Controlled Damage
“It is so much more than a simple history lesson.” Halifax Presents
- In-person event
- English
- Ages 14+
- ≈ 2 hours · With intermission
An NAC English Theatre/Neptune Theatre Co-Production
On November 8, 1946, Viola Desmond entered the whites-only section of the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Unaware that the theatre was segregated, Viola took a seat on the main floor instead of the balcony where Black patrons were expected to sit. Although she offered to pay the one cent tax difference, Viola was dragged from the theatre, jailed, and charged with tax evasion.
Award-winning playwright Andrea Scott examines the life of this trailblazing Canadian civil rights figure and how her act of bravery in a small town cinema set off a powerful wave of change. A remarkable woman thrust reluctantly into greatness by an unyielding, prejudiced world, Viola never wavered — even when the personal toll weighed heavily on her and those who loved her.
Controlled Damage honours Viola’s tenacity as a Black woman entrepreneur as well as her inspirational role for future generations. This rich portrait of a formidable icon offers a poignant reminder of the continuing struggle for social justice in Canada.
Black Out Night
On February 15, 2025, NAC English Theatre will host a Black Out Night that will coincide with the evening performance of Controlled Damage.
NAC Black Out Nights offer Black audiences, and their guests, an opportunity to enjoy performances with their community, showcasing the vibrant spectrum of the Black experience. As always, everyone is welcome to join the Black Out Night during the performance of Controlled Damage, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and celebration.
ASL Interpreted Performance
On February 22 at 2 pm, the performance will be ASL Interpreted, with a specific seating section made available for those accessing the interpretation. For more information and to reserve tickets to the ASL Interpreted Performance, please contact Aimee Bouchard, Learning Coordinator for English Theatre at aimee.bouchard@nac-cna.ca
Content Advisory: As a reimagining of the life of an important civil rights icon in Canada, this play confronts difficult yet necessary truths about racism and discrimination that have been a part of our shared history. Due to the realities of this historical context, the play does not censor offensive, demeaning, and racist language, including the n-word and other racial slurs. Sexual content is also briefly discussed onstage.
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- By Andrea Scott
- Directed by Cherissa Richards
