Deborah Castrilli and the cast of Controlled Damage (Neptune Theatre) Photo Credit: Stoo Metz

Controlled Damage

By Andrea Scott

“I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Controlled Damage explores the life of Viola Desmond, and how her act of bravery in a New Glasgow, NS movie theatre started a ripple effect throughout society. The play shines a light on how her courage impacted different cultural groups in the province and the effect it’s had over the past 70 years.

"There’s so much interest in seeing (Viola) Desmond’s story dramatized that it’s actually a tougher ticket to get than Hamilton."

The Globe and MailJ. Kelly Nestruck

"It was excellent! I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved the script and hearing the gospel songs. So much talent on stage."

Halifax JournalistSherri Borden Colley

"‘Controlled Damage’ is unprecedented on the stage in Halifax. Andrea is standing on the shoulders of Lorraine Hansberry and doing for Canada what she did with ‘Raisin in the Sun’."

Evelyn WhiteWriter & Editor, biographer of Alice Walker

"Controlled Damage is an important and necessary piece of theatre, it is also much too relevant. It is also beautiful storytelling compellingly told. I wish everyone could see it. I hope it comes back again."

The Way I See It - Theatre Blog

"Andrea Scott has constructed a beautiful play, ‘Grecian’ in its theatricality and scope."

Nigel Shawn WilliamsDora Award winning Actor/Director

"‘Controlled Damage’ was moving and emotional. One of my favourite shows I have even seen at Neptune Theatre."

Peter L. TwohigHistory/Art Professor – Saint Mary’s University

"Chills down my spine, absolute chills...get ready for this one, guys, this will be the show people are talking about for a while to come."

Garrett C. BarkerTheatre patron/Neptune employee

"By humanizing her story (Andrea) Scott highlights the very personal repercussions of Viola’s actions and vividly illustrates the systemic racism in Canada at the time."

Halifax Presents

"(Controlled Damage) gives audiences a beautifully nuanced portrait of Viola Desmond’s life..."

"(Scott) excels at positioning Desmond and her story within the complex and rich historical, cultural, and societal community of Desmond’s hometown of Halifax."

The Way I See It - Theatre Blog

"Deborah (Castrilli) as Viola was excellent!"

Wanda DesmondViola Desmond's sister

Production Details

6 Female

4 Male

2 hours, 15 minutes (including intermission)

By Andrea Scott

June 20, 2011

PAST EVENT: Controlled Damage *WORLD PREMIERE* – Neptune Theatre (Halifax, NS) February 4-23, 2020

Production History

Controlled Damage premiered in February, 2020 at Neptune Theatre (Halifax, NS) in association with b current performing arts.

The script was developed with the support of the Ontario Arts Council, the Toronto Arts Council and b current performing arts.

It received additional support from the following organizations: 4th Line Theatre, Blyth Festival, Centre des Autres Dramatiques, Eastern Front Theatre, the Grand Theatre, the Gros Morne Playwrights’ Residency, Native Earth Performing Arts, Obsidian Theatre, Playwrights Workshop Montreal, Roseneath Theatre, SpringWorks Indie Theatre Festival, Studio 180 Theatre, Tarragon Theatre and VideoCabaret.

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