Review: 'We Were Here' by Saint John Theatre Company
Aaron Kropf, Associate Canadian Theatre Critic, New Brunswick,
Abraham Beverley Walker
Lena O’Ree
Dr. Constance A. Timberlake
Cornelius Sparrow
Georgina Wetsel
Eldridge Eatman
Edward Mitchell Bannister
Josiah Henson
Names that many people in Saint John, New Brunswick, and across Canada don’t know, I was familiar with only two of these stories myself. Saint John Theatre Company presented these stories in their production of We Were Here. We Were Here was written and directed by local playwright Clyde A. Wray. Hopefully, at the conclusion of this production, these names will be more familiar with New Brunswickers.
‘We Were Here’ is a series of short clips of the director and actors talking about their experiences as people of colour and talking a little about the individual they are portraying on stage. This is followed by a quote from a Saint John resident about the historical figure. Each segment concluded with historical figure sharing their story. It was a pleasure to hear each of their stories, learning more of their impact on Saint John and throughout the world.
Each person on the stage in We Were Here are regular Saint Johners. It was great to see these people take the risk to get on stage. The challenge of standing on the stage alone without the support of another actor can rattle the nerves of any seasoned actor so having the courage to do this should be commended. Tallas Munro (portrayed artist Edward Mitchell Bannister) and Gordi Munro (as former slave Josiah Henson) particularly stood out. They had great range in presenting their stories and drew me in the moment they appeared on stage. I found that partway through their time on stage I didn’t want it to end, I wanted more from each of them. It would be a real treat to see them on stage again.
Clyde A. Wray put together something really special with We Were Here. The clips of Wray talking about his experiences and sharing why he created this production it was evident that this was a real passion project. A few times, however, the tense used would often flip from present to past and even moving to the future, muddling the storytelling a little. This created a few disjointed moments. With a few more tweaks I think the flow of some of the speeches would be more fluid. This is a production more people should see, and not just New Brunswickers.
We Were Here is presented in celebration of Black History Month and is a wonderful way to celebrate great people of colour from the city. It is unfortunate that the production will end on the 27th of February. Don’t miss out on this charming production and an opportunity to learn about some amazing New Brunswickers.
Photo courtesy of Saint John Theatre Company Facebook page