The Kid Was a Spy is a Masterclass in Storytelling
By Ezekiel McAdams
August 2 2024
Jem Roll’s latest show, The Kid Was a Spy recounts the life, history and speculation of Ted Hall, an American Teenager who was part of Alan Oppenheimer’s project during World War II.
Rolls spins a magnificent yarn that explores and questions real life events, figures such as Ted and his brother Ed Hall, Ted’s wife Joan, Saville “Savy” Sax, Klaus Fuchs, Ethel Rosenberg of the famous or infamous Rosenberg family, Edward Teller and Lona Cohen Joseph Stalin and Curtis Lemay.
Rolls excels at holding the audience in the palm of his hand, it’s not necessary to know the events, historical figures, facts or history to enjoy this performance.
A great storyteller can tell a story, make the audience question speculate and walk away whether it it’s a bar, campfire or in this case a Fringe Festival setting with not only enjoying the story presented but come away with your own interpretation, curiosity that might one delve further,
The Kid Was a Spy is playing at The Brodway Theatre August 2-10th 2024 at the Saskatoon Fringe Festival. Tickets can be bought online here, the box office on site or at the venue itself.