Black history/futures month is off to an impressive start at Young People’s Theatre with their world premiere production of Truth. Written by Kanika Ambrose, based on the award-winning novel “The Gospel Truth” by Caroline Pignat, and directed by Sabryn Rock, Truth explores the difficult life of a young woman on a Virginia plantation in the mid 1800’s. Though the piece is targeted to a younger audience, it doesn’t shy away from the more harsh realities of the time, and Truth’s ultimate message is one of hope.

A young woman named Phoebe lies at the heart of the story of Truth. She’s been mute for as long as anyone can recall, and primarily tends to Tessa, the daughter of the plantation owner Master Duncan. When a visiting doctor comes around claiming to be an ornithologist, life at the plantation gets turned upside down. Tensions run high as Tessa begins to feel threatened by Phoebe and her beauty, Pheobe’s friend Shadrack thinks he’s found the saving grace of the plantation only to have it foiled, and Shad’s brother Will continues to plan his escape attempts. Ultimately, we’re left with a sense of hope as Phoebe begins to follow the Underground Railroad to freedom, and hopes to find her mother along the way.

Truth touches on several elements of life at the time, while allowing room for learning outside the theatre. I think it’s wonderful to have a play which immediately inspires questions and the desire to learn further even once the curtain has gone down. And YPT does have resources available on their website if you’re looking for more info for you or your little theatre goers!

Shannon Lea Doyle’s set and costume design for this production are beautiful; easily evoking both the period and setting of the production. Ruth’s emerald and gold dress is dazzling, while the hoop skirts and dresses worn by Tessa are splendid. I enjoyed how the two side panels of the main house can flip around to represent different rooms inside the house, while also being able to be stopped in the middle to allow us to peak at any action happening in behind them. I think my favourite set piece is the hollowed out tree where Phoebe goes for solace; the way the spirit of her mother can just appear through the large opening and the two of them fill up the space so perfectly made it feel magical. Another impressive design element is the bird puppet skillfully created by Nina Hartt. Especially when it’s in the cage, the way the actors are able to operate it so seamlessly truly brings it to life. I only wish that at the end the same magic was able to be upheld without such obvious use of wires.

The cast of Truth does a fantastic job of bringing this story to life! Jasmine Case stars as Phoebe, and her performance is breathtaking. She spends so much of the performance emoting without speech, and yet it’s simple to understand what she’s feeling. Chiamaka Glory plays Phoebe’s Aunt Bea as well as her mother, Ruth. Glory plays Bea with a motherly love and sass which elicit great reactions from the audience. Dante Jemmott’s Shad has an almost detrimental amount of naïveté, which makes us love and question him all at the same time. Micah Woods gives a strong performance as Will, Shad’s brother. His energy and passion can be felt throughout the performance. Wade Bogert-O’Brien, Dominique LeBlanc, and Jeff Miller round out the cast as Dr. Bergman, Tessa, and Master Duncan. The whole ensemble delivers superb performances and creates a nuanced world for the audience to delve into.

Truth is a great way to start our young theatre enthusiasts onto a path of learning about slavery, emancipation, and the Underground Railroad. YPT recommends it for children 10 and over, and I’d certainly back up that recommendation due to the subject matter and some of the more intense moments depicted in the play. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.org/shows-tickets/truth/

---

Cover Photo: Jasmine Case in the YPT production of Truth. Set & Costume Design by Shannon Lea Doyle; Lighting Design by Shawn Henry; Hair, Wigs & Makeup by Brooklyn Johnson; Photo by Dahlia Katz.

---

Thank you to my Patrons:

B. Kinnon, D. Moyes, D. Nelson

And to my supporters who’ve bought me a coffee:

Angelica and Paul, Anonymous

Would you like to become a Patron? Check out my Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Or, you can buy me a coffee at: buymeacoffee.com/aviewfromthebox