Surrey Little Theatre’s final play of the season, Truth and Reconciliation, invites the audience to witness what costs are paid by true humanitarians, according to Alaina Holland.
Holland directed the play, but she’s no newbie to the Surrey Little Theatre (7027 184 St.). This is Holland’s fourth time directing at the theatre.
“I feel this show is a hybrid of genres. Components of mystery, drama and romance are woven throughout the story,” Holland said.
Holland said she didn’t know much about truth and reconciliation commissions until she started her research. She added she’s still no expert.
“In this show we get an idea of the impact this type of process can have on individuals and also what the facilitators hope to achieve,” she said.
“However, the scenes that take place in the commission are not used as a political platform, but rather are rooted in the emotional impact that living in a volatile, violent country can have on individuals.”
The play – which is set in 1998 in a Central American country rife with civil unrest – unfolds mostly in flashbacks from three years earlier.
Young doctor Ben Montgomery (played by Richard Wiens) wants to help the sick and the poor, but he falls in love with Beatriz (portrayed by Mallory Palliyaguru).
Montgomery goes missing and a few years later, his parents (played by Cindy Peterson and Simon Challenger) attend a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in hopes of finding out what happened to their son.
Truth and Reconciliation was written by Etan Frankel, who currently writes for Showtime’s Shameless.
Truth and Reconciliation runs from April 16 to May 16, Thursdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees on April 26 and May 3 and 9 at 2 p.m.
Tickets cost $15 except for preview and opening nights, on April 16 and 17, respectively, when tickets are half price.
Tickets are available at 604-576-8451 or at reservations@surreylittletheatre.com