Copy provided by event organizer
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.
ASL Interpreted Performance
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