World War I Nurses were Canadian Heroes
Reviewed by Mary Alderson
They graduated from Nursing School and headed off on an adventure, with no real understanding of what they would be facing. They learned soon enough.
Nicknamed Bluebirds for their long, blue unforms, these young women showed bravery in the face of war, trying to look after badly wounded young men.
We owe playwright Vern Thiessen a great deal for his portrayal of the Bluebirds. Thiessen has already built a reputation for researching and writing WWI stories with his play Vimy. Bluebirds is an excellent companion piece to be shown with Vimy, either in the same season, or as a follow up.
Currently being presented in the round, in a tent on the grounds of Scugog Shores Museum, Bluebirds gives the audience a riveting story. Heading off to Europe to fight the Huns, the three young nurses grow up way too fast. Before they can get their footing at a hospital in Étaples, France, they are thrust into the horrors of artillery, guns and mustard gas. In this desperate situation, the three girls share their secrets and become fast friends, even enjoying themselves on visits to the beach. Each nurse has a well-kept secret that they eventually reveal, sharing strength in their vulnerability.
As their stories unfold, there are laughs tucked in their stories, and then as the wounded arrive, the play pivots, becoming serious and heart wrenching. When Bab brings out her grandfather’s old bellows-style camera, the audience laughs to see the three young women taking a selfie. Later the hand gestures let us know there are young soldiers dying and the play becomes very sobering.
Justine Christensen is outstanding as Bab. Her sincerity is very convincing. The audience can both laugh and cry with her. Shannon Pitre is excellent as Maggie, a Scottish-Canadian who trains the other two. Alea Carrington is charming as Christy, showing the audience how she grows up during the play, coming into her own.
There are poignant moments scattered throughout the show. In triage, they have to determine which young men won’t make it, and which can be saved. They also have to deal with the shell-shocked soldiers. The play comes to a devastating conclusion as the war, which was supposed to be over in a few months, goes on.
Despite the downward spiral of the story, this play is certainly well presented. Credit goes to director Iain Moggach for making the most of a few props, and creating a story that uses all of the theatre in the round. He has also created recognizable, real characters. It is certainly worth seeing, if only for the history lesson it offers.
My only concern was the recorded music which was too loud on occasion and also a distraction from what the actors were saying. On the other hand, the songs sung by the young nurses were delightful.
It is especially important to see women starring in a play about war. We have a chance to see the great work nurses did in horrific conditions. It also shows their frustration when they have to patch up young soldiers to send them back out into the action, only have them return to the hospital, or worse, be killed.
Bluebirds continues at the Scugog Shores Museum, Port Perry until July 27th, 2025. Visit https://theatreontheridge.ca/bluebirds/ for tickets.
Photo: Using a 1918 bellows camera, the three Bluebirds take selfies. Back – Maggie (Shannon Pitre), Christy (Alea Carrington). Front – Bab (Justine Christensen).
Bluebirds
By Vern Thiessen
Directed by Iain Moggach
Performed by Alea Carrington, Justine Christenssen, and Shannon Pitre.
Produced by Theatre on the Ridge
Scugog Shores Museum, Port Perry
July 9 to 27, 2025
Reviewed by Mary Alderson