It has been 10 years since B.C.-based actress and playwright Julia Mackey wrote and presented the first staged reading of her multi-award-winning play, Jake’s Gift. The first performances of this 10th anniversary season will take place at Roberts Creek Hall on Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 1 at 2:30 p.m.
Directed by Dirk Van Stralen, this 65-minute, one-act, one-woman show tells the story of a Canadian Second World War veteran who reluctantly returns to Juno Beach to find the grave of the brother who never came home. It has been described as a surprisingly funny drama and has drawn rave reviews. Jake’s Gift was inspired by the playwright’s own journey to Normandy, France, for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day in June 2004.
But why did she become interested in this topic? It started with a character creation workshop that she and partner Van Stralen gave in 2002, she told the Coast Reporter.
“I began to create a story about a veteran but I didn’t know his voice,” she said. When she heard about the 60th anniversary of D-Day taking place in Normandy, she knew she had to go.
“While there I was watching, listening and recording what I was hearing from the veterans.” Jake came alive – he’s 80 years old and he is the key character along with a 10-year-old girl, a grandmother and a teacher. Each character has a distinct voice and Mackey switches back and forth quickly to play all parts.
“I didn’t expect that we would be doing this so long,” she said.
The play is recommended for ages 10 to 110. Following the performance, Jake’s Gift button packages will be on sale for $5 per package with 100 per cent of the profits donated to Roberts Creek Legion Branch 219. Since 2010, Juno Productions has raised $37,000 for Legions and Poppy Trust Funds across Canada. Tickets are $20 each or $15 for RCCA members (discount for one ticket when you show your Creeker Card). Tickets are available at Ambrosia Organic Living on Roberts Creek Road and IGA Stores in Wilson Creek and Gibsons.
