Some local faces will be front and centre at the National Theatre School (NTS) Drama Festival at the end of May.
After winning multiple awards at the district and regional level, the Wallaceburg District Secondary School (WDSS) drama club has made history as the first group in the festival's 80-year history to represent the school at the provincial level.
The club's featured play The Way Home was titled Outstanding Production at both the Lambton-Kent District School Board District Festival and the South Regional Festival. Several WDSS students also earned individual awards for their performances.
At the district level, Sunny Gamble, Abby Douglas-Blair, and Ely Hazen won an award for their comedic "duck trio." Angel Williams was also presented an acting award. At the regional awards, Oliver Gray earned the Award of Excellence for Comedic Performance. The entire WDSS Ensemble also won the Award for Comedic Performance.
The Way Home was written by WDSS Indigenous Graduation Coach Tyler White in collaboration with the student ensemble, who helped shape the characters, themes, and scenes.
The play follows the journey of Newt, a young girl who has escaped from a residential school, and her return home to reunite with her father, also a residential school survivor. According to the LKDSB, the play includes Anishinaabe teachings and traditional Indigenous stories throughout.
The Way Home will open the NTS Drama Festival on May 20 at York University in Toronto.
A fundraiser performance will be held on May 14 at Wallaceburg District Secondary School. The doors will open at 6 p.m., the show will begin at 7 p.m., with proceeds going to support their trip to the festival. Donations can also be made here.
