Solitary Refinement

How can someone survive fourteen years of imprisonment and torture and emerge from that smiling? Discover the answers in a fascinating journey of real-life inspiration. The Voice of the Martyrs presents Solitary Refinement, an immersive live stage experience based on Romanian pastor Richard Wurmbrand’s imprisonment during the cold war and the plight of the persecuted church today. Award-winning playwright Dennis Hassell confesses, “In researching Richard Wurmbrand’s story, I was surprised by joy. I discovered a man overflowing with hope and love - and even humour. Amid the suffering, he found the supernatural. He found Christ in ways more tangible than we normally find in our comfortable churches.” He blurts, “Richard never wanted us to feel sorry for him; he felt sorry for us!” Dennis Hassell also performs the role of Richard Wurmbrand, in collaboration with director Tom Carson, a triple Dora Award nominee. Hassell and Carson have partnered on nationally touring hit shows like The Big Picture, 2000 Candles, The Missionary, and The Sacred Diary of Adrian Plass. They are thrilled to be joined creatively by Emmy and Gemini award-winning composer Tom Szczesniak in creating an original score. Videography and state-of-the-art lighting also unite in bringing you into the story. The production was four years in the making and is currently touring across Canada.