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"[The Public Servant] puts an honest human face on all those in the public service who are working to make their communities better places to live. And in this age of austerity and privatization that’s not as easy to accomplish as it once was." — James Clancy, NUPGE National President
Ottawa (23 March 2016) — The play The Public Servant had its debut in Toronto on March 13 and has been receiving stunning reviews since it opened.
Insider's view to the importance of public service workers
The play follows three women who work in the public service. They are at various stages in their careers, but they all share the fundamental desire to do good.
But the truth is that although hundreds of thousands of Canadians work in the public service, they are virtually ignored in the stories we tell about each other.
"It puts an honest human face on all those in the public service who are working to make their communities better places to live," says James Clancy, National President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). "But in this age of austerity and privatization that’s not as easy to accomplish as it once was."
One of the senior characters puts it into perspective saying, “It was different then. We pushed policy — not paper. We did things. It was meaningful. It was jazz.”
"It’s a great subject for a play, but that’s not the only reason I’m recommending it. It’s also a great story that’s as funny as it is poignant," Clancy said.
But Clancy isn't the only one throwing out compliments.
Celebrated reviews
Positive reviews have been coming in from all quarters.
Lynn Slotkin, a well-known Canadian theatre critic, said The Public Servant is "deeply perceptive, funny and realistic."
The Globe and Mail review said, "Nice to see some comedy that really crackles." while the Toronto Star called it "truly impressive."
And My Enterianment World said the play is "uniquely Canadian and refreshingly fun."
The Public Servant continues at Toronto's Berkley Street Theatre until April 3.
More information:
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE