Julia Mackey is returning to Powell River to perform her play about war, loss, friendship and forgiveness. Entitled Jake’s Gift, Mackey’s production is the story of a Canadian veteran who reluctantly returns to Normandy, France for D-Day’s 60th anniversary.
Although the Powell River show will mark the 808th time Mackey has performed the play since 2007, she said she is happy to embody the play’s entire cast because of her love for them and the story.
“They feel like real people to me,” said Mackey. “Over the years I have developed a real relationship with them.”
To tell the story, Mackey, 47, plays characters as varied as 80-year-old Jake, a cantankerous veteran haunted by his wartime experiences, and Isabelle, a spunky and irrepressible 10-year-old girl.
“After the play I am always asked if my back hurts,” she said. “But embodying these characters is natural for me.”
Starting her theatre career as a 15-year-old comedy writer, Mackey said her love of dark comedy shows in the interplay between poignant and funny in Jake’s Gift.
“While the play is a drama, there is quite a bit of comedy that comes out of the quirkiness of these characters,” said Mackey. “I love the dynamic between Jake and Isabelle; they both have a similar boldness and just say exactly what they feel and think.”
The play has been performed across Canada and the United Kingdom. Last year, after being translated into French, the play was also performed in Normandy.
“The show is my love letter to veterans who have been through it,” she said. “Loss, forgiveness, survivor’s guilt... the themes are universal.”
Mackey said she thinks there is a sadness in the hearts of veterans who see war continuing in the world.
“They went over there 70 years ago, to fight against fascism, and now they almost feel that it exists in their own country,” she said.
Jake’s Gift will be performed at 7:30 pm, Wednesday, October 14, at Max Cameron Theatre. Tickets are available at the door.
