It was a time when the world seemed less tolerant, perhaps a bit more impatient, but Princess Diana seemed to have a way of calming things.
It was October 1991 when the Princess of Wales, on a visit to Canada, was invited to visit Toronto's Casey House, a hospice for people sick with HIV/AIDS related illnesses.
Although media were not part of the tour, photographs released after Diana's visit showed images of the princess sitting next to and holding the hand of an AIDS patient. There was widespread reaction in the media.
It was unheard of for a royal to show such compassion and empathy.
This the story of Casey and Diana, the upcoming production at Sudbury's YES Theatre. Written by Nick Green, the play has been staged in several cities, including Toronto's Soulpepper Theatre, the Neptune Theatre in Halifax, the Royal Manitoba Theatre in Winnipeg and at the Stratford Festival.
YES Theatre actor Alessandro Costantini said the play is relevant to this time and place because HIV/AIDS is still a significant health problem, particularly in developing nations. The disease that develops from HIV infection killed more than 600,000 people in 2023.
"It is an incredible story of compassion, of empathy, and it sort of reminds the world that people in these positions matter and are deserving of support, and I think specifically about why it's important now," he said.
"I think that's what's amazing about this story; Princess Diana arrived and she did something that shocked the world, right? I mean, even though in the '90s, it was proven, you know, you can't just get this disease by touching someone, but people still were scared. Homophobia was rampant. People were afraid. And she arrived and did something that really shattered a lot of stigmas. And I think that's just a very necessary reminder that in the face of these terrifying, scary moments, that humanity could sort of persevere and break through."
Costantini said there have been many productions over the years that have focused on AIDS, but Casey and Diana is unique.
"So many of those works are dominated by American writers, American stories, American voices. And this is distinctly Canadian," he said.
He said the play goes beyond the story of individual patients and raises awareness.
"It digs deeply into the people who are caring for so many of these people who are ill. It focuses on hospice care, end of life care, dying with dignity; so many things that are just very topical," he said.
"But what's really remarkable about Casey and Diana is that it really focuses on the women of the time and the people who were caring for these sick men," he added.
He said despite the passage of time and advances in medicine over the years, HIV/AIDS is still a significant concern.
He said he hopes the play raises awareness and gives people more understanding of others.
"I hope people's sense of empathy is increased, their sense of understanding of what this was, and that it encourages a sort of deeper level of kindness, a deeper level of humanity and understanding of folks who are facing end of life, okay, and, and I could also promise you that it will be an extraordinary evening of theater again," he said.
Associate Artistic Director Ruthie Nkut said Casey and Diana is an important story worth telling.
"I think we want people to be moved. We want people to have questions. We want people to think about their own sexual health, the education of their children, the education of the kids, the way that we talk with young people and the way we talk with each other,” Nkut said. “And it's a story about life. It's really a story that will make you reflect on your own life, which is important.”
She said the play will actually go beyond raising awareness and will educate many of the younger theatre-goers, who may not have known about the visit to Casey House by the princess. Nkut said she is hoping the play will teach people about things like tolerance and patience.
"I think some people shy away from critical thinking, which is okay; there's a lot going on. The world is in turmoil, which is why we're offering theatre for all, which is why we're trying to make theatre accessible,” she said. “Because a lot of what's missing, I think, is good communication. That is how we actually unite a people and a population. There's a lot of division right now. How else can we do it, other than coming together and telling stories?"
Casey and Diana is being featured at Sudbury Theatre Centre in Sudbury from Sept. 25 to Oct. 19. The play is two hours and 30 minutes, with intermission. Parental guidance is ages 12 and older.
YES said there is a preview performance on Thursday, September 25 at 7 p.m. It is a chance to see the show at a discounted price
Len Gillis is a reporter at Sudbury.com.