Paradise by the River

The Act is supported by the majority of Canadians: anxious, patriotic and "intolerant" of fascism. After Canada officially declares war with Italy, Romano, a recent immigrant, is arrested without charge in his own home

Torn from the arms of his terrified and pregnant wife Maria, Romano is held against his will with hundreds of men of Italian descent at a prisoner of war camp in Petawawa, Ontario. These individuals were never officially charged with any crime

Playing out the ironies of a government acting "to protect its citizens," Paradise by the River details the struggle to preserve morality in a nation and time seemingly intent on its demise

"Tale of imprisoned Italians delivers explosive, full throttle energy ... As a writer, Rossi is a dialogue man, committed to documentary realism. And he has a flair for setting off hilarious imbroglios

Perhaps more than any other Canadian playwright, he succeeds at giving authentic voice to a specific community. And if that community speaks several different languages, so be it" ~ Pat Donnelly, Montreal Gazette

"This is the Rossi play I've been waiting for; it is beautiful to look at and flows like fine wine. It's a large canvas ... but Rossi has control of his colours and tones and within minutes we care about all of his people" ~ Gaetan Charlebois, Free Hour