Guelph Museums will bring the drama following the return of backyard theatre at the McCrae House.
Starting the evening of August 19, residents can watch an in-person performance of A Night in Flanders behind McCrae House on Water Street. Performances will run until Aug. 28.
A Night in Flanders focuses on Dr. John “Jack” McCrae after he buried his friend, Lieutenant Alexis “Lex” Helmer, who was killed in action on May 2, 1915 in Belgium. Later that night, McCrae goes through a dream-like state, questioning life, love, conflict and duty, eventually writing the poem In Flanders Fields.
A full synopsis of the play can be found at guelphmuseums.ca.
Written by Don Macrae in 2015, A Night in Flanders was originally performed as a one-act play, but this year, the Guelph Museum said it is revisiting the play with a new take.
“We thought we should bring it back and look at it again telling this story...and the thoughts and feelings that John had,” said Val Harrison, supervisor of visitor experiences for the Guelph Museums.
Harrison mentions the museum normally holds these performances in July, but staff, actors and crew switched gears to do the shows in August.
“We have eight shows, six evening shows and two matinees,” said Harrison.
Since this is an outdoor event, participants are also advised to dress accordingly for the weather. Harrison adds in the event of inclement weather, the Guelph Museums have selected a couple of rain days for an afternoon or evening performance.
COVID-19 safety measures will also be in place, such as sanitizing your hands upon entry and masks.
Despite the safety measures, Harrison adds many are excited for the upcoming event.
“They love the idea that there is a place to experience live performances,” she said, “I know artists in the community are excited that they can even perform, but to do theatre as well, that is something special we can offer in the backyard.”
“The backyard is so lovely and enough space that we can do that, while giving the performers and stage enough space as well. We’ve had everyone, I think, quite comfortable in the setting.”
Tickets are available online with a maximum of 50 people allowed at each show.
