Times Advocate, 1995-02-01, Page 28Page 28 Times -Advocate, February 1,1995
Creating monsters inside our children
ur reaction to potential sexual abuse of children theme of All Fall Down
By Heather Vincent
T -A staff
LONDON - Set in a small city in
Nova Scotia, All Fall Down, a dra-
ma by Wendy Lill could be any
town in Canada facing the threat of
child abuse.
The play, nominated for a 1994
Governor -Generals Award, deals
with the guilt associated with leav-
ing a young child at daycare and
the fear of potential abuse, and is
playing now at London's Grand
Theatre until Febibary I I.
The set is divided by a clear plas-
tic film which serves as a two way
mirror through which children are
observed at play. On the far side of
the film is a projection television
which flashes media images which
help shape our perceptions of the
world.
All Fall Down explores the chain
of events which follow
conclusion that her
son has been sexual-
ly abused at a local
daycare.
Molly Brewer,
played by Soo Ga-
ray, a single mother,
is convinced that her
son's description of
"slithering snakes"
and other disturbing
images are more than a boy's nat-
ural fascination with creepy crawl-
ers.
Rather than recognizing the im-
pact significant changes have had
a mother's
on her son Chad, Molly focuses her
energies outward.
Armed with a record of deviant
behaviour, Molly begin sessions
with Child Protection
Agency worker, Stewart
Conners, played by Roy
Lewis.
Like Molly, Stewart
has his own agenda.
His commitment to help
children stems from the
childhood rape of his
sister which he was
powerless to strike hack
against. Stewart says that he would
rather "err of the side of the chil-
dren."
Through Chad's memories un-
` I'd rather.
err on the
side of the
children."
Back in Time...
By Ross Haugh from the archives of
the Exeter Times Advocate
10 YEARS AGO
January 30, 1985 - Construction of the new nursing home on John
street in Exeter could be underway ill about six months as owner
Tom Kanamphuza has received permission from the Ontario Minis-
try of Health to transfer 30 nursing home beds from Seaforth to Ex-
eter.
Huron Tractor, Exeter's John Deere dealership celebrates its 25th
anniversary this week with their IOth annual farm industry show.
25 YEARS AGO
February 5, 1970 - Fire hit two homes in the district during the
past week.
Shortly after receiving the resignation of clerk -treasurer Lorne
Clemas, Grand Bend council has named Miss Penny Martel of
Thedford as the new clerk -treasurer and tax collector. Clemas took
over January 1 from Murray A. Desjardins who held the position for
many years.
The 1970 Exeter Fall Fair will be held this year on Friday and Sat-
urday, September 25 and 26. Last year these dates were switched
from the usual Wednesday and Thursday. Stephen township farmer
Donald Dearing is the new fair president.
40 YEARS AGO
February 4, 1955 -Organization of an aircraft observation group in
Exeter as part of the civil defence program is being considered by
the Exeter Legion branch.
Emerson Erb of Zurich and Gilbert Dow Jr., Exeter were named
directors of the Huron County Whole Milk Producers at a meeting
in Clinton Tuesday.
50 YEARS AGO
February 5, 1945 - Czar Harness, a former Exeter boy, the thir-
teenth reeve of Point Edward has been named Warden of Lambton
County.
Harold Holtzmann, who is with the RCNVR, broke his ankle at
sea and is now in the Royal Navy Hospital at Ireland Island, Bermu-
da.
Mr. Ben Williams and son Roland have purchased the fine brick
residence of Mrs. Thomas Harvey on Andrew street.
75 YEARS AGO
February 3, 1920 - A large gathering of women from all parts of
the town responded to the invitation given by the ladies in charge of
the tea held at the home of Reeve and Mrs. Beavers on Wednesday
afternoon last.
Mr. John Woods of town has disposed of his 100 acre farm in Us -
borne township, located on the St. Marys road to Mr. R. Skinner of
town.
Mr. Archie Davis left Wednesday for Ingersoll to learn linotype
operating.
100 YEARS AGO
February 3, 1895 - At Sodom on Wednesday there will be an open
meeting to debate the subject of prohibition. Speakers for prohibi-
tion will be Wm. Harris, John Carrick and Silas Stanlake Jr. while
the speakers against will be C. Prouty, Silas Stanlake Sr. and J.
Sweet.
The ice houses in the town are being rapidly filled and if the cold
weather continues a day or two longer there will be no lack of ice
next summer and the quality is excellent.
Saw mon than monnyl
Every twee you use a Cash for Kids capon
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end's Perinatal,
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OI OCER, INDUSTRY FOUNDATION TOGETHER
covered during sessions, Stewart
begins to piece together a puzzle.
Chad reveals that other children
may be involved in the what Molly
believes is sexual abuse by Annie
Boland, an employee at the day-
care. The "stick in the mud group"
are children who remain alone at
the daycare with Annie while the
others are gone on daily excursions.
Parents of these children become
convinced that they have been
abused.
Rumors from the daycare put tre-
mendous stress on a family who is
divided over the issue of abuse.
Emma Grady takes her son Rory to
see Stewart without telling her hus-
hand who is believes that Annie is
innocent. Whether or not Rory was
abused, the whole family suffers as
a result of mounting evidence and
speculation.
The children in All Fall Down
are subordinate to the quest to re-
veal what happened at the daycare.
The audience never sees a child,
only hears the voices of children.
They are present, but remain be-
hind the scenes.
All Fall Down does not resolve
whether or not sexual abuse has
taken place. Rather, the play ex-
plores our reaction to the possibil-
ity of abuse and the consequences
of making our children victims.
Stewart wonders it in all our ef-
fort to help children and protect
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