Arviat (Apr 21/04) - The curtain came down to a standing ovation for the Qitiqliq School Drama Club's annual Easter performance in Arviat earlier this month.

The family's mother, Martha, (Crystal Kablutsiak) lies in a coma, nine months pregnant, while her husband, Paul, (Harry Manilak) talks to his son, John, (Leo Ussak) in a scene from the Qitiqliq Drama Club's production of "An Easter Story" in Arviat earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Gord Billard

More than 80 cast and crew members were involved in the production of "An Easter Story," co-written by drama teacher Gord Billard and school principal Fred Durant.

The play takes place in a Northern setting and is a passionate tale of a family's rediscovery in their faith.

Billard says the students did four shows over a two-day period: two in English and two in Inuktitut.

"Normally, we do our first show in front of the elementary kids, but they were on Easter vacation this time around," said Billard.

"We were doing the first show in Inuktitut, so we put out a call to the elders in town, along with the day care and pre-school kids.

"So, our first show was viewed by the community's very young and very old."

This year's performance included 21 cast members, a 30-voice choir, two lead and 13 accompanying guitarists, and 12 backstage workers for make-up and props.

As in previous years, most of the roles were double-cast.

"The father character was played by Harry Manilak and he did all four shows in English and Inuktitut.

"Josua Owlijoot played the grandfather in all four shows, as well, and it was a tremendous accomplishment for both of them.

"In every other role, there was at least one English and one Inuktitut actor and in some cases two of each."

The lure of the stage remains strong in Arviat.

Billard says the first thing the students want to do after a performance is retire to a room and watch a video of the show together.

He says the youthful performers are disappointed they have to wait until Thanksgiving for the next production.

"I have a core group who are there for me every show.

"And there's always another 15 or so new students who show up whenever the call goes out for auditions.

"The core group are there for the acting experience and want to be in every play we produce.

"They really enjoy the exposure they get on stage, which makes them a joy to work with, both as a drama teacher and a director."