# **History Comes to Life at the Grand Theatre with the Ontario Premiere of Andrea Scott’s *Controlled Damage***

   ![Beck Lloyd in character as Viola Desmond, stands in front of a light purple wall with vertical strips of light that continue along the ceiling.](/sites/default/files/styles/hero/public/2023-01/Controlled%20Damage%20-%20Photo%20By%20Dahlia%20Katz.jpg?h=249b9eae&itok=icd6PaW0) 

 Written by Andrea Scott  
Directed by Ray Hogg  
On the Spriet Stage  
January 17 to January 29, 2023

**January 10, 2023 – London ON –** The inspirational, true story of Canadian Civil Rights hero, **Viola Desmond** comes to life on the Grand Theatre’s Spriet Stage at the **Ontario premiere** of ***Controlled Damage*** – by **London** playwright **Andrea Scott**. The acclaimed production, playing **January 17th through January 29th**, is directed by **Ray Hogg** and stars **Beck Lloyd** as **Viola Desmond**.

“We begin the New Year with a truly London Proud production: Andrea Scott’s historical biodrama *Controlled Damage*,” exclaims **Dennis Garnhum**, Grand Theatre **Artistic Director**. “Raised in London, Ontario, an H. B. Beal graduate, Andrea has created a play that is so much more than a simple history lesson. Yes, this is a story from our past, but it is also a resounding call to everyone to learn from the wrongs of yesterday, and work towards a future of true universal respect and inclusion.”

*Controlled Damage* tells the story of Black, Halifax business owner, Viola Desmond who, on **November 8, 1946**, went to a movie at the **Roseland Theatre** in **New Glasgow, Nova Scotia**. Unaware that she was sold a lower-priced ticket for the balcony, where Black patrons were expected to sit, Viola took a seat on the main floor: the whites-only section. Although she offered to pay the one cent tax difference, Viola was dragged from the theatre, jailed, and charged. The event would impact history forever.

Award-winning playwright **Andrea Scott** (*Better Angels: A Parable (2015), Don't Talk to Me Like I'm Your Wife (2016), Eating Pomegranates Naked (2018), Every Day She Rose (2019)*) penned *Controlled Damage* in **2015** with the original intention of writing a short play for children. But, she quickly realized the potential behind the story of Viola Desmond. Scott recalls being immediately drawn to the Canadian icon, saying: “She was tiny, persistent, Black, and stubborn – her focus and drive arrested me. But, I think what inspired me most is that Viola is all of us. She is an ordinary person who became extraordinary by one single, brave act. My hope is that this play can inspire people today to also take courage, refuse the status quo, and ultimately make those hard choices. Because, who knows? You too may be changing the course of history forever.”

Making her Grand Theatre debut as the leading role of **Viola Desmond** in Controlled Damage is Toronto-based actor, theatre creator, and educator **Beck Lloyd**. Joining her are a **cast of 11** celebrated Canadian talent, **8** of whom will also make their Grand Theatre debut. Returning cast members include: **Wade Bogert-O'Brien** (*Chariots of Fire (2018)*), **Starr Domingue** (*Room (2022), Oil and Water (2014)*), and **Stewart Adam McKensy** (*Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2011)*).

Notable Canadian director, choreographer, and educator, **Ray Hogg** brings his diverse talent to the Grand’s stage for the first time as director of *Controlled Damage*. Utilizing a **modern set**, **state-of-the-art projections**, and **dynamic choreography**, Hogg hopes that London’s audiences will become truly immersed in the production, expressing: “My hope is that what we have done with our cast, crew, and team of designers will surprise audiences in an exciting way, and help them literally and figuratively see themselves in *Controlled Damage*.”

