The Lambton Kent District School Board is celebrating a milestone achievement by the Wallaceburg District Secondary School drama club after the group earned a place at the National Theatre School Drama Festival provincial showcase for the first time in the festival’s 80-year history.
Following wins for Outstanding Production at both the district and South Regional festivals, the cast and crew of “The Way Home” will represent Wallaceburg District Secondary School when the festival opens May 20 at York University in Toronto. The showcase runs through May 23.
The original play was written by Tyler White in collaboration with the student ensemble. The story honours White’s grandfather, an Ojibwe man from Bkejwanong Territory, who escaped the Mohawk Institute Residential School at the age of 13. His experiences and resilience form the foundation of the production.
Students worked alongside White throughout the development process, helping shape the script, characters and themes. The play follows a young girl named Newt as she escapes the Mohawk Institute and journeys home, guided by animals representing Anishinaabe teachings. Traditional stories are woven throughout, culminating in Newt’s return to her father, also a residential school survivor.
Several students were recognized for their performances during the festival circuit. At the district level, Sunny Gamble, Abby Douglas-Blair and Ely Hazen received an award for their comedic “duck trio,” while Angel Williams earned an acting award. At the regional level, Oliver Gray received an Award of Excellence for Comedic Performance, and the WDSS ensemble earned an award for comedic performance.
The drama club is now fundraising to support its trip to the provincial showcase. A community performance of “The Way Home” is scheduled for May 14 at Wallaceburg District Secondary School, with admission by donation. Proceeds will help offset travel costs as the students prepare to represent their school and community on the provincial stage.
The Sydenham Current caught up with White and WDSS Dram Teacher Nikki Lane for an interview.
Listen, below:
