, audiences will be taken back in time to 1950s Korea.
The nurses tent, operating room, mess tent and of course ‘The Swamp’ have all been recreated to capture the essence of the M*A*S*H audiences will remember.
MASH units played a crucial part in reducing the number of casualties during the conflict, offering immediate aid to wounded soldiers that was unavailable in previous wars.
Statistics at the time showed that soldiers who reached a MASH unit had a 97 per cent chance of survival following treatment.
Countless hours of work and research went into creating the set and finding props.
“We really wanted the audience to feel like they were in a MASH unit,” said Denise Gismondi who is returning as director for Vision Theatre Productions.
Every little detail has been recreated – from the still Hawkeye and Trapper used to brew their own alcohol to the radio equipment used for alerting doctors and nurses of incoming wounded.
The cast of more than 30 has been working since the summer on their roles to give audiences a fun and heart-warming theatre experience. Officials say there is now a family atmosphere on the set.
“They have had to work together much like the nurses and doctors would have had to in a real MASH unit. It’s a real team effort from start to finish,” said Gismondi.
In addition to working with Groves hospital, Vision Theatre Productions has also partnered with the Fergus Legion to put on a dinner before the Saturday evening performance.
Audiences will have a chance to enjoy a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings before heading down to the show.
M*A*S*H runs from Nov. 7 to 10 at the Fergus Grand Theatre. For tickets call 519-787-1981 or visit www.fergusgrandtheatre.ca.
To learn more about Vision Theatre Productions visit www.visiontheatreproductions.com.