*Controlled Damage* opened at Halifax’s **Neptune Theatre** in **February 2020** to a sold-out run and great critical reception. The Globe and Mail hailed it “…a tougher ticket to get than Hamilton.” It was then scheduled to have its Ontario premiere during the Grand’s 2021/22 season, but was postponed to January 2023 due to the **COVID-19 pandemic**

  
“When COVID-19 struck our theatre, we were forced to make many difficult decisions,” recalls Grand Theatre Artistic Director, Dennis Garnhum. “But, bringing *Controlled Damage* back was not one of them. This play so beautifully and poignantly presents the life of one of Canada’s most influential women, with a powerful message for today. It will all be worth the wait, and I am confident that this production will soon take a lasting place in the hearts and minds of our audiences.”

*Controlled Damage* is on the **Spriet Stage** from **January 17 to January 29, 2023**. Tickets begin **at $35** and are available at [www.grandtheatre.com](http://www.grandtheatre.com), by phone at 519-672-8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street.

The Grand Theatre gratefully acknowledges the continued support of the 2022/23 returning Season Sponsor **BMO Financial Group** and *Controlled Damage* Title Sponsor, **Selectpath**.

To learn more about *Controlled Damage*, please visit: [grandtheatre.com/event/controlled-damage](/event/controlled-damage). Additional facts, photos, and updates can also be found by following @thegrandlondon and #ControlledDamage on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheGrandLondon), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thegrandlondon), and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thegrandlondon/?hl=en).

   
The Grand Theatre wishes to acknowledge and honour the original stewards of the land on which our Theatre stands. Gratitude and recognition are extended to the Attawandaron (also known as Neutral), Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Lunaapewak peoples for preserving this land where we gather and create art.

**About the Grand Theatre – World Curious. London Proud.**

In the heart of downtown London, Ontario lies one of Canada’s oldest regional theatres and a leading cultural hub of today: the Grand Theatre. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum and Executive Director Evan Klassen, the Grand proudly presents diverse, relevant, and original stories from around the globe – and around the corner – on its two stages. The not-for-profit theatre is committed to developing, producing, and premiering original stories through its COMPASS New Play Development program. Further, it is an ardent supporter of educational programming, as demonstrated through initiatives like the High School Project and Subsidized Student Matinees. For more information, visit: grandtheatre.com.

Follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheGrandLondon), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thegrandlondon), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thegrandlondon/?hl=en), [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/TheGrandTheatre), and[ LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-grand-theatre/).

**For more information please contact:**  
Caitlin Core, Communications Manager  
ccore \[at\] grandtheatre.com (ccore\[at\]grandtheatre\[dot\]com)  
519-672-9030 ext. 266

## MEDIA CALL

**When:**  Tuesday, January 17th at 1:00 p.m. (Cameras, please arrive at 12:30 p.m. to set up)  
**Where:** Spriet Stage, Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond Street, London, Ontario  
**What:**  Controlled Damage photo, video, and interview opportunities for media

**THE CAST (In alphabetical order)**  
Wade Bogert-O'Brien - Man 3  
Krystle Chance - Woman 1  
Starr Domingue - Woman 2  
Cameron Grant - Man 1  
Kaylee Harwood - Woman 4  
David Keeley - Man 4  
Dominique LeBlanc - Fiddler  
Beck Lloyd - Viola Desmond  
Monique Lund - Woman 5  
Gracie Mack - Woman 3  
Stewart Adam McKensy - Jack  
Danté Prince - Man 2

**THE CREATIVE TEAM**  
Ray Hogg - Director & Movement Director  
Kaylee Harwood - Assistant Director  
Lennette Randall - Assistant Director  
Alexandra Kane - Music Director/Composer  
Brian Dudkiewicz - Set Designer  
Ming Wong - Costume Designer  
Patricia Reilly – Assistant Costume Designer  
Jareth Li - Lighting Designer  
Richard Feren - Sound Designer  
George Allister - VideoCompany  
Patrick Boivin - VideoCompany  
Siobhan Richardson - Fight/Intimacy Director  
Gracie Mack – Movement Captain  
Shakeil Rollock - Movement Intern  
Suzanne McArthur - Stage Manager  
Melissa Cameron - Assistant Stage Manager  
Kelsey Cain - Apprentice Stage Manager