“Casey and Diana” might sound like a love story, and it is, in a way. A world premiere commissioned production of the Stratford Festival, Nick Green’s play chronicles the early days of Toronto’s Casey House, which began in 1988 as a hospice for individuals dying of HIV/AIDS. In 1991, the facility was famously visited by Britain’s Princess Diana, who demonstrated her trademark caring demeanor for residents and staff alike.
What distinguishes the play, in my view, is Mr. Green’s elegant writing, which finds the emotional essence of its characters and rarely, if ever, becomes maudlin in doing so. The mix of veteran and newer company members is anchored by Sean Arbuckle’s portrayal of Thomas, a dying man who is determined to meet Princess Diana (Krystin Pellerin). Thomas’ roommate, Andre (Davinder Malhi) is considerably younger and more responsive to the ministrations of Marjorie (Linda Kash), a volunteer who may have become too engaged, at least according to the staff lead, Vera (Sophia Walker). Laura Condlln plays Thomas’ sister, whose relationship with him has been fraught. Director Andrew Kushnir has melded the ensemble expertly, and the Stratford Festival has provided a space for the audience to visit for facilitated post-performance discussion and a display of memorial quilts from Casey House.
The last time I attended a conference in Toronto, I drove to Niagara-on-the-Lake to see the Shaw Festival. This time, I was happy to visit Stratford, especially to be able to see a new play that may well be produced elsewhere. |
