Friend of Russell Williams’ murder victim speaks out against play on killer
TORONTO — A close friend of a woman murdered by convicted sex killer Russell Williams says an upcoming stage production based on the intense police interrogation of the former military commander will sensationalize his crimes.
Kirsten Walkom says the grief experienced by Williams’ victims and their loved ones is not meant for entertainment.
The One Little Goat Theatre Company plans to premiere “Smyth/Williams” in March, with an all-female cast that will alternate the roles of Ontario Provincial Police Det. Sgt. Jim Smyth and Williams through the performance.
The Toronto-based company says the play aims to raise awareness of sexual violence against women and calls the production an important part of a wider process of coming to terms with “the horror, rage and grief that such violence has occurred and continues to occur throughout Canada.”