Artistic Director Gil Garratt: All Things Donnellys, Part 1

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In the wee small hours of February 4, 1880, an angry mob descended on a farmstead in Lucan.  An hour later, five people were dead, and the farmhouse was in flames. 

This shocking piece of Canadian history – known as the Donnelly Massacres – was first dramatized in a trio of plays written by James Reaney in the 1970s. All three shows have been abridged and updated by Blyth Festival Artistic Director Gil Garratt, and appear in rep this summer at the Blyth Festival.

Today Gil shares his thoughts on why this troubling story is even more relevant in today’s climate of political polarization and factionalism. He also walks us through the actual history of the Donnelly family, and offers some insights into how a nation’s character is revealed through its art.

The Blyth Festival is 2.5 hours west of Toronto | 1.800.862.5284 | [e-mail]

★★★★★  "No theatre lover should miss it!"

"The chances of seeing The Donnellys: A Trilogy are so rare, much less in such a beautifully acted and directed production, that no one with an interest in Canadian drama should let the chance go by to see it. Indeed, it is such a great work that no theatre lover in general should miss it."
                                                                                                                      - Ontario Stage

The Donnellys: A Trilogy is sponsored by Carlyle Peterson LLP and The Good Foundation, with additional support from Donnelly Murphy Lawyers and Blyth Legion 420 & Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

Thanks to all of you, to Bruce Power, our New Play Development sponsor, and to all Members of the Blyth Festival. We couldn't do it without you!

Credits: Research/writing/host: Joanne Wallace | Sound production/editing: Jim Park | Incidental music: Doug Peterman, Sean Purdy, Eleanor Plunkett, composer Emmett Cooke via Shockwave-Sound.com | Theme © Kevin MacLeod Achaidh Cheide, licensed under CC BY 3.0