The Price of Freedom is a soul-affirming play written by Carlos Anthony, directed by Arts Collective Theatre, Chris Rabideau in collaboration with the Amherstburg Freedom Museum, celebrating its 50th anniversary. I had the pleasure of attending on the evening of "ACT Gives Back" at the Capitol Theatre.
The story revolves around John Anderson (played by Carlos Anthony), a freedom seeker who is accused of killing a bounty hunter in self-defence. He is put on trial for a gruelling legal battle that challenges not only the complex legal system but the inherent systematic injustices that painfully exist and undoubtedly leave deep wounds.
Highlights for me:
👉First and foremost, Carlos Anthony. You can tell that this portrayal of John Anderson is more than just reading words on a paper to memorize, it’s an opportunity to find his strength within and truly pour his heart out to the audience. This is very impactful throughout the play, especially as he is faced to relive and retell the traumatic moments in court.
👉Fight scene – (Bill Dileva – Diggs/Carlos Anthony- John Anderson). The battle between Anderson and Diggs is intense and is a pivotal moment with the guidance of Fight Coach, Jackson R.R. Balint. Diggs is played wonderfully by Bill Dileva, as he exudes a dominant portrayal on stage of a slave catcher with a cackling laugh that echoes the room to gives chills.
👉The heartfelt moment between mother and son. Shelly Davis plays John’s mother and her uplifting words and unwavering love showed how one’s strength can push us onward despite hardships.
👉Court scene - the battle of logic vs the human condition. Samuel Freeman (Jordan Youseef) as defense lawyer and Mr. Oswald Grant (Robin Swainson) as prosecutor, gave such strong performances presenting their cases.
👉Overseer’s Wife (Cristina Orlando) – an explosive performance that commanded the stage, portraying a rentlessly cruel woman confronting one of her slaves.
👉The music – composed by Ian Smith. There is so much emotional depth felt from the music, particularly during the train station scene that that has a haunting historical presence, especially with the percussion work from Teajai Travis.
👉The statement of “you people” that is referenced in the play highlights the pitiful treatment and belief of unworthiness and undermining human dignity. It invokes feelings of anger and pain. So, whether you are familiar with John Anderson’s journey to freedom and his legal case which was a defining historical moment in Canada, this is a story you want to hear by all of these passionate performers.
It is one that makes you reflect on the past, the present climate we are in, and of course, what may hold for the future.
Freedom is like oxygen. We all deserve to breathe.
