The Coast
Spitting in the Face of the Devil
By Kate Watson on Wed, Sep 8, 2010 at 2:01 PM

After two jam-packed days of theatre, it was a lovely break to have a day with
only two shows to see. I chose wisely, too. The heavy, but masterfully-
delivered subject matter of Spitting in the Face of the Devil balanced
beautifully with the short, light-as-a-soap-bubble Naked.

“Naked” would be another excellent title for Spitting in the Face of the Devil, as
its actor/writer Bob Brader strips his life bare in front of a spell-bound
audience. Brader lived through years of unimaginable hell with an abusive,
child-molesting father, and some of the details are difficult to listen to.
However, from the moment Brader steps on the stage, his easy-going manner
and warm smile offer reassurance that you are looking at a survivor who has
ultimately risen above the experiences of his childhood. Brader is a wonderful
story teller who draws the audience in with vivid impressions of the family
and friends who surrounded him. The use of a large family photo set in one
corner of the stage is a brilliant touch. Somehow, by looking into the faces of
the characters in the story (particularly that of Brader’s father) the story is
made more real and poignant. This play deserves to be seen, and its message
of hope and triumph deserves to be heard.
Spitting In The Face Of The Devil
written and performed by Bob Brader
directed and developed by Suzanne Bachner