“TRUCK’s futuristic story with an unseen plot twist sparks further conversation regarding incorporating AI (artificial intelligence) into twenty-first-century life. Graham Isador directs with credibility. The three-person ensemble cast is dynamite. They are the reason to see TRUCK.”

The year is 2038 in playwright Graham Isador’s ‘Truck.’ There is no definite city or place.

Tech giant Edison is set to introduce a line of self-driving trucks. These vehicles will make ninety-nine percent of long-haul trucking autonomous and part of the North American mainstream. As a result, thousands of workers will lose their jobs. Edison is not budging to the workers' demands.

When the play begins, a strike rally is underway. The audience takes on the role of truck drivers. Leader Nathan Dalton (Tim Walker) and his best friend Alan Moxley (Craig Lauzon) engage the audience in a participatory chant to encourage everyone to unite in their fight against Edison. Nathan is a confident leader, while Alan supports his friend. When Alan is invited to speak into the microphone, he appears shy and reluctant, unlike his friend.

The audience learns more about Alan’s background. He is currently separated from his wife and daughter. Alan desires to do the right thing. He is eager to work because he understands that he must support them.

Alan meets Jamie Baker (Ellie Moon), an Edison representative. Something about her unsettles him. Baker is slick, direct and forthright. She then presents a troubling, dubious offer from the company. Alan will have to make a speech in front of the workers, which will undoubtedly conflict with his conscience and put him at odds with the truck drivers.

In his Director’s Note, Isador writes that he reduces the play's design, pace, and runtime to their essentials. In a version of the play, Isador says he sees complicated video screens and a shiny set. It was a good decision not to include these items.

Isador’s direction stays credible. Along with Ron Kelly’s design and composition, the story flows naturally and builds intensity. The pacing isn’t rushed. The decision to have Kelly sit on stage and periodically control the various musical sounds enhances the suspense in the script.

The dynamic ensemble trio delivers dynamic and genuine performances. They become real people conflicted by the emotions brought forth by the strike.

Tim Walker’s Nathan exudes confidence about his issues with the company. His playful banter with Alan feels authentic. At one point, the two are joking around, and just a few seconds later, Nathan threatens to punch Alan in the face for something he says.

Ellie Moon is an intimidating Jamie Baker, dressed entirely in a chic-looking black ensemble. Her Jamie instinctively knows how to control the workers. Moon’s separate confrontations with Walker and Lauzon are climactic. She pushes these men’s buttons with a glance or a sly smile that unsettled me.

Craig Lauzon gives a focused and grounded performance. His Alan frets, most rightly so, when he begins to see how this strike unfolds and what his part will be in the eventual outcome.

At the end of the play, Lauzon delivers a nearly fifteen-minute speech that Edison requests, marked by striking emotional clarity that speaks volumes. Throughout the various pauses, Lauzon composes himself with control. His vocal intonation reveals his discomfort with what he conveys to the workers. Moreover, what he tells the workers is heartfelt, shocking, and upsetting. The final line Craig utters as the lights go down resonates throughout the auditorium.

Absolute theatre magic happens when an audience listens to what is being said. From what I could see, the audience was doing just that.

That’s why we go to see good theatre.

And that’s why you should see ‘Truck’.

Running time: approximately 60 minutes with no interval/intermission.

‘Truck’ runs until April 6 in the Studio Theatre at Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street, Toronto. For tickets: factorytheatre.ca or call the Box Office (416) 504-9971.

PRESSGANG THEATRE presents
TRUCK by Graham Isador

Director: Graham Isador
Sound Design & Composition: Ron Kelly
Stage Manager: Elizabeth Staples
Lighting Consultation: Trevor Schwellnus
Performers:
Voice Acting – Graham Isador, Jeni Walls and Christine Quintana

On stage Performers: Ellie Moon, Craig Lauzon, Tim Walker