REVIEW: A QUESTION OF JUSTICE iS A COMPELLING CANADIAN CRIME DRAMA
How is justice served in our legal system? How can we define “adequate sentencing” in a world with so much corruption? What if this tragedy happened to you? These are only a few thought-provoking questions that permeate at The Players Guild with Peter Rosser’s A Question of Justice.
The production is based on the events and results of several well-publicized impaired driving cases that resulted in the killing of innocent people. This play’s focus is on one grieving mother in her quest for justice while exploring the harsh reality that said justice is not always fair. Having seen the original Hamilton Fringe Festival version back in 2022, I was particularly intrigued to see how the show had been workshopped in the years following its initial staging. It was clear then that Rosser had an important and socially conscious story to share with audiences which remains prevalent and deeply troubling today.
The performances from the cast are very powerful and far more fleshed out in this fully staged production, featuring some of the best dramatic acting I have seen this year. Coryn Urquhart excels as Brendan Bryne, the haughty, reckless and remorseless antagonist of the production. He is deeply unlikeable with his entitled, manipulative personality and while no one outwardly (and perhaps carefully) chooses not to say it, demonstrates the sociopathic tendencies of a young man who completely lacks empathy regarding his crimes.
Equally impressive are Bryne’s defence lawyer Helena Morris, played with unwavering professionalism by Stephanie Christiaens and Kathy Cates as the grieving turned vengeful mother Darlene Johnson. These are top-notch performances; making even the longest monologues within the show feel natural as well as providing necessary exposition and explanation as to how the justice system works (or doesn’t). Truly great casting for these three leads.
Coryn Urquhart (left) and Stephanie Christiaens (right)
Photo by: Lynne Jamieson
The supporting cast also have some strong moments acting as outsiders looking in. I found the character of Morris’ mother (portrayed by Elizabeth Whitton), who was not featured in the original version, a solid addition to the script and one that spoke harsh yet necessary truths about the nature of being a defence lawyer and how defence lawyers are often viewed as equally villainous when their clients are so clearly in the wrong.
In the end, it is a strong piece of writing and directing from Rosser and Diane Brokenshire respectively. With a weaker cast, the show could have dragged and soured the audience’s investment in this crime drama. There are only a few scenes that feel like filler in the second act but the bulk of the show is challenging, compelling and chilling. It leaves the audience still questioning if justice was truly served and one must appreciate the production’s ambiguity in this, allowing the audience to discuss and decide for themselves if it was. If you are a fan of true crime, don’t miss this one.
Content Warning: Mature (18+), Coarse Language, Prop Gun Use, Violence (enacted live or graphic description)
