Waiting for the Parade

May 1,2,8 & 9 at 7.30pm
May 3,4,10 & 11 at 2.00pm

Waiting for the Parade is a Canadian drama by John Murrell. Set in Calgary during World War II, the play focuses on five women left behind while their husbands, sons, and loved ones are off fighting. Rather than depicting the war itself, the play examines its impact on those at home, revealing the emotional, social, and political struggles they face.

The narrative unfolds through a series of interconnected vignettes, blending dialogue with music from the era to evoke the atmosphere of wartime Canada. The women, each with their own perspectives and challenges, work together in a volunteer war effort while navigating personal hardships.

The play explores how war affects different aspects of civilian life. Some women are deeply committed to supporting the war effort, while others question its costs. Through humor, conflict, and moments of solidarity, Waiting for the Parade paints a complex and deeply human portrait of life on the home front.

The title reflects the idea of waiting—both for news from the battlefield and for the war to end—while also suggesting the bittersweet nature of war’s victories and losses. By focusing on the women’s experiences, Murrell provides a fresh perspective on World War II, one that is both uniquely Canadian and universally resonant.