Jake’s Gift brings back memories of wartime

JAKE IS a veteran who reluctantly goes to Juno Beach for the 60th anniversary of D-Day to find the grave of his eldest brother.

Isabelle is a 10-year-old, who lives near the shore of Juno Beach and approaches Jake with her questions and charm that challenge him to confront ghosts from his past.

Jake’s Gift, a one-woman play by Julia Mackey, who plays Jake and Isabelle, is a comedy-drama based on Mackey’s interviews with veterans and her own experiences at the 60th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy five years ago.

“It’s amazing...I was just amazed how somebody with the snap of a finger can be an 80-year-old man and a 10-year-old girl,” says Karen Birkedal of the Terrace Concert Society, who presents the play this weekend in honour of Remembrance Day.

Mackey spent eight days in France speaking to dozens of veterans and attending the 60th anniversary celebrations. Armed with those experiences and her own interest in remembrance, she was inspired to write the play.

Her performance has garnered her several awards, including Best Drama, Best Solo Show and Best Female Performer at the Victoria Fringe Festival in 2007 and 2008, and Best of the Fest at the Edmonton Fringe Festival in 2008.

Mackey performs in Jake’s Gift at 8 p.m. Nov. 7 at the R.E.M. Lee Theatre. Tickets are available at George Little House and at the door.

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