Ottawa, Ontario , February 20, 2013 - From one of the most famous and controversial cases in Canadian judicial history comes a compelling true story that changed a small community forever and sent shockwaves around the world.  The National Arts Centre English Theatre presents, in co-production with Centaur Theatre Company, Innocence Lost: A Play About Steven Truscott, playing February 27 thru March 16, 2013 in the NAC Theatre.
 
Clinton, Ontario, 1959. Fourteen-year-old Steven Truscott is sentenced to death for the murder of his 12-year-old classmate Lynne Harper. Maintaining his innocence throughout, his conviction is overturned in 2007.

Now, playwright Beverley Cooper re-examines the case, turning it into a theatrical experience with trial transcripts and interviews woven into the fabric of her drama. Ten people from the community are under pressure to arrive at the truth, including Steven’s friend Sarah, a young farm girl who could once see his innocence. Many years later, as if in an epiphany, Sarah finally escapes the prison of her doubts and reclaims the innocence lost so long ago.

This gripping dramatization explores the Canadian justice system and the human cost of the events on individuals and the township.

"Compelling."  - Montreal Gazette

"Powerful."  - The Globe and Mail

"Outstanding."  - BroadwayWorld.com

The NAC English Theatre Company:
Trevor Barrette, Pippa Leslie, Julie Tamiko Manning, Brendan McMurtry-Howlett,
Allan Morgan, Fiona Reid, Michael Spencer-Davis, Joan Wiecha, Jane Wheeler and
Jenny Young.

The creative team includes: Director Roy Surette; Set and Costume Designer James Lavoie; Lighting Designer Luc Prairie; Original Music and Sound Designer Keith Thomas; Video Designers
George Allister and Patrick Andrew Boivin; Assistant Director Millie Tresierra; Stage Manager Melanie St-Jacques and Assistant Stage Manager Samira Rose.

Innocence Lost: A Play About Steven Truscott
February 27 – March 16

Previews:                  
Wednesday, February 27 and Thursday, February 28
                       
Opens:
Friday, March 1

Salon Saturday:         
Saturday, March 2 at 12:45 p.m. in the NAC Salon.
NAC English Theatre Artistic Director Jillian Keiley invites English Theatre patrons to join her and Innocence Lost Playwright Beverley Cooper, and Superior Court Justice Colin McKinnon, as they discuss the creation of the play and the history behind one of the most important cases in Canadian history.
Free to the public.

Talkbacks:

Wednesdays, March 6 and 13, and Thursdays, March 7 and 14.
Stay in your seats for a post-show question-and-answer session with artists from Innocence Lost.

Performance Schedule:         
Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday matinees at 2 p.m.
(no performances on Sundays or Mondays.)

Tickets:

From $22 to $70

Tickets are available:

• Online on the NAC’s website: www.nac-cna.ca
• In person at the NAC Box Office
• At all Ticketmaster outlets*
• By telephone 1-888-991-2787
  *A service charge applies on all purchases made through Ticketmaster.

Groups of 10 or more contact grp@nac-cna.ca or visit www.nac-cna.ca

 

Find out more about the NAC English Theatre on Facebook and YouTube. To discover some fascinating facts about Innocence Lost visit nac-cna.ca/englishtheatre.
 

Embassy Hotel & Suites is proud to be the Official Hotel Partner for the National Arts Centre English Theatre.

Ottawa Citizen is proud to be Media Partner for the Theatre 5 Series.

 

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For information, please call:
Sean Fitzpatrick, Communications Officer, National Arts Centre English Theatre
613-947-7000 ext. 389; e-mail: sean.fitzpatrick@nac-cna.ca
or visit the NAC website at www.nac-cna.ca