Musical performance recounts a remarkable World War I truce in no man's land on Christmas, 1914
A vocal ensemble and theatre company come together to bring a holiday story celebrating an extraordinary night during World War I when thousands of men put down their weapons to meet their enemies in no man’s land on Christmas Eve.
The Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech presents “All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” by Cantus and Theatre Latté Da on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. The performance will be held in the Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, located within the Moss Arts Center’s Street and Davis Performance Hall at 190 Alumni Mall.
On Christmas Eve in 1914 a young German soldier stepped out of the violence of World War I trenches and into no man’s land, where he sang “Stille Nacht.” An extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, and peace began, where soldiers exchanged gifts, sang songs, and played a game of soccer. Upon orders from above, they eventually returned to their trenches and reinstigated the war that would last four more years.
“All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914,” created and directed by Peter Rothstein, with musical arrangements by Erick Lichte and Timothy C. Takach, recalls this remarkable truce through new arrangements of European carols and war-songs for a capella voices.
The performance features nine-member men’s vocal ensemble Cantus, which is known worldwide for its engaging performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century. Working with Theater Latté Da, an innovative musical theatre company committed to reinventing classics and experimenting with unusual forms and bold approaches, Cantus will present the story of the Christmas truce through musical selections ranging from trench songs to patriotic and sentimental tunes, as well as Christmas music from the participating countries. The text is taken from a wide range of sources including letters, journals, official war documents, poetry, grave stone inscriptions, and old radio broadcasts.
Tickets
Tickets are $20-45 for general public and $10 for students and youth 18 years old and under. Tickets can be purchased online; at the Moss Arts Center's box office, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday; or by calling 540-231-5300.
Parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street. Virginia Tech faculty and staff possessing a valid Virginia Tech parking permit can enter and exit the garage free of charge. Limited street parking is also available. Parking on Alumni Mall is free on weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
