New production delves deeper into life of Nova Scotia civil rights activist Viola Desmond

“Controlled Damage,” which looks at the life and legacy of Viola Desmond, is coming to Neptune Theatre in Halifax.

A powerful story from the Nova Scotia history books is coming to life on stage in Halifax this month.

Viola Desmond’s act of defiance in a New Glasgow, N.S., movie theatre in 1946 made her a national symbol of justice, but in Neptune Theatre’s production of “Controlled Damage,” audiences will see more than the historic moment.

“Mostly about her as a businesswoman, entrepreneur, her as an individual, which is very ambitious, curious and kind of constantly driving to develop and pursue her goals, her growth, which led her, I think, to making a stand in an unexpected way that still has effects today,” says actor Deborah Castrilli.

“Beyond that moment, there’s so much to her story that’s very inspiring and also humbling in a lot of ways, because we can all connect, I think, to that struggle and need for kind of more for all of us as a community.”

The production marks the second time Castrilli will portray Desmond after a previous run in 2020.

She says this time is a very different experience.

“Completely new show, I happen to be in it but other than that, a whole new direction. Cherissa Richards is our director and it’s the first time it’s being directed by a female, a Black woman, to be specific,” she says.

Audiences can also expect new captivating visuals.

“The set is incredible. The projections, the entire team is working so hard to really make this an all-encompassing experience,” Castrilli says.

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For Nova Scotia actor Riel Reddick-Stevens, being part of the show is a dream come true.

“It’s really special. It’s really nice to be here at home telling a story that is about here. It’s really lovely,” she says.

Reddick-Stevens adds she looks forward to bringing audiences a fresh perspective on Desmond’s journey.

“We’re getting a full picture of who Viola was as a human, not just her in her moment of activism, but her and her humanity as a whole,” she says.

“We’re seeing her love and laugh, and her and her loss too, so I think people will really love that.”

“Controlled Damage” runs at Neptune Theatre until Feb. 2.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page