At Factory Theatre Mainspace until May 6. Written by Robert Chafe. Directed by Jillian Keiley. Set by Shawn Kerwin. Costumes by Marie Sharpe. Lighting by Leigh Ann Vardy. Music by Andrew Craig.
Based on the true story of Lanier Phillips, a black American sailor saved from his sinking ship during WWII, by the good people of St. Lawrence, Newfoundland. They had never seen a black man before and treated him with respect, kindness and openheartedness. The affect of this treatment on Mr. Phillips, after a life of prejudice and racism, was profound. It changed him.
Robert Chafe’s play is poetic, lyrical, and careful in developing the various stories so that when they mesh, the juxtaposition is transformative. It takes place in two time periods and while clues are spare, they are there.
Jillian Keiley’s direction as always is full of imagination, vivid images and relationships that are real. Andrew Craig’s music speaks to the times –at times painful, others, exquisite.
This is theatre that engages the audience for all the best reasons.
Full review on Friday, April 20 on CIUT FRIDAY MORNING, 89.5 FM from 9 am to 10 am.