The Slippery Truth: Prison Break at New-Gate at New-Gate Prison

A sliver of American Revolutionary history, which took place right here in Connecticut, is the subject of the engrossing, immersive theatrical production, The Slippery Truth:  Prison Break at New-Gate.  The play is produced by Plays in Place.  The organization “collaborates with diverse cultural institutions to develop and produce new site-specific plays. Our plays engage audiences with places and stories of overlooked or often-forgotten people.”

 

In this instance, Plays in Place has partnered with the Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine in East Granby (nationally recognized as the first chartered copper mine (1707) and the first state prison (1773) in early America).  The incident that playwright Patrick Gabridge has dramatized is a prison break at the facility on May 18, 1781.  A group of Loyalist prisoners overpowered guards, killing one of them, and escaped into the night.  After the fact, during the 50 minute Act I which takes place in the administrative building, Captain John Forward interrogates recaptured prisoners, guards, and even the wife of one of those soldiers being held.  His goal – find out the truth behind the escape.  The action for this portion of the show, is held in In the 15-minute Act II, audience members have a choice: they can descend 30-steps into the cool, damp mine, where prisoners were housed, or attend an alternate program above ground.  I chose the former, which gives a snapshot experience of what prisoners experienced.  Sound designer Amy Altadonna has placed speakers throughout the underground passage where recordings of prisoners hatching their plan is broadcast.

 

In the 15-minute concluding Act III, audience members gather in the ruins of the chapel to witness prisoners, and others, just after their escape and discuss their next steps.

 

Playwright Patrick Gabridge has crafted a multi-layered show that touches on religious and political freedom, and individual rights.  What separates the play from simply being the American Revolutionaries (the good guys) against Loyalists to the British Crown (the bad guys) is the questions and complexities that are explored in the production.  The dialog is crisp and urgent.

 

Director Zoë Golub-Sass brings an immediacy and intensity to the production.  By placing the actors in close proximity  to the audience – just a few feet away – she allows the audience to become more engaged in the production, feeling as if they are in a jury box hearing crucial evidence.

 

The actors, garbed in Costume Designer Irene V. Hatch’s accurate historical clothing, are led by Craig Pinder as Captain John Forward.  The seasoned performer anchors the production with his passion and vigor.  Two other members of the cast stand out – Matt Haas as Captain Epenetus Platt and Elijah Sarrouf as Sergeant Samuel Lilly.  The other actors in the show play their parts with enthusiasm and a commitment to their characters.  They include Jackson Bird as the guard Jonathan Blenden, Raymond Cain as Captain Peter Sackett, Brayden Esler as William Young, and Sophie Walters as Abigail Young.   

 

The Slippery Truth:  Prison Break at New-Gate, playing through August 31.  Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.