‘Viola’ explores the life of Viola Desmond through song
Posted Nov 18, 2018 03:45:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
When Tara Taylor joined the Viola Desmond committee with the North End Business Association, she had no idea she'd be writing a musical, let alone one that was created in only three months.
It was an ambitious feat that involved a lot of research, said the playwright of her new musical, Viola.
Taylor aimed to create something that reflected on Desmond's entire life, not just the infamous incident at the Roseland Theatre.
The play follows two sisters, Rayna and Amiah as they discover who Viola Desmond was. They uncover Viola's path from a successful businesswoman to the mother of the Canadian civil rights movement.
“This is a young Black woman in the '40s that was able to do these amazing things, to feel like she had the power and the wherewithal to stand up for her rights, and even before then, running a business–just all these things,” said Taylor about Desmond's inspirational power.
By refusing to give up her seat in the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, NS, Desmond took her place in history as an international symbol of inspiration that has fuelled generations to fight for their rights
“Not taking away the light of what happened to her at the theatre, but her life meant so much more.”
The musical will feature ten original songs, and a mix of music styles from jazz and hip hop to doo wop and blues.
The first and currently only run of the show will happen on November 22 at the Spatz Theatre, although Taylor is looking to get the script registered professionally so that other companies can perform it as well.
Tickets can be purchased online.
