Asheville Theater Captures the Spirit of Human Connection in ‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’

Asheville’s Heartfelt Journey Through The Christmas Truce of 1914

As the lights dimmed at the N.C. Stage Company in Asheville, audiences settled into their seats, ready for an emotional experience like no other. This holiday season, the theater has brought to life All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914, a poignant retelling of one of history’s most extraordinary events. With its run concluding on Sunday, December 22nd, the play invites viewers on a journey to the front lines of World War I, where unexpected friendships blossomed amidst the chaos.

A Unique Encounter with History

Unlike many theatrical productions that end with boisterous applause, All is Calm leaves audiences in a reflective silence, absorbing the weight of the story they’ve just witnessed. The play, crafted by Peter Rothstein, unfolds over just an hour without intermission, yet it packs a powerful emotional punch. It immerses attendees in the trenches of the Western Front, illuminating the shared humanity of soldiers who paused their fighting for a brief moment of camaraderie during Christmas in 1914.

The Power of Performance

At the forefront of this stirring narrative are three talented actors: Steve McConnell, Adam Kampouris, and Willie Repoley, dressed in period military attire. They skillfully shift through a beautiful tapestry of accents, transforming into soldiers from various nations. Their performances breathe life into the poignant words of those who served, creating a bridge between the past and present.

Adding richness to the experience is the exceptional a cappella chorus of nine men. Their voices resonate with military favorites like “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” and “Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag,” contrasting the youthful optimism of the enlistees with the grim realities that war brought. Each singer, including Richard Blue, Gabriel Coll-Battencourt, and Jonathan Ross, shines in individual moments, showcasing talents honed under the careful guidance of musical director Simone Bernhard and director Charlie Flynn-McIver.

Visual and Auditory Magic

The production takes on a haunting quality, further enhanced by the black-and-white images projected on a screen behind the actors. This visual element, designed by Flynn-McIver, combined with a ghostly soundscape, immerses the audience deeply into the era and into the emotional weight of the performances. It’s reminiscent of Peter Jackson’s acclaimed documentary, They Shall Not Grow Old, but where that film captures the anonymity of wartime experiences, All is Calm focuses on specific human stories, giving faces and narratives to those who lived through this turbulent time.

A Moment of Humanity

Perhaps the most striking scene takes place on Christmas Eve, where the actors bring forth a beautifully crafted moment of peace. Men who were once enemies emerge from their trenches, exchanging gifts and singing carols in various languages. The air is filled with a bittersweet joy as they celebrate their humanity, even if just for a few fleeting hours. This magical scene, complete with a friendly game of soccer and vibrant carols, captures the potential for peace amidst the backdrop of war.

Reflection and Connection

However, as the reality of warfare eventually creeps back in, audiences are left to ponder the duality of man—the capacity for both conflict and companionship. This emotional push and pull can leave anyone feeling introspective. Patrons are advised to bring along a box of tissues, as the performance may very well stir painful yet meaningful reflections on our shared human experience.

Experience the Magic

If you’re in Asheville, don’t miss the opportunity to witness All is Calm. As the final curtain draws and the actors take their solemn bows, you’ll find yourself enriched and more attuned to the complexities of human existence—the perfect way to reflect on the holiday season.

What: All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
Where: N.C. Stage Company, 15 Stage Lane, Asheville
When: Through Sunday, Dec. 22. Performances on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $5 to $45.

End your year on a note of hope, humanity, and reflection through this moving theatrical experience. You’ll leave not just with memories but with a renewed sense of connection to the shared spirit that binds us all.