'Assassin' Opens at Act II Playhouse

Ambler's Act II Playhouse hosted the premiere of David Robson's "Assassin" on Tuesday night, which explores America's fascination with violence in sports.

Inspired by the true story of Jack Tatum—a defensive back with the Oakland Raiders, whose devestating hit during a game in 1978 left New England Patriot's wide receiver Darryl Stingley paralyzed—"Assassin" takes place 30 years after the incident, and uses football as a backdrop for a tale of redemption and reconciliation.

Though the play draws its inspiration from real events, playwright David Robson chose to explore a fictitious aftermath and tell a story on his own.

“I wanted to be able to fictionalize the event and its aftermath. I didn't want to tell their story,” Robson said. “The play uses football as a backdrop, a context, but its themes of redemption, reconciliation and facing one's demons are universal.”

In the real version of events, Tatum died 32 years after the hit, having never spoken to, apologized to, or reconciled with Stingley. "Assassin", however, takes a dramatic look at what could have happened had the two men met with one another down the road. 

Directed by Seth Reichcott, "Assassin" is scheduled to show at the Act II Playhouse from Feb. 19 through March 17. For schedule and ticket information, contact the Act II Box Office at (215) 654-0200, or visit www.act2.org.

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