By: Andru Valpy
Flashback, 1919 - Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada.
(Source: Wikipedia)The Canadian Government is frightened at the idea of a Bolshevik revolution happening in it's own back yard, as immigrants from all walks of life talk about revolution and change in their new found home.
Soldiers who are returning home from World War I are disappointed that their jobs have been taken over by foreigners and are finding it hard to get by.
Tempers flare, the Government stands firm, and finally at the peak of tension, An approximated 22,000 Winnipeg union and public workers crowd the cities after walking off their jobs in the 1919 General Strike Of Winnipeg.
Soldiers who are returning home from World War I are disappointed that their jobs have been taken over by foreigners and are finding it hard to get by.
Tempers flare, the Government stands firm, and finally at the peak of tension, An approximated 22,000 Winnipeg union and public workers crowd the cities after walking off their jobs in the 1919 General Strike Of Winnipeg.
Now in it's fifth year, Strike has taken Canada by storm, and has found it's way into classrooms, our cities streets (last year Strike was preformed on Main Street) and even CBC Radio.
With a mixed cast of old favorites, and new talent,
"Strike! reminds us to be appreciative of what we have now, and to appreciate what others did for us to live comfortably." - (Andru Valpy)
(Photo by: Andru Valpy)The play itself focuses on The Ukrainian Mike Sokolowski and his Godson Stefan, and their Jewish neighbors the Almazoff's, and recounts the tale of immigrants, soldiers and politicians and covers the beginnings of general strike of Winnipeg and the build up to "Bloody Saturday", where the strike escalates to a full on riot.
Local student and writer Laura describes her first time seeing the play live as "an amazing production" after reading Strike! The book, and studying it in her schooling.
I first had the opportunity to watch Strike! Last year after having been invited by Danny, and it was there that I had the chance to learn a little more about the production, and Danny's dream.
With The Canadian Museum of human rights being built right in our own back yard, Danny hopes to bring Strike! To their stage, and make a daily run of the play.
When we spoke last year, Danny also mentioned that he had developed a screen play for Strike! To bring it to the silver screen, and when we caught up on Monday evening, Danny informed me that his dream is almost becoming a reality.
Danny has already picked all of the locations for his film, and has most of the funding secured. The only thing missing are the stars, and from what was discussed last year, Danny is reaching for them, and the names that were discussed last year took me by surprise.
His ultimate goal, is to have the film produced and in theaters, just as the Canadian Museum of Human Rights opens it's doors in Winnipeg.
I look forward to seeing Strike! again as it is quickly becoming a summer tradition for me, and you can rest assured that I will be just as excited as Danny when it takes the stage at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights.
-Av
(Additional information about Strike! The Musical, can be found at: http://strikemusical.com)
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