4th Line Theatre Presents Community Reminiscence of The Ontario Farmerettes

4th Line Theatre’s managing artistic director Kim Blackwell invites members of the community to join her and playwright Alison Lawrence to share stories and memories of the history of the Ontario Farmerettes.

The Ontario Farmerettes. Photo courtesy of 4th line theatre.

This gathering will aid in the development of Lawrence’s play Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz, based on Bonnie Sitter and Shirleyan English’s book Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes.

During the Second World War when farms were short of labourers, thousands of young women kept Ontario farms afloat and the people of Ontario fed while the young men were overseas fighting. The young women, known as Farmerettes, planted, hoed, hand-weeded and harvested fruit and vegetable crops for long hours. It was part of a provincial program to replace male labour in the agricultural sector. The Farmerettes came from all across the province, most with no previous farming experience.

This public reminiscence will take place on April 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kitchener Public Library (meeting room D/E, at 85 Queen Street N.) The Kitchener Public Library is fully accessible, and registration is not required for this free in-person event.

The reminiscence will take place in Kitchener as many of the Farmerettes who are still alive live in western Ontario.

“Reminiscences give us first-hand accounts of the history we are researching and are an essential part of developing our plays. Without this, our productions would not have the authenticity and realism our patrons have come to expect.”

Past productions developed through reminiscences include Ian McLachlan and Robert Winslow’s Doctor Barnardo’s Children, Leanna Brodie’s Schoolhouse and Maja Ardal’s The Hero of Hunter Street.

For those who cannot attend in person and would like to join virtually, visit the link to register. Those who register will receive an email prior to the event with a link to the meeting via Zoom.

Questions, concerns or technical assistance requests can be directed to admin@4thlinetheatre.on.ca

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