The Train Driver

Kirk Wendell Brown,
Peter DeLaurier

The Lantern Theater Company, located in St. Stephen’s Church at 10^th and Ludlow Streets, is presenting the Philadelphia Premiere of The Train Driver through May 4.  Based on true stories of  “’suicide by train” in South Africa, this drama explores the disturbing remnants of apartheid.  Peter DeLaurier, a long time and well honored favorite at the Lantern and other theatres as well, portrays Roelf Visagie, a white South African train driver. Unfortunately, a young black woman with a small child tied to her back has chosen to leap upon the tracks right in front of his train. With not enough time to stop, the ensuing damage not only pulverizes the woman and her child, but wrecks the life of the train driver as well. He seeks some sort of redemption while visiting Simon Hanabe, the Black Man who buries the unknown.  Portrayed by Kirk Wendell Brown, Simon tries to be a calming influence on Roelf.  Having survived  his job in the dangerous surroundings of the buriel grounds for many years, Brown very effectively displays an attitude of cautious wariness. He tries to help Roelf by offering him food and shelter in his shack in the graveyard, but Roelf continues to be tormented.  DeLaurier brings despair to a whole new level. His anguish is palpable. You will leave the theater asking yourself, “Where would I be without hope?”  .For more information or tickets for this powerful production, call 215-829-0395 or visit online at www.lanterntheater.org.