‘The War Show’ Engages Audiences While Honoring Midland’s Military Legacy

The Huronia Players’ production of The War Show, running until November 9, 2023, at the Midland Cultural Centre, immerses audiences in the military history of Midland, Ontario. The play not only showcases the experiences of young Canadian soldiers but also features an interactive component that connects attendees with local military history.

This week, a special preview event was held for active and retired military members, featuring historical displays curated by the local Royal Canadian Legion, the Canadian Museum of Water, and the Huronia Museum. Participants were invited to engage in a question-and-answer session with the director and cast, enhancing their connection to both the performance and the military narratives it represents.

Art and History Intertwined

A notable highlight of the event was a mural created by military artist Don Ward, a member of the Canadian Association of Veterans and United Nations Peacekeeping. His artwork, part of a larger initiative titled “Bringing Their Faces Into The Light,” displayed detailed statistics on the flower-class corvette H.M.C.S. Midland and the Sopwith Baby fighter craft, along with profiles of ten personnel associated with the region.

“I am a huge proponent of remembrance,” Ward stated. “What people don’t realize is that nothing is without sacrifice – and if that mural shows sacrifice, it gets the message across.” His previous work included a comprehensive project featuring 284 portraits at Peacekeeper’s Park in Angus. Ward aims to shed light on the personal stories behind those who served, explaining that, “when one soldier dies, usually 20 people are affected… and they get forgotten.”

Ward is already planning his next venture, which involves creating a large-scale memorial in collaboration with Simcoe County to honor nearly 2,400 veterans and 5,000 living veterans. His commitment to uncovering stories of those not represented on cenotaphs underscores his dedication to keeping their memories alive.

Community Engagement and Remembrance

The event also featured contributions from local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion, where members viewed Ward’s artwork alongside other displays from the Canadian Museum of Water. “We’re calling this ‘Waves of Valour’,” said Dan Travers, executive director of the museum. He emphasized the significant contributions of Midland and the southern Georgian Bay community during the World Wars, particularly focusing on sailors and shipbuilders, both men and women, who played critical roles in the war effort.

Physical memorabilia and digital exhibits drew interest from attendees, including David Hart, sergeant-at-arms for Victoria Harbour Legion Branch 523. Hart, a veteran with over 40 years in the Navy, expressed his surprise at the historical context provided by the displays. “This is of great interest to me because I did not know – I’m actually a fairly good historian with regards to the Navy, but this I was not aware of,” he remarked.

The War Show itself highlights the journeys of young soldiers as they leave home to confront the challenges of war. Director Ron Payne reflected on the impact of the event, stating, “I’m doing this play to salute the men and women who served, and it’s a great story.” He noted the significance of the exhibits in bringing the community together to honor those who have served, enhancing the theatrical experience with real historical context.

The spotlight also shone on RCSCC Trillium Lieutenant (Navy) Lisa Huvers, who expressed her gratitude for participating in the production. “I think it’s really important to have an active interaction between community members, service members, and everything that will support each other,” she said.

As The War Show continues through November 9, audiences will not only engage with a compelling narrative but also reflect on the profound sacrifices made by those in the military and the community’s role in supporting them. Tickets and additional information are available through the Huronia Players’ website.