Jake’s Gift is a surprisingly funny drama that tells the story of a Canadian World War II veteran who reluctantly returns to Normandy for the 60th anniversary of D-Day.
The story follows a veteran as he revisits the beach he landed on 60 years earlier. Jake meets Isabelle, a precocious 10-year-old from the local village. Her inquisitive nature and charm challenge the old soldier to confront some long-ignored ghosts — like the war-time death of his eldest brother Chester, a once promising young musician.
Julia Mackey wrote the play and brings to life four different characters.
In 2004, Mackey make the trek to Normandy, France, for the 60th anniversary of D-Day. During that eight-day journey, she interviewed dozens of Canadian, British and American veterans who had returned for the ceremonies.
The stories they shared with Julia and her own life-long interest in World War II inspired the development of the play.
Catch the award-winning production at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Friday, Oct. 7 at 8 p.m, 604-391-SHOW (7469) or www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca