When playwright Nathan Howe was touring Northern Saskatchewan, at 24-years-old he was surprised to meet a principal who was younger than him and yet far more mature.
That principal and northern schools became the inspiration for The Wild Dog Waits on the Concrete Path, which was on tour through the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC) with a stop in Lake Lenore on May 8.
With many more challenges teaching in a northern community, Howe based the character more on himself and how he was feel being thrown in that situation, he says.
The comedic plot came from the character and the different adventures that would come from being in that new situation while still trying to keep the southern way of teaching.
“(She’s) trying to bring her list of this is how you teach students to this place where this list doesn’t quite work with every student.”
People are not boxes, says Howe, and the character learns that throughout the play.
The dog on the concrete, just like the north itself, is a wild place and maybe a bit messy and dirty, says Howe, as it makes trouble for the character.
Developing the piece, Howe says the piece resonated with younger audiences, which is why he felt it would work well with OSAC and their school tours.
“It creates empathy with teachers and shows the challenges that these students face going into the work force or further education.”
That is the biggest theme of the play is empathy for every character in the play.
“There’s no bad guy or bad place or anything like that.”
Howe’s play toured around five Saskatchewan schools throughout the beginning of May.
