Framed copy of Paradise by the River by Vittorio Rossi

Framed copy of the 1998 play Paradise By The River, written by Canadian playwright Vittorio Rossi.

The play centres on Romano, a recent immigrant, who is arrested without charge in his own home after Canada officially declares war with Italy. Torn from the arms of his terrified and pregnant wife Maria, Romano is held against his will with hundreds of men of Italian descent at a prisoner of war camp in Petawawa, Ontario. These individuals were never officially charged with any crime. Playing out the ironies of a government action "to protect its citizens," Paradise by the River details the struggle to preserve morality in a nation and time seemingly intent on its demise.

Shadowpath Theatre Productions, a professional theatre company and registered not-for-profit organization, used the stage to increase awareness of the internment of Italian Canadians during World War II. The play toured in 2010 after its debut in Vaughan, Ontario in 2008.