“I Forgive You” is a powerful play written by Scott Jones and Robert Chafe, which tells the story of a tragic event and its aftermath. The play is based on a true story, in which Scott Jones, a gay man, was brutally attacked and left paralyzed from the waist down when leaving a bar in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Canada. The attack was motivated by hate and intolerance, and it had a profound impact on Scott’s life and the community around him.
The play explores the journey of forgiveness and healing that Scott undertakes, as he tries to come to terms with the violence and hatred that was directed towards him. Through a series of conversations and reflections, Scott grapples with the complexities of forgiveness, and the difficulties of reconciling with the past. The play also sheds light on the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, and the ongoing struggles they face in terms of acceptance and equality.
Throughout the play, the authors explore themes of love, hate, and redemption, raising important questions about the nature of humanity and our capacity for forgiveness. The play is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, and it challenges audiences to consider their own values and beliefs.
The play has been widely praised for its honesty, sensitivity, and emotional depth, and it has been recognized with several awards and nominations. It has also been performed at numerous festivals and theaters, and it continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
A bit about the playwrights
Scott Jones is a filmmaker, playwright, and music educator from Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia). He directed the award-winning Love, Scott (2018) and Coin Slot (2022), both available online. A dedicated music educator, he has conducted choirs across Canada, including the Nova Scotia Youth Choir and VOX: A Choir for Social Change. His work has earned him a YMCA Peace Medal, a Nova Scotia Human Rights Award, and a Mount Allison Alumni Award.
Robert Chafe is a St. John’s, Ktaqmkuk-based writer, educator, actor, and arts administrator. His stage plays, including Oil and Water, Tempting Providence, and Between Breaths, have been performed internationally. He won the 2010 Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama for Afterimage and has been shortlisted three times. Chafe has taught at Memorial University, Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, and the National Theatre School of Canada. In 2018, he received an honorary doctorate from Memorial University. He is the playwright and artistic director of Artistic Fraud.
