Photo Flash: First Look at Judith Thompson in Canadian Rep Theatre's WATCHING GLORY DIE

Canadian Rep Theatre presents the Toronto showing of its world premiere production of Watching Glory Die, written and performed in a solo tour de force role by Judith Thompson, one of Canada's most celebrated playwrights. Recently showcased at The CULTCH in Vancouver and directed by Artistic Director Ken Gass, this riveting portrait of three women inextricably linked by tragedy starts performances May 15 and runs to June 1 at Berkeley Street Theatre Upstairs. Scroll down to see some photos from the production!

Though deliberately fictional, Thompson tells a devastating story inspired by the real events surrounding the death of Ashley Smith, who asphyxiated herself while seven prison guards watched on video monitors. In this riveting new play, Glory is a troubled 19-year-old inmate, incarcerated for very minor offences at age 14, whose compulsive, rebellious nature leads to an ever-spiraling clash with Corrections Canada. Rosellen is the girl's suburban adoptive mother, desperately trying to stay connected to her daughter in the maze of prison bureaucracy. Gail is a working-class prison guard, struggling to walk the line between her 'orders' and her conscience. Watching Glory Die forges the kind of visceral lyricism that is the hallmark of Thompson at her most powerful.

Set and Costume design is by Astrid Janson. Lighting design is by Andre du Toit. Projections are designed by Cameron Davis, Sound design is by Debashis Sinha. Nicky Guadagni is associate director.

Performances are Tuesday-Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $18-$42 (some discounts for students, seniors and arts workers) and are available by calling the Box Office at 416.368.3110 or visiting www.canadianrep.ca.

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