New Beginnings

Reviewed by Debbie McClure

During the mid-1800s Ireland experienced a severe potato famine that decimated crops and left families starving and fearful of what the next year would bring. For many, it was a time to re-examine life and the potential opportunities countries such as Canada offered. It seemed so possible and easy. A family could travel across the sea and start a new life in a land offering fertile fields, plenty of jobs, and a better life for all. Of course, the advertisements inviting immigrants to Canada didn’t address the difficulties the families would face, the sometimes harsh winters, and the dilemma of finding decent-paying work. This is the story of one such young family who were eager to follow their dreams.

The Wind Coming Over the Sea is now on stage at the Blyth Festival’s Memorial Hall, until October 5.

Henry (performed by Christopher Fulton) and Jane Johnson (performed by Shelayna Christante) are struggling to make a decent life for themselves and their young children. When Henry reads an advertisement enticing immigrants to come to Canada, he’s excited at the prospect of a new start. Convincing Jane to stay in Ireland while he travels ahead to get established in the new country isn’t easy. However, with her solid faith in Henry, Jane finally agrees to stay behind with the children. Henry soon learns that the way to a better life is full of unexpected trials, both on board ship across the heaving ocean and on land.

The way ahead is hard, leading Henry to doubt the soundness of his decision. Determined, he makes his way from landing in New York to finally settling in Hamilton, Ontario. Over the course of a year, the letters shared by the young couple fuel their determination, and Jane embarks on her own travels across the sea with two young children in tow. What awaits her on the other side is something she can only imagine, as her heart yearns for her beloved Henry and is excited to begin life in a new land.

The Wind Coming Over The Sea is based on a true story and written by award-winning author Emma Donoghue, best known for her novels, including Room, The Wonder, The Pull of the Stars and The Paris Express. Emma is also an Oscar-nominated screenwriter for Room and was a finalist for the Carol Bolt Award for best new Canadian play. Directed by Blyth Festival’s Artistic Director Gil Garratt, this is an outstanding performance rich in Irish folk songs, laughter and tears.

Theatre seating for this performance comes with an immersive twist; several audience members were invited to sit on the stage in two rows of chairs lined on either side. We were fortunate to have this experience. It brought the characters and setting into close proximity, offering an opportunity to view the audience and the performers from a rare perspective.

The Wind Coming Over the Sea held a very personal resonance for me, as it mirrored the story of my own grandparents, who emigrated to Canada from England on a ship very similar to the one in the play. As Henry and Jane chose, my grandfather made his way to Ontario and worked for a year before sending for my grandmother and their four young children. This correlation lent a level of authenticity I hadn’t expected. I came away impressed by the research and attention to detail Donoghue would have done to bring the characters and story to life.

This is a performance I’d highly recommend to anyone who enjoys Irish songs and stories of families who came from away to make their home here in Canada. Exceptionally well done!

The Wind Coming Over The Sea runs at the Blyth Festival Theatre to October 5. Tickets are available at https://blythfestival.com/the-wind-coming-over-the-sea/

Photo: Geoffrey Armour, Masae Day, Gloria Garratt, Shelayna Christante. Photo by Lyon Smith.

The Wind Coming Over The Sea
By Emma Donoghue
Directed by Gil Garratt
Performed by Shelayna Christante, Christopher Fulton, Geoffrey Armour, Masae Day, Michele Fisk, George Meanwell
Blyth Festival, Margaret Stephens Stage at Memorial Hall. Blyth, Ontario
Runs til Sunday, October 5, 2025
Reviewed by Debbie McClure