Alberta student Ethan Kidney heard stories about his great-grandfather growing up but didn’t fully understand the magnitude of his service as a soldier.
Over the school year, the 16-year-old has gained an appreciation for his great-grandfather Gordon Kidney’s sacrifice as he prepares to play Montreal soldier Jean-Paul in the play Vimy.
READ MORE: Gord Steinke shares family connection to the Battle of Vimy Ridge
Ethan and classmates from St. Albert Catholic High School will perform the story of a field hospital in France to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle at Vimy Ridge this Sunday.
READ MORE: Dartmouth High students head to Europe for Vimy Ridge 100th anniversary
“All this family history I would know nothing about if I hadn’t been doing the show,” Ethan said.
St. Albert Catholic High School will perform Vimy at Edmonton’s Alberta Aviation Museum from April 9 to 12 at 7 p.m. For tickets, call 780-459-7781.
Watch below: Ethan Kidney describes what he’s learned about his own relative while reading, researching, and rehearsing for a school play based on the battle of Vimy Ridge.