A historical examination of a small prairie community navigating a global pandemic in the aftermath of the Great War comes to the stage this spring at UWinnipeg.
The students of the Theatre and Film department presents Unity (1918) by acclaimed Canadian playwright Kevin Kerr, running March 31 to April 4, 2026. The production is directed by award-winning theatre director Mariló Núñez and features emerging actors in the 4th Year Honours acting class, Honours Design and Stage Management students, and senior and junior production students, all working alongside professional Winnipeg artists.
Set in the Canadian prairies in the fall of 1918, Unity (1918) explores themes of community, loss, and resilience in the face of a war and epidemic. The play follows a small Saskatchewan town attempting to protect itself from the deadly Spanish Flu just as the First World War comes to an end.
“Unity (1918) reminds us that history is not as distant as we sometimes think,” said director Mariló Núñez. “The play shows how human connection and compassion can emerge even in the most difficult moments.”
Because the Spanish Flu disproportionately targeted young people between the ages of 14 and 35, Kerr’s play focuses on how a generation of young people grapple with the loss of their dreams and aspirations. The story balances moments of humour and beauty with the stark realities of illness, war, and social upheaval. For contemporary audiences, the play carries particular resonance. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Unity (1918) offers a powerful reflection on how communities respond to crisis and how human connection can become a vital source of comfort and survival.
Performances are Tuesday, March 31 to Friday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 4 at 4 p.m. All performances are free of charge, but reservations are recommended.
