Thanks, once again, to generous support from the RMC Alumni Association donors, the department of English, Culture, and Communication hosted twenty cadets on a theatre trip to Stratford. Cadets attended from all faculties and various disciplines: English, Culture, and Communication; MSS; Psychology; Computer Engineering; Physics; Aerospace Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Civil Engineering; Political Science; Chemistry; and Business Administration. Participants attended two plays, Macbeth and Ransacking Troy.
Macbeth explores themes of authority, ambition, and honour in a way that is especially salient to the ethical challenges faced by future military leaders. Ransacking Troy, a modern, feminist reflection on Homeric warfare, delves into the human cost of war, duty, and the burden of command, offering insight into both psychological and strategic dimensions of conflict.
Staged at two very different theatres, the Avon and the Tom Patterson, these plays exposed students to two distinct theatrical experiences. The Avon is a proscenium-arch theatre, which allows for elaborate sets and special effects, while the Tom Patterson, with its thrust stage, emphasizes minimalist staging and a closer connection between audience and actors. Cadets enhanced their experience of these rich productions through two Stratford Festival activities: a set change-over tour and a stage combat workshop.
The first gave students a behind-the-scenes look at the creative and technical labour, intricate collaboration, and innovative technology that goes into theatrical production. The workshop, led by a Stratford actor, engaged students in trying out some professional performance techniques for themselves.
The ECC department, along with this year’s participants, would like to extend sincere thanks to the Alumni Association donors for funding this trip, which continues to be one that fosters intellectual development through a highly enjoyable outing. Below are some of the cadets’ expressions of appreciation.
NCdt Gagen, year 4
I am pleasantly reminded of the importance and value that the performing arts have to the military. The qualities of the performers in their creative thinking, hard work in preparation, and the courage to get up on stage in front of thousands of people is something we can all benefit from as CAF members.
OCdt Rana, year 3
I loved the set changeover tour and the stage combat workshop. The set changeover tour showcased the significant work that goes into theatrical productions that occur, ranging from the engineering, design, lightning, and planning of the play. The stage combat workshop highlighted the amount of work that actors need for stage combat and how they make the combat appear so realistic due to the tireless hours they put into practice. Thank you so much for making this trip happen. I am glad I got to be a part of it and I hope it continues for years to come.
Élof Sauriol, 4ème année
Je tiens à remercier les enseignants ainsi que le département qui ont rendu possible la sortie au théâtre de Stratford. C’était ma toute première expérience théâtrale et j’ai vraiment adoré la pièce ainsi que l’ambiance unique des salles. Grâce à votre contribution, cette sortie restera pour moi un très beau souvenir.
OCdt Boyer, year 3
I enjoyed Macbeth; it was interesting to watch people perform in what is almost a different language, and I felt they executed the intonations and expressions in a way that made it very believable. I was taken aback by how modern theatre incorporates technology and lighting to create a very immersive and stimulating experience. I was expecting something completely different from what I got and I’m glad that was the case. The opening scene of Macbeth was particularly stunning and will remain a memorable moment for me.
Aspm Poulin, 2ème année
The trip to Stratford really opened my eyes to the way English sounded and was used back in Shakespeare’s time. Moreover, I came to see just how complex theatre really is. It’s not just the actors practicing endlessly, but also the huge costs that go into putting on a play. What surprised me the most was learning how theatres use clever tricks and illusions to make certain materials look real without actually spending the money to buy them. I thought that was both creative and fascinating. Thank you very much for this opportunity! If I had the chance to meet directly with the Alumni Association, I would express my sincere gratitude for contributing to this voyage.
Élof Sauvé, 2ème année
I loved the fact that we had two different theatre pieces to watch: I think that enabled us to compare them, especially since they were made in completely different time periods. Furthermore, Macbeth definitely challenged me and allowed me to become a more advanced English speaker than I was before I watched it: I really had to concentrate to be able to understand everything the characters were saying because of the unusual vocabulary.
OCdt Li, year 2
The Stratford Festival trip enhanced my appreciation for theatre as a way of communicating modern issues that still prevail in our society. One example is during the play Ransacking Troy, where the women were describing their embarrassment and shame when mocked by their husbands. Although I am not married, I am all too familiar with the feeling, which says that we, as a society, still have much to do for social equality.
