The Busy World is Hushed by Keith Bunin opened the Pacific Theatre season in Vancouver in September 2010. The production was nominated for 6 Jessie awards including Outstanding Production and Outstanding Direction.

Hannah, a minister and Bible scholar, finds her faith at odds with that of Thomas, her estranged, wayward son. But when an inquisitive young writer hired to assist Hannah with her latest publication learns painful secrets from Hannah’s past, she spies a risky, unconventional opportunity for reconciliation.

Photos by Ken Bryant (click an image for full size)

Critical Response

Directed by Richard Wolfe for one2theatre, this is a taut, absorbing production with excellent ensemble work by Chiarelli, Bergquist and Kroon.

—The Courier.

Director Richard Wolfe has done a great job here in the awkward Pacific Theatre space, almost throwing us into the room with the trio.  Wolfe has obviously taken great care to not let his actors wallow into self-pity and walks them carefully to the edge of maudlin, without ever allowing them to jump … As a show about love and loss, it doesn’t get much better than this.

— Gay Vancouver.

The script for The Busy World Is Hushed will speak most powerfully to the faithful and those flirting with faith, but the excellent acting is there for everyone to enjoy … Fortunately, under Richard Wolfe’s direction, the cast is tremendous.

—The Georgia Straight.

An intelligent and complex play, Keith Bunin’s The Busy World Is Hushed is actually a guest production from one2theatre.  And an excellent production it is under Richard Wolfe’s confident direction.

—Vancouver Plays.

Artistic and Production Personnel

Directed by Richard Wolfe
Hannah: Gina Chiarelli
Brandt: Adam Berquest
Thomas: Sebastian Kroon
Set & Lighting Design: Michael Schaldemose
Composition & Sound Design: David Mesiha
Costume Design: Yulia Shtern
Assistant Costume Design: Stephanie Kong
Photography: Ken Bryant
Stage Manager: Stephanie Meine