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Drama Canadian

Vimy

by (author) Vern Thiessen

Publisher
Playwrights Canada Press
Initial publish date
Dec 2017
Category
Canadian, World War I
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781770918306
    Publish Date
    Dec 2017
    List Price
    $17.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781770918320
    Publish Date
    Dec 2017
    List Price
    $12.99
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780887547812
    Publish Date
    Mar 2008
    List Price
    $17.95

Classroom Resources

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Description

France, 1917. Four wounded Canadian soldiers recover in a field hospital in the wake of the battle for Vimy Ridge, waiting to find out where they’ll be sent next: back home or back to the front. Along with a young nurse from Nova Scotia, they share their stories, reasons for fighting, and treasured memories. In Vimy, Governor General’s Literary Award–winner Vern Thiessen brings us a classic play that is not about war, but a reflection of the everyday lives of soldiers—their hopes and their dreams—and how actions can define individuals and nations.

In the brand-new piece Bluebirds, Thiessen brings to light the stories of three Canadian nurses who crossed oceans to take care of others in the war. Bonding over their duties and patients, the nurses keep up a positive atmosphere, even as the front line draws closer to their field hospital.

About the author

Vern Thiessen is one of Canada's most produced playwrights. His plays have been seen across Canada, the UK, United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, and have been translated into five languages. His works include Of Human Bondage, Vimy, Einstein's Gift (Governor General's Literary Award winner), Lenin's Embalmers (Governor General's Literary Award finalist), Apple, and Shakespeare's Will. He has been produced off-Broadway five times. Vern is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Dora and Sterling awards for Outstanding New Play, The Carol Bolt Award, the Gwen Pharis Ringwood Award, the City of Edmonton Arts Achievement Award, the University of Alberta Alumni Award of Excellence, The Canadian Jewish Playwriting Competition, and the Governor General's Literary Award for Drama, Canada's highest honour for a playwright. He was also a finalist for the Siminovich Prize in Playwriting. Vern received his B.A. from the University of Winnipeg and an M.F.A. from the University of Alberta. He has served as president of both the Playwrights Guild of Canada and the Writers Guild of Alberta. For six years he served as Artistic Director of Workshop West Playwrights Theatre, one of Canada's leading new play companies. He is married to acclaimed screenwriter and novelist Susie Moloney.

Vern Thiessen's profile page

Awards

  • Winner, CAA Carol Bolt Award

Editorial Reviews

“This play cuts through the accrued nationalist mythos, offering a gritty, personal and complex look at the soldiers and nurses who were forever changed by this event.” —Jordan Bimm, NOW Magazine

"A victory of a play." —Globe and Mail

"A powerful and moving piece of theatre." —Edmonton Sun

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