The Blyth Festival Theatre's Artistic Director has responded to a YouTube video posted by the family member of a man killed by serial killer Elizabeth Wettlaufer.
Gil Garratt said his play, titled "In the Wake of Wettlaufer", will explore a fictional family's struggles with coming to terms with their elderly father passing away. Garratt said feels he, as well as co-writer Kelly McIntosh, were respectful to the family members of victims during their consultation process
"There were some family members who did raise questions with us about what it is that we're doing, and why were we doing it. The approach that we took was to tell them exactly what we were doing, and exactly why we're trying to do it," he said.
In the YouTube video, which was posted last week, Susan Horvath claimed, "the people of this theatre didn't even as much as inform us victims."
"I'm assuming the ones that were not informed are the ones that are against such as immoral play to begin with," she said.
Horvath said she does not understand why the play is happening, does not understand the logic, or what the theatre wants to gain other than monetary sales.
Garratt said she sees the play as a vehicle of change when it comes to the country's health system, especially after so many people he consulted with about the play wanted to see hope put into the story. Two family members of victims killed by Wettlaufer have sent letters of support to CKNX, feeling the play explores a subject few others are willing to broach.
Horvath noted she has a petition set up for those opposed to the play, but did not provide a link to it. She said anyone wishing to express concern for the play can contact her at goodday84@ymail.com.