WDSS drama club makes history at the National Theatre School Drama Festival

A student production honouring an Ojibwe elder’s survival of residential school has made Wallaceburg District Secondary School the first in the NTS Drama Festival’s 80-year history to reach the Provincial showcase.

The Wallaceburg District Secondary School Drama Club has achieved something no WDSS group has done in eight decades of competition: they are going to Provincials.

After earning Outstanding Production at both the LKDSB District Festival and the South Regional Festival, the cast and crew of The Way Home will represent WDSS at the National Theatre School Drama Festival Provincial showcase in Toronto, running May 20 to 23 at York University. Their production opens the festival on May 20.

The play was written by WDSS Indigenous Graduation Coach Tyler White in collaboration with the student ensemble. It honours Tyler's grandfather, an Ojibwe man from Bkejwanong Territory who escaped the Mohawk Institute Residential School at age 13. The story follows Newt, a young girl escaping the same institution, guided along her journey by animals embodying Anishinaabe teachings and traditional stories. The play concludes with Newt returning home to her father, also a Residential School survivor.

Students worked closely with Tyler throughout the writing and workshop process, shaping characters, themes, and scenes.

Several students were recognized for their performances at both levels of competition. At the district festival, Sunny Gamble, Abby Douglas-Blair, and Ely Hazen received an award for their comedic duck trio, and Angel Williams took home an Acting Award. At the regional level, Oliver Gray earned an Award of Excellence for Comedic Performance, and the WDSS Ensemble received an Award for Comedic Performance.

The Drama Club is actively fundraising to support the trip to Toronto. Community members can contribute through School Cash Online at lkdsb.schoolcashonline.com.

The club will also host a fundraiser performance of The Way Home on May 14 at Wallaceburg District Secondary School. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the show begins at 7:00 p.m. Admission is by donation, with a suggested amount of $5. The evening will include an art gallery, concessions, t-shirt sales, and a photo booth.