Yale Rep to stage world premiere of play inspired by New Haven event

The play was inspired by the 2009 Supreme Court ruling that the City of New Haven violated the civil rights of a group of firefighters .
Poster for the play "Good Faith," depicting a fire hose in a container on a wall.

The Yale Repertory Theatre will present the world premiere of “Good Faith: Four Chats about Race and the New Haven Fire Department” by Karen Hartman, directed by Kenny Leon, Feb. 1-23 at Yale Repertory Theatre, 1120 Chapel St. Opening night is Thursday, Feb. 7.

In 2009, the Supreme Court ruled that the City of New Haven violated the civil rights of a group of firefighters who were passed over for promotion. Two national election cycles later, the lead plaintiff, now an instructor at the Fire Academy, trains new recruits on the methods and values of the department. Across town in a Greek diner, two former Fire Department colleagues continue to debate the personal and political impact of the decision. Through distinct, at times directly oppositional, individual voices, “Good Faith” reveals the soul of New Haven, say the organizers of the play, which is inspired by the landmark labor case Ricci v. DeStefano. It is, add the organizers, “an imaginative response to transcripts, interviews, and the many histories of New Haven.”

Good Faith” features scenic design by Stephanie Osin Cohen, costumes by Beatrice Vena, lighting by Stephen Strawbridge, sound by Kathryn Ruvuna, projections by Zak Borovay, dramaturgy by Amy Boratko, technical direction by Kevin Belcher, vocal coaching by Ron Carlos, and stage management by John Carlin.

The cast of “Good Faith” includes René Augesen, Ian Bedford, Rob Demery, Laura Heisler, and Billy Eugene Jones.

Good Faith” was commissioned by Yale Repertory Theatre. Development and production support are provided by Yale’s Binger Center for New Theatre.

Tickets for “Good Faith” range from $12 to $99 and are available online, by phone at 203-432-1234, and in person at the Yale Rep box office, 1120 Chapel St. Student, senior, and group rates are also available.

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Media Contact

Steven Padla: steven.padla@yale.edu, 203-432-1574