The cast of The Price of Freedom, made up of students, alumni and community members on stage at the Hatch Theatre at the University of Windsor, Ont. (Courtesy Arts Collective Theatre/ University of Windsor)
By Lindsay Charlton
Accused of killing a bounty hunter in self-defence, freedom seeker John Anderson was at the centre of a high-stakes legal fight over freedom and justice.
The Price of Freedom, written by Windsor-based author and filmmaker Carlos Anthony, is being restaged through a collaboration between the University of Windsor and Arts Collective Theatre (ACT).
“It’s been a long but very rewarding rehearsal process. It’s taken a lot of time to build this play from scratch,” said fourth-year dramatic art student Micah Franklin, who plays John Anderson’s wife Maria.
“They had an idea of what it was last year, but with a whole new cast, a new performance space and a brand-new set designer, the expectations from last year have faded away, and we’ve been able to build a whole new play out of the same script.”
Franklin heard about an after-school read-through during an acting class taught by Prof. Meaghen Quinn, who is involved as the UWindsor faculty advisor.
Through a work-study placement with ACT, she has gained hands-on performance experience and course credits.
“I love reading through new plays, and I thought this sounded interesting,” Franklin said. “I knew a little bit about it from last year’s run, but I was immediately sucked in. It has a spy-thriller vibe, and it was a welcoming environment and a lot of fun.”
Cast members of The Price of Freedom at rehearsal in the University of Windsor’s Hatch Theatre on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. (LINDSAY CHARLTON/ University of Windsor)
Those involved in the production have been working to bring the show back to the stage, first for alumni night on April 24, and then for public audiences on May 1 and May 22, as well as elementary and high school groups throughout the month at the Jackman Dramatic Art Centre’s Hatch Studio Theatre.
“Everything is coming together,” Franklin said ahead of opening night. “Really seeing what each person brings to the production has been a lot of fun and working with the community has been a major benefit.”
Franklin also serves as a fight captain, working with fight coach Brianna Love to maintain choreography safety and integrity.
“I’m a huge fan of choreography. I grew up as a dancer, so it comes naturally to me,” she said. “It’s also been a major learning experience. I’d never done fight choreography or stage combat before this, and working with Brianna and my fellow actors has been really rewarding.”
Originally premiering in February 2025, the play unfolds through courtroom proceedings, Anderson’s memories of escape from slavery, and political pressure surrounding extradition and Canada’s role as a sanctuary for the oppressed.
“I really enjoy the part of Maria. The role is the anchor to John’s past because a lot of what he does is driven by the need to protect his family and get back to them,” Franklin said.
“It’s been a lot of fun. We get to be in historical costume. She is a really strong character, and it’s not very often you get to play a female lead who is both strong and determined, but also willing to let things go while still standing up for what she cares about most.”
The cast and crew will perform 25 shows for Greater Essex County District Board schools. Franklin, who plans to pursue a Bachelor of Education, hopes to introduce students to local history through theatre.
Students from Ford City Public School with The Price of Freedom cast after a performance at the University of Windsor’s Hatch Theatre. (Courtesy Arts Collective Theatre/ University of Windsor)
“I know growing up in social studies or history class, I did not absorb everything I probably should have. But I believe the arts, especially drama, allow for barrier-free access to learning,” she said.
“If you think history is boring, you haven't seen our show yet.”
Through memories, the play follows Anderson’s fight for survival and freedom after escaping slavery, as portrayed by Anthony and University of Windsor alumnus Matthew Chris.
Viewers are taken through his escape from the United States, including saying goodbye to his wife, the people he met along the way, and safe houses within the Underground Railroad, as well as the events that led to his case.
“Carlos and I wanted a show that moved. We wanted something intriguing and exciting. Carlos really saw his adventure here as being this kind of animated feature,” said Chris Rabideau, ACT artistic director.
“He’s a screenwriter and author by trade, so he sees things like a screen, and as a play director, I had to take his big visions and bring them into a more theatrical aesthetic. In doing that, I think we created a highly exhilarating show that people really enjoy.”
The Price of Freedom cast members Micah Franklin and Matthew Chris at rehearsal in the University of Windsor’s Hatch Theatre on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. (LINDSAY CHARLTON/ University of Windsor)
Anthony was commissioned by ACT through its Co-lab initiative, which develops new plays focused on social justice themes with not-for-profit organizations and artists, for the Amherstburg Freedom Museum’s 50th anniversary.
He and Rabideau toured the museum, where Anthony was struck by John Anderson’s story.
“He was drawn into his flight to come here — what it meant — and wanted to dive into that more,” Rabideau said.
Since its first run, the team has continued to workshop the production.
“I thought it would be really cool to involve University of Windsor students as a pilot project. What makes this so compelling is that it's a mix of students and community members who love theatre, with people ranging from 19 to 65, bringing them together to create something meaningful,” he said.
“It’s experiential learning — being part of a community is so important right now. Students deserve these opportunities to work with production companies to elevate their craft,” he said.
The Price of Freedom cast members at rehearsal in the University of Windsor’s Hatch Theatre on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. (LINDSAY CHARLTON/ University of Windsor)
David Court, director of the University of Windsor School of Dramatic Art, said the department has supported ACT on prior productions and wanted to continue building partnerships between students, alumni and the community.
“We want to bring our local community closer to the University and foster collaboration among students, faculty and community members,” he said.
“It’s important students have the chance to showcase their talents on stage and take on meaningful behind-the-scenes roles. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to nurturing emerging talent and enriching our community’s cultural landscape,” he said.
About nine students are earning academic credit through the production, working across stage management, set design and costumes as well as performance roles.
“Production design is my area, so I’ve been working with Dante Blair, who designed the set. We pulled items from our production shops and facilities and collaged a design together, which was painted and assembled with help from students and community volunteers,” Court said.
Working with ACT on this production reflects growing experiential learning opportunities, he added.
“I hope this opens the door to more collaboration with community projects and programs moving forward,” he said.
The Price of Freedom cast members at rehearsal in the University of Windsor’s Hatch Theatre on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. (LINDSAY CHARLTON/ University of Windsor)
While rooted in local history — Anderson’s trial took place in what was then known as Sandwich — ACT is taking the production to a broader audience this summer after being invited to perform in Fredericton.
Some students involved are expected to travel with the show.
“This is another chance for students to do something they haven’t done before,” Rabideau said. “Going out to perform in another part of Canada is an incredible opportunity.”
Franklin is one of the students interested in going. She said she’d be “over the moon” to bring this story to another part of the country, especially ahead of Emancipation Day on Aug. 1.
“I feel like Emancipation Day within Canada isn't as recognized. Everybody knows about Juneteenth in the U.S., but how many people know August 1st as Emancipation Day? So, this is going to be a great opportunity to not only show a less recognized area within Canadian history, and enjoy yourself while doing it,” she said.
“This is a celebration of Black excellence and Black resilience through the years here. And I'm really happy to be part of this celebration.”
Performances of The Price of Freedom open to the public will be held at the Hatch Studio Theatre on Friday, May 1 and Friday, May 22.
Tickets are available at https://actwindsor.ca/ starting at $20 for students.