Controlled Damage

On November 8, 1946, Viola Desmond entered the whites-only section of the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Unaware that the theatre was segregated, Viola took a seat on the main floor instead of the balcony, where Black patrons were expected to sit. Although she offered to pay the one-cent tax difference, Viola was dragged from the theatre, jailed, and charged with tax evasion.
Award-winning playwright Andrea Scott examines the life of this trailblazing Canadian civil rights figure and how her act of bravery in a small-town cinema sparked a powerful wave of change. A remarkable woman, thrust reluctantly into greatness by an unyielding, prejudiced world, Viola never wavered — even when the personal toll weighed heavily on her and those she loved.

On February 15, 2025, NAC English Theatre will host a Black Out Night that coincides with the evening performance of Controlled Damage. NAC Black Out Nights offer Black audiences and their guests an opportunity to enjoy performances within their community, showcasing the vibrant spectrum of the Black experience. As always, everyone is welcome to join the Black Out Night during the performance of Controlled Damage, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and celebration.