The Secret Son April 22, 2009

The Story Arthur Miller Didn’t Want Told
Theatre Terrific is proud to present the premiere of The Secret Son, written and directed by Susanna Uchatius. Combining Greek Tragedy with the aesthetics of Tim Burton, The Secret Son reveals the untold story of Arthur Miller, the legendary US playwright. The production runs April 22-25 at the Roundhouse Performance Centre.

Demonstrating how Greek tragedy can echo in the modern world, The Secret Son explores Miller’s decision to erase from his private and public life the existence of his own son, Daniel. Uchatius saw in this real-life story a chilling parallel with Aeschylus’s Agamemnon.
“Lightning strikes are always a surprise,” says Uchatius. “I was reading Ted Hughes’ translation of Agamemnon, a rich, Greek tragedy of family horror. The same day I picked up a copy of Vanity Fair magazine. Therein, was the most astounding tale of Arthur Miller, whose last child, Daniel, was born with Down Syndrome. Miller refused to accept Daniel as his son and – against his wife’s wishes – insisted that he be institutionalized, effectively erasing the boy from his life. The similarity of these two powerful men to value their public honor over their own flesh and blood was a lightning bolt.”

The Secret Son is a sweeping tragedy of family secrets, murder, love and incest inhabited by an Author, a Chorus and a group of Actors. The Secret Son asks: what is of greater value, public honor or private honor?

The Secret Son brings together a talented group of theatre artists including Tanya Marquardt, dramaturg and movement coach, Joel DeStefano, composer. The diverse cast includes the Actors: Soksann McNamee, Marilyn Blandford, Valerie Sing Turner, Nigel Vonas, Sindy Angel, Greg Labine, a Chorus of six: Christopher O.Cook, Alex Edwards, Celeste Insell, Jonah Killoran, Matthew Kowalchuk, Callan Parker, and Sean Allan as the Author.

Official Website: http://www.theatreterrific.ca