Atwood readings and entertainment at Claude church will mark Earth Day
Friday April 17 2009
BY KAY MACDUFFEE, COUNTRY ROADS-more
from this author Earth Day 2009 (imagine a drum roll here and a cymbal
crash). We could just let it go by like any other of the 364 days OR we
could, with our families, make it memorable and meaningful. And without
much planning or effort on our part.
April
22, international Earth Day, will be marked in Caledon this year in a
unique manner, thanks to the imagination and commitment of Caledon
author and performer, Andrew Welch.
Welch has teamed-up with Jay
Mowat, station manager of Erin Community Radio, to assemble a tour de
force of performers, and engage the participation of various local
businesses and environmental action groups.
The concept is
brilliant. Readings from Margaret Atwood’s latest book, ‘Payback: Debt
and the Shadow Side of Wealth’, will be the centrepiece. This book is
being made into a documentary film that comprised her CBC Massey
Series. It’s publication last October coincided nicely with the
worsening of the global economic crisis.
In her final chapter,
Atwood pens a version of Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ featuring a
modern day Scrooge encountering the spirits of Earth Day, past, present
and future. Through the spirits, we look at the issues that are facing
our planet today, but with an Atwood touch of clarity and quirky, dark
humour.
Readers will include celebrated stage and screen actor,
James B. Douglas (Old Vic and Stratford Festival), Theatre Orangeville
Artistic Director, David Nairn, Andrew Welch, and special guest, Judy
Maddren, host of CBC Radio World Report.
Most of us will immediately
recognize Maddren’s voice as one of the first things that we used to
hear in the morning when our clock radio clicked on for the 7 a.m.
news. It was she who founded the acclaimed CBC community ‘A Christmas
Carol’ readings that, over the last couple of decades, have raised
millions for charity. And it was this fact that inspired Welch and
Mowat to put together the Atwood piece to raise money for the
environment.
Along with the dramatic pieces, the evening will
include performances by well-known local musicians. Juno-nominated Eric
Nagler (Eric’s World), Fergus singer/songwriter, Nonnie Crete, and
Tannis Slimmon, the 2008 Canadian Folk Music Awards Contemporary
Vocalist of the Year.
All of the above will volunteer their time and
talent. Publicity costs will be covered by local businesses including
Caledon Public Libraries, Claude Church and Book Lore (Orangeville).
I
am always overwhelmed by the generousity demonstrated by so many
artists and merchants the way they always say “yes” to a charitable
fund raising. Two local environmental groups, Caledon Countryside
Alliance and Green T Environmental Awareness (Green TEA) Caledon, will
be the beneficiaries of the funds raised, and I cannot imagine a
clearer win/win for the community. We are entertained and enlightened
by phenomenally talented artists, perhaps even inspired to action,
while providing funds for ongoing environmental support in our little
corner of the world.
Earth Day 2009 - Payback will take place on
April 22 (8 to 10 p.m.) at the Historic Claude Church at 15175
Hurontario Street, just south of Inglewood. Tickets can be purchased in
advance for $15 from Book Lore (Orangeville), Forster's Book Garden
(Bolton), The Village Music Store (Erin), Green TEA, or on-line (credit
cards accepted) at www.TheValueCrisis.com/payback.
Tickets paid at the door will be $18, and may be reserved at the same web address.
Please support this remarkable one time event. This planet needs all the help it can get.
