The Other Side of the River
by Kathleen Cleland Moyer

 Love, loyalty, betrayal and loss: The Other Side of the River tells a foundational story of early Canada through a powerful family drama. Based on a true story from the Niagara region, the play follows the plight of three families (American, Canadian, Mohawk) during back to back Wars in North America. Ordinary people forced into extraordinary circumstances, making impossible choices.

WHY THIS STORY? Playwright's Reflection

The story of The Other Side of the River starts where every epic story starts. With two conflicting sides. Charlie Green (my great grandfather x 5) sides with the British and his brother Morris sides with the Americans.  But in Canada, we know there are always many sides. This story explores the interconnections of three families: Upper Canadian, American, and Mohawk. Their friendships, their loyalties, their losses, their betrayals. The story brings us to a deeper understanding of the human history of Canada. It is not beige. 

Kathleen Cleland Moyer
June, 2019

Canadian history seems to be full of compromises, partial victories, co-existence, complicated governance. It is not the stuff of dashing heroes and freedom fighters where oppressors are vanquished and the good guys win. In Canada, we are painfully aware that historically the good guys may not have been so good and the bad guys, well, we are not sure about them either. We quietly pursue (if not always effectively) the more pragmatic “peace, order and good government” rather than shouting from the rooftops, “give me liberty or give me death!” (“Really?” my Canadian mind asks, “Do you have to make that binary choice?”)

But in the researching of The Other Side of the River,  I have discovered what some of you already know. In Canada, we share an incredibly dramatic history. Upper Canada in the late 18th Century, in addition to indigenous nations already here, was a country of refugees struggling to survive. American loyalists who lost everything during the American Revolution. Mohawk people and other members of the Six Nations confederacy who had much of their territory burned to the ground. And then a few short years later, all who fled to Canada were invaded by the very people that they had tried to escape. 

MEET THE TEAM

Audience Reaction

The characters are vivid, the plot compelling... the voices so believable."     
"The family separation story is extremely powerful."

"I will be raving about the play for a long time..."

"The Other Side of the River" is an amazing original play that tackles #truthandreconciliation in the most sensitive way."

“The Other Side of the River” by Kathleen Cleland Moyer was truly epic! Amazing work by all the cast and crew. Congrats,on another great production!" 
 
"Important questions raised in “The Other Side of the River". Thank you for inspiring the audience 2 consider what moves us from talk of reconciliation 2 action & for challenging us 2 re-think histories that are often forgotten."
 
"So much of the history of this country has been whitewashed and it was nice to see a story that depicted how important a role Six Nations people played in the war. The director was able to include a traditional (Haudensaunee) song that was once sung on the battlefields and it was beautiful."
 
"My sister and I loved your play. It kept us on the edge of our seats. Very informative and a great way to learn history. I am in awe..."

"What you brought to the community was a great show, with many current day issues to ponder."

"What a moving and informative part of our history which is often overlooked. Thank you for sharing your family connection with all of us. I can hardly wait to hear about your next play!"

"I really want to see this play to reach more Canadians..."

"I was thrilled to be in the audience for yesterday’s performance.  What an accomplishment!    The talent in our Region is inspiring, and Backyard Theatre is such a wonderful made-in-Waterloo contribution to our richness. Thank you for all your dedication to theatre in our Region.

"...haunting and beautiful..."

"One of the most healing and beautiful shows I've ever seen on the topic."

"I really loved the play. It is a memorable and entertaining way to learn about our history and bring it to life. I'm still thinking about it and what it all means, how war tears families apart, and the ways that we sometimes really did live well together with our indigenous neighbours. And the ways that we betrayed them. So much to think on."

"We wanted to let you know how much it means to us to be in a community where friends pour their hearts into bringing important stories to life as they bring communities together. The play was incredible!... there were several scenes that really seeped into my heart."
 
"I hope the play can get out to the world in other ways."
 
"I saw the play on Sunday. I just loved it! I really thought it captured the true nature of family conflict during the war"

"Wow what an amazing play! That was truly exceptional show! Great writing, pacing, characters, actors, all of it just great."

"Kathleen Cleland Moyer's writing is filled with a sophisticated understanding and much nuance of what it means to immigrate, and reroot and the scars that cut through families, time and the land, left by so many wars, and the love that it takes to heal it."

"Can't wait to hear what your next project will be! You guys rock!"