When director Yo Mustafa selects a play for the West End Studio Theatre in Oakville, it has to be something he’s passionate about.
"I don’t want to direct something I don’t enjoy," Mustafa said. "For me, live theatre is magical, and I want our audiences to leave having learned something about themselves."
This is why he chose Waiting for the Parade, which premieres on Thursday, Nov. 14. Written by John Murrell in 1977, Waiting for the Parade portrays World War II through the experiences of five women in Calgary, Alberta. The episodic play offers a rich blend of monologues, vignettes music, and bit of dance.
To Mustafa, who recently directed The Trojan Women back in September, the characters’ depth makes them relatable, drawing audiences into their lives.
Although the story primarily unfolds in the 1940s, he believes its themes—worries about the cost of living, the impact of war, and disillusionment with political leadership—still resonate today.
Read more here: The Trojan Women brings its anti-war story to the Oakville Centre
For cast member Christine Marchetti, who plays Marta, the timing of the premiere close to Remembrance Day adds meaning, but she also sees it as a deeply human story.
"A story about resilience in times of conflict and finding strength through relationships always resonates," Marchetti said.
Kayla Whelan, who plays Catherine, believes the play’s emotional range will strongly affect audiences. "There’s joy, sorrow, jealousy, anger, anguish, fear," she said. "It’s all there. I think it will connect with everyone, because we all know these feelings."
Waiting for the Parade also offers a different perspective of war, she says.
"Yes it's Remembrance Week but I think it's really interesting to hear the stories of the women who stayed on the home front," she said. "I think when we're learning about wars in school, we're often very focused on the battles and the soldiers. It's very interesting to hear something a little bit more low-key but just as important."
There will five performances from today until Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024:
- Thursday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.
Waiting for the Parade is the second play in the West End Studio Theatre subscription series for the 2024/25 season. Their series concludes in March with their production of the 2013 Best Comedy winning play Vanya, Sonya, Masha and Spike.
Waiting for the Parade
By John Murrell
Directed by Yo Mustafa
Now playing at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts until Nov. 17, 2024
All tickets are $32 and are available here with the Oakville Centre box office.
Starring Maureen Dwyer, Christine Ann Marchetti, Olivia "Margo" Prunean, Kayla Whelan and Carla Zabek.