The stage adaption of A Soldier’s Letter, a collection of poems and photography, premieres in Owen Sound next week as part of Remembrance observations at the Royal Canadian Legion.

Produced by arts collective The Fellowship Of Ravens, the play runs Wednesday, Nov. 9., at the Legion. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the 6:00 p.m. Dessert Bar, the curtain raises at 7:00 p.m. All proceeds from the play will be donated to the Legion.

Legion Branch 6 public relations officer Jana Lewis is also part of The Fellowship and she'd like to share details of the evening:

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My name is Jana Lewis. I am the Public Relations Officer for the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 6, Owen Sound.

I am also the co-creator of The Fellowship of Ravens. Our mission is to make a positive impact in our community and we strive to create change and awareness through artistry.

I am writing today in regard to A Soldier's Letter, a book and play created by The Fellowship of Ravens. 

A Soldier’s Letter is a unique and haunting book of poems and photographs honouring Veterans, remembering those that served and help bring awareness to those battling PTSD. 

A donation from each book sold is given to the Royal Canadian Legion and Wounded Warriors Canada to assist with their service dog program. 

Our eBook can be purchased on our website TheFellowshipOfRavens.com and we will have copies of our book for sale at the play. We will also be taking part in the Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Bazaar Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Legion and will have books available then as well. 

On Wednesday, Nov. 9, during Remembrance Week, The Fellowship of Ravens with the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 6, and my Assistant Director Sharon McGregor, a fellow Legion member, will premiere our play, A Soldier’s Letter, inspired by our book of the same name.

We adapted our book into a play in the hopes that it would inspire others to follow the Wounded Warriors ethos to "Honour the fallen, help the living”.  All proceeds raised from the play will be donated to the Legion.

We are honoured that Grey Bruce MP and Veteran Alex Ruff, has agreed to recite a poem and present a message of hope to our Veterans. Owen Sound Councillor Marion Koepke will also be reciting a poem. Mark Ryan (Transformers/Black Sails), and Vincent Corazza ( Sailor Moon) have recited a poem to be presented and have written the Foreword and Afterword for our book. Marilyn Lightstone (Anne of Green Gables/Vision TV) and Gemini award winning actor Art Hindle have also recited a poem for the play.

Members from our Legion will also be reading and Veteran Dave Ward who participated in The Ruck will also be taking part. And students from Ms. Kelly's class at Riverforest Montessori school have also recited and have created beautiful and moving works of art to be displayed at the play.

We will also be bringing attention to the animals in the military.

Our poem, Faithful Companion honours all the animals that serve and was also inspired by Elvis, our retired K9 Explosives dog who passed away this September.

On Wednesday, Nov. 9, doors will open at 5:30 p.m., the Dessert Bar will open at 6:00 p.m. and the curtain will rise at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are $10, $5 for anyone 12 and under. The tickets will include the Dessert Bar and tea and coffee. The coffee will be supplied by Arrowhead, a Veteran run coffee company, and proceeds raised go to Veterans.

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source: media release, Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 6