About The Show

He was known for his physical presence and mental capabilities; from the auction block to his persistent and daring quest for freedom and beyond. His contributions to Canadian culture made it possible for many like our storyteller, Cassel, to live freely in Canada. 

I first became aware of Josiah Henson's story in 2004 and, immediately, it resonated within my soul. His story captured my attention; touched my heart. His indomitable character. His determination to always be the best. His fortitude and optimism in the face of brutality and degradation. His desire to care for and uplift others. Who was this man? How was he able to endure and surmount the trials that conspired to sublimate his spirit? How had I gone through the entire Canadian school system yet never heard of him before 2004? How could I share his story with other Canadians who may not have heard of him? Following his lead, how could I be like Josiah?

Charles created a first draft in December 2018 of a show with just me alone on a bare stage, with no props and no set.  With just a bucket, a cap, and a handkerchief Josiah Henson: From Slave to Saviour was born. 

We did the first workshop presentation in Kingston at the Baby Grand Studio Theatre for Black History Month 2019. Rosemary Doyle invited us to present at The Red Sancastle Theatre in Toronto in May 2019. Charles produced a one-off presentation in October 2019 at The Grand Theatre in Kingston on the main stage. The show played at the Storefront Fringe in Kingston, the Central YMCA in Toronto (where Charles had renamed it,  JOSIAH), at Sheridan College in Oakville and five high schools in Kingston. Then came COVID. Gratefully it was produced by Theatre Orangeville in a purpose-built tent at Mount Alverno Resort for their 2021 COVID season.

Charles and I parted ways in 2022. In 2024  Jim Garrard wanted to produce it. He believed that the show “had legs” and should be toured. He approached Charles to broker a deal and on September 24, 2024, Charles signed off an Assignment of Rights Agreement drafted by entertainment lawyer, Derrick Chua. 

It would be a new version based on the original 2019 version. Charles wanted nothing to do with the revision and would receive this credit, “Josiah” was originally co-created by Cassel Miles and Charles Robertson, and written by Charles Robertson. With the Agreement in place,  Jim and I began collaborating to rework the show with new direction and a greatly refined script creating a whole new ending which brought the hero from Indiana to the shores of Canada. 

Anne Marie Mortensen had designed the costume and created the show poster for the 2019 presentations. She came on board as Technical Director with her original sound and lighting design. Amanda Doerrie, who is the Marketing Strategist and Content Creator for Theatre Orangeville, came on board to lead our marketing and advertising campaign creating the website, social media platforms, poster and programs. That man who all those years ago had seen in me what I could not see became the co-producer of the show and learned how to run lights and sound. Sandy McFadden evolved into the Stage Manager.  

JOSIAH now had a fully dedicated production team. It played, successfully, at the Alumnae Theatre in Toronto for Black History Month 2025. We are just getting started. This is the time of JOSIAH. 

The work is the play. The play is to inspire.