Stage

A Story of Humanity

show portrays legendary World War I Christmas truce

Rayna DeJongh |

The UW-Eau Claire Artist Series will stage Peter Rothstein’s All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 Nov. 26 at the Scofield Auditorium on campus. This musical details a remarkable event that took place during World War I: a real-life truce among German and Allied troops along the Western front.

The unplanned and illegal truce began Christmas Eve night and carried on until Christmas Day. Involving thousands of troops from all over the front, the historic event spread much-needed joy during a catastrophic time. From sharing smokes and schnapps to kicking around a football, the anomaly of Christmas 1914 brought a glimpse of humanity to warfare during a time of anguish and sorrow.

Brought to you by a cast of 10 members, the musical combines an array of quintessential patriotic ballads of World War I. The styled vignettes of All is Calm will be performed with songs from various European countries involved in the war. Collections of historical artifacts, including radio broadcasts, autobiographies, poetry, letters, interviews, and gravestone inscriptions, support the authenticity of the songs and scripts of the play.

For over a decade, All is Calm has gained critical acclaim, performing sold-out shows throughout the metropolitan area of Minneapolis. Actors from Minneapolis Theatre Latte Da will accompany writer and director Peter Rothstein along with the Cantus ensemble, directed by Erik Lichte. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/2JSxayb

Artists Series: All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 • Schofield Auditorium • Monday, Nov. 26, 7:30pm • $17 general admission • Discounts for college students, youth & seniors • (715) 836-4636 • uwec.ticketforce.com