About the work
A musical in one act by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, premiered in 2015. Based on true events, the piece tells how the 7,000 inhabitants of Gander, Newfoundland, took in almost 7,000 passengers from 38 diverted aircraft in the days after 11 September 2001.
Plot
After the terror attacks of 11 September, US airspace is closed. Thirty-eight airliners are diverted to the tiny airport of Gander, and the town's residents suddenly find themselves confronted with thousands of stranded, frightened travellers from all over the world. In 100 minutes, and with a twelve-member ensemble that takes on dozens of roles, the piece depicts encounters, fears, friendships and farewells — a mosaic of solidarity in the midst of global trauma.
Cultural significance
Come from Away was honoured with Tony and Olivier Awards and is regarded as one of the most important documentary musicals of the 2010s. It combines folk-rock with a deeply humanistic story about the power of community and hospitality.