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written and directed by Marc A. Moir

Looking Glass Productions, Toronto Fringe Festival,

Annex Theatre, Toronto

July 6-17, 2011

This solo show is based on the life John Weir Foote (1904-88), a Canadian chaplain awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery at Dieppe. Foote deliberately left the transport evacuating troops after the battle so that he could tend to the wounded and dying men left behind on the beach. He allowed himself to be captured by Germans in order to help men live in hope in the POW camps where he was imprisoned for three years. 

Marc A. Moir creates a sensitive portrait of an unswervingly good man and devout Christian who views his heroic actions simply as part of his duty.

Moir displays real linguistic skill in imitating the wide range of accents both of the British officers and the wary German soldiers who speak little or no English. As Foote, Moir shines with a quiet inner strength, tried but not broken by the horrors he’s witnessed. It a powerful performance of a fascinating story.

©Christopher Hoile

Note: A version of this review appeared in NOW Magazine, July 14, 2011.

Photo: (left) Marc A. Moir as John Weir Foote. ©2011 Looking Glass Productions; 

(right) a photo of the real John Weir Foote.

For tickets, visit www.fringetoronto.com.