Cherry Docs refers to the 18-holed combat boots which are the catalyst for the strange relationship at the centre of this play. The relationship represents themes of justice, forgiveness, tolerance and redemption.

Daniel Dunkleman (Graham Ashmore) is a middle-aged Jewish legal-aid lawyer conflicted in his representation of his client, Michael Downey (Matthew Tenbruggencate). Michael is a young man in his 20s who is part of the “skin-head revolution,” guilty of maliciously kicking an east-Indian man to death.

Daniel seeks harmony in the multiculturalism he sees around and is angered with Michael’s Nazi-psychobabble as an excuse for his life.

Daniel forces his client, who is well-read and articulate, to create a defense for himself where he has to expose the real motives behind his past decisions. Daniel “breaks” Michael, and in one emotionally charged scene Michael finally reads a letter sent by the victim in which they forgive him for the beating.

This play is not your average performance. It is almost entirely delivered in monologues. You hear the thoughts and feelings that are in the character’s mind, or the commentary of the trial as it unfolds.

When the two men speak, the dialogue is filled with intense screaming, swearing and racial insults.

In one scene, Michael, trying to frustrate Daniel, asks him what he thinks the difference is between a Jew and apple pie. Michael’s answer will no doubt make you gasp. As I mentioned before, this is not your average performance.

To watch this show you have to see the characters and the story as metaphors for a bigger picture. Cherry Docs is a social commentary. Michael and David are not supposed to be seen as “real” people, but represent ideas present in our world, like hate versus love.

The message is to stop ignoring the dissidence in our neighborhoods and to take action. Without having this perspective, seeing this show may leave you feeling slightly confused.

Cherry Docs is modern and interactive, both brilliantly written and performed. It’s a perfect fit for the opening of the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre’s 22nd season. I recommend not missing this one-of-a-kind show and the chance to become reacquainted with the issues still affecting our day-to-day behaviors and thinking.

Published in Volume 64, Number 7 of The Uniter (October 15, 2009)