We were recently contacted by the Lunchbox Theater to tell us about their latest play, Flight Risk, with performances from October 23 – November 11, 2017.
Flight risk explores the interesting and codependent relationship between seniors and their non-familial caregivers. This play explores the themes of aging, and youth, and shares experiences from the lives of the senior and the caregiver, a student nurse, – only to discover they have more in common than they thought. Emotional, beautifully written, and shining a much needed spotlight on the complex relationships that form within a seniors living facility, this play is a must see for all.
Playwright Meg Braem received inspiration for Flight Risk after the passing of her father. Through dealing with the loss of one voice, she gained others through veterans and their stories and experiences. She wanted to be around people who knew about mortality and weren’t afraid to talk about it. Meg started visiting nursing homes where she spoke to an RCAF vet after a Remembrance Day Ceremony in his assisted living lodge. She went to the Bomber Command Museum and met 96- year-old tail gunner, Bob Peterson, and was given a copy of Flight Officer Doug Curtis’ personal chronicle of his war experiences. The character of Hank is a composite of all these men. Writing down a voice so as not to forget led to more voices.
About the play:
Hank Dunfield is on the verge of his 100th birthday. Sarah, a student nurse at Ponderosa Pine Lodge, is determined to help him celebrate this milestone, even though Hank doesn’t want anything to do with it. As their relationship unfolds Hank reveals his past as a tail gunner during the Second World War. When Sarah gets to the heart of Hank’s pain and sorrow he opens up to her and is finally able to find the peace he has desperately been seeking. Inspired by the true story of a Calgary WWII Veteran.
Click here to watch an interview with playright Meg Braem.
Flight Risk performs Monday thru Saturday at 12:00 PM and Thursdays and Friday evenings at 6:00 PM. Free entry for veterans.
