The Martlet

The University Centre Auditorium was granted a great honour Saturday, Oct. 4, when Lt.-Gen. Romeo Dallaire and Canadian musician Bruce Cockburn presented their “Child Soldiers No More” benefit concert.

The faculty of Human and Social Development arranged for the two Canadians to present their stand against child soldiers worldwide in a compelling, passionate manner.

The first half of the concert was devoted to Dallaire’s disturbing speech about the global issue of child soldiers. After a brief intermission, Bruce Cockburn appeared on stage and played some of his best-loved songs.

The concert opened with a short video portraying some startling details about child soldiers, accompanied by alarming pictures of these children holding dangerous weapons.

Dallaire was then introduced by Mary Ellen Purkis, dean of Human and Social Development. Before he was able to say a word, the entire audience — all 1,200 people — were on their feet applauding.

Dallaire was very well-spoken, especially for someone whose first language is not English, and the moving, charismatic way he presented his speech had each person in the auditorium hanging on every word.

Although he did refer to his own experiences, the majority of Dallaire’s presentation was dedicated to the issue of child soldiers worldwide. Dallaire delivered a riveting, unforgettable speech, full of insight, shock, and even humor. His mission of calling to attention the issue of child soldiers in underdeveloped countries was undoubtedly fulfilled at UVic. Although he mainly focused on this problem in Africa, Dallaire ascertained that this concern is also alive in Asia, Central and South America and Eastern Europe, whether the children are involved in an arms war or drug war.

The pictures shown in the presentation depicted seven-year-olds with machine guns.

Many audience members expressed horror as they witnessed this. After his presentation, Dallaire responded to questions, giving a thorough answer to each query.

Canadian musician Bruce Cockburn, who has also been an activist in the deterrence of child soldiers, also presented a stunning performance. He too received a standing ovation from the crowd before he was able to begin his presentation.

Cockburn astonished the crowd with his music. Although he was alone on the stage with only his guitar, the sound completely filled the room and energized the crowd. Some of his songs pertained more to the theme of the concert, such as “The Mines of Mozambique,” as well as strumming out some favourites such as “Wondering Where the Lions Are” and “Lovers in a Dangerous Time,” both of which had the audience singing along.

Cockburn explained the stories behind his songs, obligingly answering the questions audience members were shouting out. The music was gripping, and it was evident that each and every song had a deep meaning both to the listener and to the performer.

Halfway through Cockburn’s performance, Dallaire once again took his place on stage. As Cockburn played haunting background music,

Romeo Dallaire told a story of an encounter with a very young boy when he was in Rwanda. Dallaire recalled his mixed emotions about this child, and pondered the whereabouts of this boy, now a teenager.

Both men exited the stage after this brilliant coordination of music and remembrance. Cockburn returned to play a quick encore, and then he once again thanked the audience.

The stirring, emotional concert proved its worth in exposing the importance of attention to these global issues.

The disturbing factors of Dallaire’s speech could remain etched in the minds of those lucky enough to witness this show, and will inevitably inspire many people to take action.

It was evident that both men had put heart and soul into their respective presentations, and left no dull moment all night.