About a week ago I received a notice from David’s agent Charlie Northcote that Cawthra Park Secondary School in Mississauga will be performing Leaving Home during the last week in April. I wrote to teacher Stacey Tiller to ask if she’d mind sharing a few details with me to post here as the show progresses. She wrote me a beautiful email about what David’s work — and his personal interest — has meant to their school. I will quote some of it here:
“I was delighted to hear from you as your late husband’s work has played an important part of our theatre education here at Cawthra for many, many years. In fact, two years ago, David came in to our school to talk to our Grade 12 students about playwriting. They were amazed and inspired. In our grade 10 year we study all of the Mercer plays for our Canadian Theatre unit. That collection of plays are my all time favourite plays and am thrilled to be able to direct Leaving Home.
Writing on the blog would be just fine! And as soon as we get some production photos, I’ll send them on to you along with our poster. If you need further information, please let me know. I’d be more than happy to oblige.
Thanks so much for your interest. My condolences on David’s passing. While I didn’t know him personally, his work will always have a place in my heart and at our school.”
Thanks, Stacey.
David was often asked to do school visits, and sometimes it took up a whole day, as he always used public transportation. He usually came home energized and inspired by the students and their interest in his work. It’s great to know that students appreciated his making the effort to talk to them.
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