Carbonear drama reflects on life at home during war

Every story has two sides.

In 2015's For King and Country, writer and director Leslie Forward focused on the plights and everyday lives of the men and women serving abroad during the First World War.

This year, she penned The Home Front, a musical drama which reflects upon the uncertainties and insecurities of those who remain at home during war time.

"Last year's [play] showed the war from the experience of two soldiers who experienced the war," said Forward, who is also directing the production.

"This time, it's not those who actually experienced the war, but the affects of the war." 

The Home Front touches upon family life in rural outport Newfoundland during war time — the crushing economic pressures, the agonizing lack of reliable information from the battlefield, and the fervent and prayerful hope that loved ones would one day return home safely.

It also chronicles government official's response at crucial moments during the war, such as the defeat at Beaumont-Hamel.

Draws on local history

As with For King and Country, Forward drew from a variety of local history sources while writing The Home Front, so that the drama is not only moving, but historically accurate — a living snap shot of Newfoundland circa 1914-1918.

Audience members might just hear their own family histories relayed on the stage.

The cast, many of whom starred in last year's For King and Country, includes around 15 locals ranging from age eight to 84, with an additional stage crew of about five.

Wayne Penny, who plays the part of an outport father during the First World War, said that the production has both history and heart.

"It gives you a history lesson … a lot of things I had forgotten about, and most people in the audience will relate to what it was like at the home front here in Newfoundland when World War I was on, with all the worries and the problems, and the breakup of the family unit that was so important."

Dana Sellers, who is acting in the drama alongside with her daughter Rebecca, said that she was able to closely identify with the mother she plays on stage.

"How did these mothers actually feel when they have their own children, young boys, fighting for us? There was no communication, and that was a big thing for me. Your son went over there and you didn't know where they were. You really didn't."

"It's really great to have someone who can bring one side of the story and other side of the story … it's so important to know your Newfoundland history," added Rebecca Sellers.

The purpose of remembering

Forward says that the purpose of these productions is to honor and remember those who have fought for our freedoms.

"I'm a historian at heart, and I think we have to learn from what went on in the past," said Forward.

"I think we have to learn better ways to do things. I think we have a knowledge of what happened in the past so we can build on that, and hopefully improve it … we don't glorify war, we want to remember what happened, so we can honour those who served. But we can also, hopefully, change things, and learn to settle wars with our minds, with our voices, with our hearts, instead of with weapons."

The Home Front will be performed on Nov. 4 at the Princess Shelia NaGeria Theatre in Carbonear.