nggrfg: rending the heart

“Two words that we are not supposed to talk about, but how else am I going to tell you this story…?”

This autobiographical tale by Vancouver performer Berend McKenzie is an honest and poignant look into the life of a young black child growing up in a cold western Canadian town and coming to terms with his sexuality. Spanning the ages from 7 to adulthood, Buddy takes us through defining moments in his life that scar and rend the heart to hear, yet knowing the man has come out the other side, we long for more.

Broken into four vignettes Buddy tells us of young love, learning of his colour while being raised by white parents, acceptance on the playground and an attempted reconciliation with his birth father. An energetic and clean performance by Mr McKenzie brings this piece to life amid swirling disco lights and raucous music.
 
Even if you don’t think you have anything to learn from Buddy’s journey, go see this play, cause you will. Either about yourself, or about a man who has persevered in the face of intolerance in our own country.

For showtime information go here.

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