Remembrance Day is a time of reflection for many on the sacrifices made by those at war. We acknowledging their bravery with symbols like the poppy and pay tribute to our veterans at community centres and Canadian Legions.

The Last Dog of War tackles these important issues in a different manner. It invites audiences to join the family of Linda Griffiths, Last Dog’s writer/performer, to learn about a personal war experience.

In the bright white setting of the Costume Museum of Canada, around small round tables with delicate china cups, Griffiths recounts the story of her father, a Second World War veteran who served in the Royal Air Force.

It is a story of the relationship between a father and a daughter, connected by war.

Her performance is captivating, as Griffiths draws the audience into her semi-dysfunctional relationship with her father.

Accompanied by swing music, Griffiths recreates the scene of Lancaster under fire, of planes, bombs, and terror. Dressed in a thick green sweater, a leather bomber jacket, and a Snoopy hat with goggles, Griffiths acts out her father’s 21st birthday—the day he took part in the bombing of Berlin.

Although the focal point of the show is Griffiths as she accompanies her father to the last reunion of his 49th bomber squadron in the United Kingdom, her re-enactment of his war experience, glowing in red flood lights, is the real highlight of the performance.

The play presents a different perspective of war, through the eyes of people who never experienced it, but are forever affected by it.

Griffiths’ performance is passionate throughout the 75-minute production, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats, with the occasional burst of laughter.

Also sure to catch the audience’s attention are the many outfits surrounding the stage, as the Costume Museum displays clothing from the Second World War to accompany the show.

Gail Smidt, the museum’s Executive Director, explained that the outfits featured are a compilation of every-day and evening wear, and that the clothes are pieces that the average person could afford during this time.

The clothing displayed entirely donated and will be on display until November 14, when the show’s run ends.

Published in Volume 64, Number 11 of The Uniter (November 12, 2009)