When War Comes Calling
Reviewed by Debbie McClure
In 1917, war was difficult for any community and country, but for the Old Order Amish community living a peaceful life near Kitchener, Ontario, it split families apart. The elders of the community are content to continue living their quiet lives on farms, allowing the rest of the world to move around them with ever-growing fear and patriotism. Some of the younger members of the congregation are less inclined to adhere to the old ways, yearning to break free and experience more of the world, even if it means going off to war.
This conflicting scenario is explained in the play Quiet in the Land, now on stage as part of the Blyth Festival. This play was written by Anne Chislett, commissioned by Janet Amos, the Artistic Director of Blyth Festival in 1980, and premiered at Blyth July 3, 1981. It was reprised in 1982, and remounted in 1997. After being staged at different theatres across Canada, it was now returned to its origins at the Blyth Festival.
When a young man, Yock, played by Landon Doak, falls in love with the pretty, outspoken Katie (Shelayna Christante), he sets out to win her heart. Katie is likewise smitten and envisions a life similar to her parents: living on a farm, raising a family, and continuing the traditions she’s been raised on. Unfortunately, when the call to enlist fight in the war came to Ontario, the peaceful Amish settlement and the families who lived there were tested in ways no one had envisioned. Neighbouring farmers began to resent the Amish, who were permitted to sidestep conscription and the consequences of war due to their religious beliefs.
Yock begins to question the old traditions and yearns for more. Going off to war offers an opportunity to experience life and the world beyond the confines of the congregation. It’s also a chance to escape his father’s unyielding and sometimes harsh insistence on obedience and keeping the old traditions intact. Unfortunately for the young lovers, love and war do not mix well. Although she deeply loves Yock, Katie chooses to stay with her family and marries Yock’s friend. Watching the push and pull of family loyalties to religion and tradition, the audience is given a seldom-seen front-seat observation of what the Amish families endured during this difficult time in Canada’s history. Similar challenges still exist today.
Kudos to the imaginative set and props design in bringing this lovely outdoor venue at the Harvest Stage in Blyth to life. Experiencing the production, expertly directed by Severn Thompson, was a true delight. We were fortunate to experience it all under a perfect warm summer’s evening. The characters were depicted with depth and insight, thanks to the talented cast who at times had the audience chuckling, and at others, silently choking back tears.
Quiet In The Land is a wonderful depiction of what life must be like for the peace-loving Amish who do their best to live as they choose in the centre of a world that rarely understands.
Quiet In The Land runs at the Blyth Festival Theatre until August 23rd. Tickets are available at 519-523-9300/1-877-862-5984 or go to www.blythfestival.com.
Photo: Shelayna Christante as Katie and Landon Doak as Yock
Quiet In The Land
By Anne Chislett
Directed by Severn Thompson
Performed by Geoffrey Armour, Shelayna Christante, Richard Comeau, Masae Day, Landon Doak, Michelle Fisk, Randy Hughson, Maldeline Kennedy, George Meanwell, James Dallas Smith
Blyth Festival, Harvest Stage,
377 Gypsy Lane, Blyth, Ontario
June 3rd to August 23rd, 2025
Reviewed by Debbie McClure