A Letter from Paul Brett, Former Forester
I had the very good fortune to attend a preview performance and enjoyed it so much that I’ve decided to pass on news of its great worth to my forestry buddies. Hopefully, you will be able to take it in, if a Victoria visit is in your summer plans. Quite frankly, I think it is so well done that it is worth a special trip to anybody who looks on the early pioneering days of the logging industry in BC with nostalgia and pride.
Briefly, a team of musicians, theatre people and museum staff have collaborated to select an amazing array of historic photos and films from the archives and have presented them as a synchronized backdrop to a performance of the poetry of logger poet Robert E. Swanson, put to music by a troupe of thoroughly excellent musician/actors. The production is colourful, entertaining, and a completely authentic representation of the early logging industry of BC. It was greatly enjoyed by the whole audience.
I can’t recall many recent public demonstrations of approval for this industry and it is gratifying to me to see some recognition, and a fond one at that, of its workers, their worth, humanity and indeed, heroism. These are important BC pioneers, in my view, direct, hardworking folks, profane and ribald at times, but in the forefront of building the basis for the future prosperity of this province. I see this production, to borrow a phrase, as a masterly work, paid in homage to some real and enduring heroes. I heartily recommend it to you.
Cheers,
Paul Brett
former Forester
Poster for Print
