Hey Viola!

Krystle Dos Santos brings the life of Viola Desmond to the stage using the inspirational music that filled the home of this trailblazer of civil rights. The show includes songs popularized by Nina Simone, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Ella Fitzgerald and more. Desmond is best known for refusing to leave the whites-only section of Nova Scotia’s Roseland Cinema in 1946, a decision that made history.

“I feel so honoured to be able to continue to share Viola’s story, now more than ever as we continue to make our way through a time when perspective and togetherness is so important,” says Dos Santos.

The actor, blues, jazz and soul singer previously created the musical BLAK: Iconic Canadian Women in Music. Dos Santos co-created the show with Tracey Power, who also serves as the show’s director. Power’s writing credits include Glory, Chelsea Hotel, The Songs of Leonard Cohen and the musical Miss Shakespeare.