Friday night is opening night for "In the Wake of Wettlaufer" at the Blyth Festival.
Artistic Director Gil Garratt said they knew from the beginning the play would generate some controversy, and that has happened. But he added that's one of the challenges of presenting the play.
"We knew going into it that this was going to be a controversial piece and a piece that some folks might not feel that they are ready to see or ready to talk about, and we take that on," he said.
At least one woman plans to protest in front of the theatre and Garratt said he respects her right to an opinion, but also pointed out another member of her family has been working closely with the actors in getting the play ready.
"There's someone who we've been talking with a lot and had an opportunity to speak with the actors and share their story and I know for several of the families, including him, they've been able to find some affirmation and some validation, some relief, in being a part of what this show is," he said.
Garratt said part of the statement from the Justice at the Wettlaufer Inquiry included the need to raise awareness of what happened and where the system failed in order to prevent it from happening again.
Friday's opening night is just about sold out.
