Is Blood Thicker Than Ice? - Vern Thiessen

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#55 - Oct 14, 2023). 

A chilling wind blows throughout our city, the sun sets sooner and creates the perfect atmosphere for a thrilling theatrical experience written by one of our country’s most lauded playwrights. 

Vern Thiessen, Dora Award winner for Outstanding Play, recipient of the Governor General’s Literary Award, and one of Canada’s most produced playwrights, has penned a thrilling new work that questions if blood is thicker than ice. Set on the icy banks of Barrie in the 1930s, Icemen plunges the audience into a riveting, life-altering moment in time that will keep you on the edge of your seats. 

Evidenced by his work to date, including 5 of his plays produced off-Broadway,  Thiessen is a master storyteller whose plays tackle moral conundrums that span beyond any specific time or location. Regardless of what decade or century his plays are set, the struggle within them feels almost too familiar for comfort.  

This world premiere production is presented by Barrie’s own Theatre by the Bay with the company’s Artistic Director Iain Moggach at the helm as the Director of Icemen. When asked about the upcoming premiere, Moggach replied "I am so excited for this one. The script is bold yet beautifully written and is unlike anything we have done before. And while set in a really interesting moment in Barrie's past, speaks to today in ways that are going to be quite surprising to audiences. Plus we have an incredible team assembled including Vern, who is one of Canada's greatest playwrights. There is no doubt in my mind that Icemen will go down as one of TBTB's greatest hits."

I had the opportunity to ask Vern a few questions before Icemen opens next month. 

Richard: What drew you to Barrie and what is it about our city that made for an ideal setting for Icemen?

Vern: I was commissioned by TBTB directly to write a play that took place in Simcoe County.  Iain [Artistic Director of Theatre by the Bay] pitched me a few ideas, and I immediately loved the idea of this thriving ice industry in the area and all the drama around that. It really spoke to me.

Richard: While set during the economic depression in 1936, the issues faced by the working class brothers Joe and Rennie are still an all too familiar reality for many people today. Was there a particular event or moment in recent history that inspired you to create this parallel? 

Vern: Indeed. Income inequality is at an all time high in our world. According to Stats Canada "The wealthiest households (top 20%) accounted for more than two-thirds (67.9%) of net worth at the end of 2022"  In particular, I was struck by how wealthy the ice baron's were compared to the workers. Certainly todays' gig economy workers might recognize themselves in the play.

Richard: Icemen opens and plunges the audience into a very uncomfortable scenario but also offers many moments that are heartwarming and humorous. How do you find the proper balance?

Vern: Any good play should have a laugh or a scream or something in the first ten minutes that draws the audience member into the world of the play. 

Richard: What do you hope audiences walk away with after experiencing Icemen? 

Vern: It's a thriller, so I hope the final 10 mins has them on the edge of their seats. I hope they come out feeling like they got their entertainment value. And of course, I hope they look at Barrie and ask themselves: "Huh. How is this city still the same as what happened in this play? Who are the Icemen of the city now?" 

Richard: As one of Canada’s most-produced playwrights, and have had your work produced around the world - what do you think it is about your style that has led to this success? 

Vern: My "style" varies from play to play. Shakespeare's Will  and Icemen couldn't be further apart, for example. The answer is: I don't know. But I am happy people enjoy them.

Richard: And as a recipient of the Governor General's Literary Award and as a past president of the Playwright’s Guild of Canada, what do you hope to see in the future of Canadian live theatre? 

Vern: This is a serious question that demands a lot of time to answer. But if I have to boil it down?  More Canadian plays telling our stories…This is why TBTB's mandate is so critical. Support the best playwrights to write about something local but make it universal. Icemen will not only reflect Barrie back to itself, it will also bring a truly Barrie story to the world.