Thanks & Notes on this Production

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The name of this production is inspired by the famous "Immortal" Chess Game that took place on June 21, 1851 in London between Chess Grandmasters, Adolf Anderssen and Lionel Kieseritzky.

The bold sacrifices and poetic risks made by Anderssen to secure victory have made it one of the most famous chess games of all time. Anderssen gave up both rooks and a bishop, then finally his queen, checkmating his opponent with his three remaining minor pieces.

The game has been called an achievement "perhaps unparalleled in chess literature".

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This Immortal Chess Game is shown as the very last shot of the film; played on a chess board that Jonah gifted to me in 2014. 

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Using the struggle between black versus white, as well as the costume choices for the musicians and two dancers, the symbolic opposition between the two sides are representative of the conflict and peace that Jonah fought with during his life.

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The choice of music, Vaughan Williams' Phantasy Quintet features instrumentation that includes two violas, two violins, and a cello. Vaughan Williams was Jonah's favourite composer, and the two viola lines in this composition share the spotlight throughout the composition.

The first and third movements of the Quintet were selected for this production, with the first movement representing a biographical sketch of Jonah, and the last movement, as a peaceful resolution of his spirit. 

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Thank you to the Poplove Family, and Marcy Tepner, for arranging the loan of Jonah’s own viola for the recording and filming of this production.

In the first movement, the Viola 1 Solo was played and recorded by Matt Antal on Jonah’s Viola. The following movement was then switched, with Carolyn Farnand performing the Solo Viola Line throughout the movement on his viola as well. We wanted to make this production as personal as possible, and felt that recording on Jonah's own viola would truly immortalize Jonah's Voice & Memory.

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The viola shown in the production was constructed by Ottawa-based luthier, Guy Harrison.

Jonah used and performed on this sole viola for the majority of his life and career. The opening and closing of the viola case in the beginning and ending of the production respectively represents one final performance - a 'Rebirth' - of his soul and voice. 

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As in the tribute, he always has been, and always will be surrounded by his closest friends and all those who love him dearly.

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Last Note: 

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This is far from over. This is just the beginning. We can no longer afford to allow 'taboo' subjects such as depression, anxiety, and mental illness to be pushed to the backs of our minds. What's more painful than talking about our struggles is having to endure the loss of someone close to us - when we could have done something.

We must do more than just send our thoughts and prayers.

We must act.

We must talk.

We must open up the conversations and support groups and let our friends in need know that we are here for them. Behind every smile we see hides a history of struggles we know nothing about.

The time is now. 

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