February 24, 2004 - 4:00pm
Nanaimo residents over the age of 86 may recall the Spanish Flu - the worst pandemic to strike this community and the world in 1918.
In fact, Lorraine Bonar is one of them. She was two years old when her father (Michael Wilkinson) nearly died of the disease. "My mother saved his life," said Bonar. "He was shivering one minute and hot the next. She piled blankets and a small mat on top of him, and fed him straight rum. Fortunately, he sweated out the fever."
Many others in Nanaimo and around the world weren't so lucky. The pandemic swept the globe during the last days of World War I, killing 30 to 40 million people.
The Spanish Flu and its devastating impact on small communities is the subject of Malaspina University-College's spring production of the award-winning Canadian play, Unity (1918), which opens at Malaspina Theatre on March 4.
"This subtle but powerful play teaches us how to address loss and hardships and how to find courage and connection with one another in the face of extreme challenges," said guest director Nelson Gray.
Written by Vancouver playwright Kevin Kerr, the play focuses on a small Saskatchewan town called Unity battling the Spanish influenza in 1918. The virus struck quickly, targeted young healthy adults, and often killed within hours of its onset. With SARS, the Bird Flu, West Nile, and other viruses threatening lives today, the subject matter is particularly relevant, said Gray.
Gray, a resident of Gabriola Island who is currently working toward his PhD in directing at the University of Victoria, said he's impressed with the professionalism displayed by Malaspina theatre students.
"They're a strong ensemble of student actors committed to this particular play," said Gray. "Unity (1918) has the unique ability to address universal issues, and to establish continuity and connection between generations. The play underscores the essential humanity that connects all of us."
Unity (1918) runs from March 4 through 13 at Malaspina Theatre. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $10 for students and seniors. Matinee shows are Monday to Friday, March 8 through 12 at 12:30 pm. Evening performances are March 4 to 6 and March 11 to 13 at 8 pm. For reservations call 740-6100.
Tags: In the Community
