Imagine a hushed auditorium, the curtain rises, and the spotlight hits the stage – a group of students at St. John’s College are about to transport you to different corners of the globe, all united by a common theme: homelessness. Their rendition of Jerome McDonough’s “Blues” is not just an artistic endeavor but a heartfelt pledge to their community.
You might wonder, why a 45-minute play on such a somber topic? Well, the plot thickens as these students had initially tailored their performance for the Ontario National Theatre School DRAMAFEST competition. Now, does this sound like your standard school play? Think again.
Their director, Chard, shared a nugget that’s sure to crack a smile: “We were asked during the competition about our plans if we progressed. We dreamt of this performance doubling as a fundraiser. Although we didn’t clinch the top spot, we thought, why not still make a difference?” And, so they will.
As the doors swing open at 6:30 p.m. this Wednesday, with tickets at a humble $5 or a kind offering of two non-perishable items, each person walks in not just as an audience member, but as a contributor to a greater cause. The collective heartbeat of the community grows stronger with each seat filled.
In a twist that would make even a Dickensian character beam with pride, all proceeds and donations from this poignant production will bolster the resources of Nova Vita Domestic Violence Services and the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank in Brantford.
So, the question beckons: Will you be part of this narrative that blends art with altruism?
