I believe it was Grade 6 when my childhood best friend and I took on the characters of Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider in a duet acting competition between schools. E.B. White’s story of a motherly spider, who selflessly saves the life of her fretting pig friend, is one that resides in the back of any child’s mind who grew up in the last six decades and, thanks to groups like Alberta Theatre Projects, will continue to do so.

Indeed at last night’s performance, it was watching the intensity in which my 6 year old son devoured the show, which jogged the relationship I had with this powerful story in my younger years. This triumphant story of empathy, gratitude and the ties that bind – the virtues we can never extoll enough of.

The stage set up and costumes are simple and modest, perfect for a tale that takes us away from our cell phones and busy lives to a barn where a bittersweet, familial love story is taking place.

Charlotte, played remarkably by Léda Davies, weaves the plotline from an aerial position betwixt fabric pillars used to convey the strands of a web. She dangles gracefully from these, weaving the words that will save her swine pal from his doomed slaughter.

Sarah Wheeldon and Nadien Chu provide supporting comic relief as sheep and goose, while Tenaj Williams gives an honest go at Wilbur.

ATP has long been a favourite of mine for its reliable provision of diverse emotional works amid the cozy, and charming seats of the Martha Cohen Theatre. Charlotte’s Web does not disappoint. For the child in all of us, this is a story worth reliving, especially as we approach what should be the season of emotional giving. It is a positive reminder that family and friendship need not be defined by blood relations or material gain, but are formed in the bonds and sacrifices we make for those we care about.

Have you not a child to take to this play, borrow a niece or nephew, and give the gift of a terrific theatre experience this Christmas. It’s what Charlotte would have you do.

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Contributor Janine Eva Trotta |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Alberta Theatre Projects | Theatre |