Clinton News-Record, 1985-5-8, Page 72Page 42
Festival pays tribute
World War 11 remains a livid memory
in many people's minds, the time in their
lives that will never be forgotten.
However, for younger generations war
has no realistic or personal meaning.
Stones from grandparents and parents,
history book accounts, photographs and
film provide the only connection and
understanding of war for many young
people.
This season the nationally acclaimed
Blyth Festival will premier a play that
looks at World War II, specifically the
relationship between a Dutch family and
Canadian soldiers.
The play, Polderland, is being produc-
ed to commemorate the 40th anniversary
of the end of World War II and the
Liberation of Holland by Canadian
soldiers.
Polderland is a tale of suspense and
adventure, set in Holland during WWII.
It tells the story of three Canadian
soldiers, caught behind enemy lines, who
take refuge in the Dutch farmhouse.
The play focuses on the relationship
that develops between the Dutch mother
and daughter and the Canadian soldiers.
It dwells on a small segment of time, and
on the lives of five people caught in the
clutches of international war.
Toronto playwright Bryan Wade, with
assistance from Blyth's artistic director
Katherine Kaszas are completing final
drafts on the screenplay.
Polderland is more than a play about
Holland in wartime, Bryan explains. It
endeavors to reach out to all people, to
give a universal statement about war.
"The play tells about how home and its
heart is violated by war," the playwright
says.
Katherine Kaszas has chosen
Polderland to open the 1985 season at the
Blyth Festival. She believes that the play
contains an important message and a
powerful storylme that will intake it a box
office success
She conunissioned the play to honor
the people who lived through the horrors
of World War 11, and to convey the story
to others Katherine notes that she
belongs to the generation that "doesn't
know about this life because we've never
been tested. The worst we've had to face
is the recession."
Katherine talks compassionately about
the Dutch people and the devestating ef-
fects of war on their homeland. She talics
about the limitations on their freedom,
their fear, their determination to sur-
vive.
-It took a great deal of courage to live
through World War II, and,then so many
of the people headed for a new life."
Polderland has touched the hearts of
Katherine Kaszas and Bryan Wade.
They've talked with Dutch immigrants in
the area, read history books, collected
memorabilia and information to extend
their knowledge of the Netherlands and
World War II.
Bryan says that he's read "tons of
books about Holland and Canada in the
war." He notes that the most fascinating
aspect of the development of Polderland
has been learning about Canada and the
role it played in World War I1.
The play aims to present a realistic,
meaningful portrayal of war time 1944,
from the stage setting to the language,
from the costumes to the historic facts.
Polderland promises to appeal to all age
groups and people of all national
backgrounds.
The play opens the 11th season of the
Blyth Festival on June 21. It runs until
August 22.
Polderland is one of five productions
being staged at the Blyth Festival this
season. The plays are diverse in theme
and story. They include comedy and
drama. Settings range from an old
garage in Ontario to a kitchen in Holland.
Yet the plays all share a common thread.
The artistic director explains, "All five
plays, while concerning people and
stories from across the country, reflect
the care and joys common to us all."
For More information on Polderland
and the 1984 Blyth Festival line-up of
plays, call the box office at 523-9300
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