Widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, The Shawshank Redemption is a powerful story of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The tale of a man sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife and her lover—despite his claims of innocence—has resonated with audiences since its release. Few realize that the movie was inspired by a lesser-known novella by Stephen King, which now comes to life on stage at the Ottawa Little Theatre, opening February 26.
Ottawa Life Magazine spoke with director Joanne Farrell about this highly anticipated production, which marks her debut directing a feature-length play. Farrell, who moved to Ottawa in 2023, is among the many dedicated theatre enthusiasts working tirelessly to bring live performances to the volunteer-run Ottawa Little Theatre.
One of the biggest challenges of staging The Shawshank Redemption is capturing its oppressive and claustrophobic atmosphere. Farrell explains the delicate balance of designing prison cells that provide actors with enough room to perform while still conveying the stark confinement of incarceration. The script also tackles sensitive themes, including sexual violence and suicide, which Farrell is committed to portraying with seriousness and respect—ensuring the material is impactful without being gratuitous or alienating.
Adapting such an iconic story for the stage presents unique obstacles, but Farrell emphasizes that, while the production shares a title with the film, it is based on King’s novella. As a result, audience members familiar with the movie may find some aspects of the play different from what they expect. However, Farrell believes these differences will create a fresh and compelling theatrical experience, even for those who have recently rewatched the film.
Every detail of the production—from direction to costumes and set design—has been meticulously crafted to reflect the novel’s 1950s setting. Farrell notes that sourcing authentic period-accurate props is a challenge, as vintage items can be unreliable: “In addition to wanting things to look authentic, they also have to work.”
Historical accuracy extends to the casting as well. While Farrell is open to nontraditional casting, she explains that, in a 1950s men’s prison, women simply would not have been present. “There could have been nothing feminine about a character in a men’s prison in 1951, including roles like the warden or prison guards,” she says, opting for an all-male cast. With 14 actors, the play is larger than many stage productions, but Farrell praises the cast’s chemistry and dedication in rehearsals.
Capturing the harsh reality of prison life is a key focus. “I often remind the cast that we’re in a prison—you’re not making friends, you don’t trust anybody. Look left—he’s in for murder. Look right—he’s in for arson.” She also highlights the struggles inmates face with mental health and addiction, creating an atmosphere where trust is scarce.
Rather than attempting to fully replicate a prison on stage, Farrell has chosen to emphasize the human side of the story. With 26 scenes, she explains, “There are 13 scenes in each act, so there’s a lot of movement and a lot of choreography, but there’s still a sense of claustrophobia and intimacy in the set design.”
Why The Shawshank Redemption, and why now? “I think it’s a very important story, especially in today’s world, where we’re all feeling a little bit of despair,” Farrell says. She describes the play as a powerful reminder to never give up—to always believe in the possibility of a better future.
The Ottawa Little Theatre’s production of The Shawshank Redemption runs from February 26 to March 15.
Tickets are available through the Ottawa Little Theatre website or by calling 613-233-8948.
Photos: Maria Vartanova
