Ridge: available for on demand viewing
“The best theatre piece about World War One since Billy Bishop Goes to War. ”
Often called the “battle that made Canada,” Vimy Ridge resulted in over 10,000 Canadian casualties. Through direct storytelling, verbatim theatre, and live music, Brendan McLeod examines misconceptions and varying perspectives around the battle, while drawing parallels to other formative events in our nation’s past. Featuring inventive musical interpretations of WWI soldier songs, Ridge probes difficult yet necessary questions about how and why we grieve. A vivid, kinetic ride through history, as well as an intimate, personal examination of our connection to the past, Ridge is a visceral work that passionately argues against the exploitation of young lives.
The film was named a top ten arts event of 2020 by The Globe & Mail, and currently tours as a theatre production.
“Poignant and sobering”
“In my life, I have never seen a piece of theatre that addresses the realities of war in a way that seems so clear-eyed to me. So I am deeply grateful to Ridge. There’s sorrow and anger in this show, but also beauty, relief, and genuine honour in its honesty.”
“Serves to give the sacrifices of those who served and died a human dimension beyond mythology.”
“A more sensitive, thoughtful, deeply personal look at what really went on at Vimy is hard to imagine. ”
“Riveting...The way history was meant to be told.”
over the ridge
In “Over the Ridge”, The Fugitives collaborate with choreographer Jacob Williams to expand the “RIDGE” narrative through dance.
Developed in partnership with the Massey Theatre Society, with help from Ballet BC and Arts Umbrella, “Over the Ridge” adds original contemporary dance to the storytelling and music, resulting in a kinetic ride through history that delves our strong connection to the past, and passionately argues against the exploitation of young lives.
“Over the Ridge” premiered at the Massey Theatre in New Westminster in April, 2024. Artistic Director Jessica Schnieder said: "It takes takes the audience on a journey across time, viewing history and warfare through the prism of music, storytelling, and dance. Our audiences were simultaneously moved and delighted.”
music from the shows
Trench Songs – The Album
Released 2020
Behind the scenes
