The Walnut Tree
Description
The Walnut Tree tells the story of the intense journey of SYssel, a young, privileged Jewish woman who grows up in Chernowitz, studies in Prague and Paris, endures the horrors of World War II in Eastern Europe, and ultimately escapes to the peace and promise of a new life in Saskatoon. The character of the older SYssel looks back at her life, accompanied by her alter ego, a Musician, who performs on a grand piano. This powerful, disturbing, and transcendent dramaÊsets the devastating power of historical events against the personal forces of reconciliation. The Walnut Tree deals with vital social, political, and ethical issues, and finallyÑand most importantlyÑwith enduring love.
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Person
Geoffrey Ursell is an award-winning writer of drama for stage, television, and radio, as well as of fiction, poetry, and songs. His stage plays have won three national playwriting awards, and his novel Perdue won the Books in Canada First Novel Award. His musical comedy, Saskatoon Pie!, has been produced twice and toured provincially by Persephone Theatre. Other plays include Winning the Prairie Gamble (a collaboration with Barbara Sapergia) for PersephoneÕs SaskTel Youth Tour Centennial Year, and Gold on Ice (a musical celebration of the Sandra Schmirler curling team) at Dancing Sky Theatre. His dramatization of Martha BlumÕs novel The Walnut Tree opened PersephoneÕs 2009/2010 season, and his thriller Dead Midnight opened the theatreÕs 2011/2012 season. Geoffrey is also a founding member and current President of the nationally esteemed publisher Coteau Books. He was awarded the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2009 for his work in the arts.