That’s the heart of “Room,” Emma Donoghue’s harrowing stage adaptation of her acclaimed novel that is boldly brought to life in director Cora Bissett’s visually arresting production. She shares that space — where she is raped, beaten and abused by her kidnapper — with her son Jack (Lucien Duncan-Reid on opening night, who alternates with Levi Dombokah), who is about to turn five. Earnest and never cloying, Duncan-Reid is onstage for nearly the entirety of the play and traverses young Jack’s journey with conviction. As the curtain rises, Gordon’s Ma doesn’t appear like a woman who has been locked up for much of her young adult life. Her cheery-eyed smile lights up the room; she’s the light of Jack’s life.

Source: thestar April 10, 2022 11:02 UTC