Dobama Theatre’s ‘Rust: A Story Of Steel And Grit’ is Cleveland Strong

Photo By: Steve Wagner Photography

As you pass north-east over the I-90 George V. Voinovich Bridge downtown Cleveland comes into view on the left with its magnificent towering buildings, Progressive Field (home of the Cleveland Guardians) and Rocket Arena (home of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Lake Erie Monsters). If you shift your gaze to the right you will see the dark gray motif of Industrial Valley that is marked at night by the towering orange flame of Cleveland-Cliffs Cleveland Works No. 1 Continuous Caster Facility.

While many have seen this beacon of industrial might from the bridge (a better view can be had off of I-490 and I-77) few ever venture into the neighborhoods around 49th Street and Pershing Avenue. It is a gritty and harsh place that many prefer to avoid, except those who work in “The Mills”.

Dobama Theatre means to educate us as to the inner workings of life in a steel factory with their production of George Brant’s “Rust: A Story of Steel and Grit” taken from the memoir of Eliese Colette Goldbach. This all girls Catholic School West Sider Bachelor of Liberal Arts Major (who was a mere three signatures away from her Master’s Degree in English Arts) finds herself stymied by the academic job market.

At the advice of a friend (who shows her his paycheck) she applies for a job at ArcelorMittal Company in the Industrial Flats of Cleveland, Ohio. For three years (2016 to 2019) she works in the Temper Mill, Shipping and as a hot dipper, bander, forklift driver and etc. until being hired by John Carroll University as an adjunct English professor. From her experiences comes the book “Rust: A Memoir of Steel and Grit” and from that the stage play of the same name.

Showing up for the first 1,000 hours as an orange hard hatted “newbie” (non-union worker) Eliese (Kelly Strand) is educated with a series of graphic videos illustrating the various dangers of the industry. Following her video indoctrination she is shifted to various jobs involving higher degrees of danger and challenges while being regaled with stories of death and injury by some of the “old timers”. Through grit and determination she works to conquer her fears and survive to earn her yellow hard hat (union status) but at a price.

With the challenging mixed hour schedule she finds her bi-polar condition worsening as well as her relationship with her East Side boy friend deteriorating. Along with this are unresolved memories of a double rape that occurred during her college days. It is to the point at work that her fellow union co-workers are having to cover for her. Her condition degrades to the point that she finds herself lying on a Lake Erie break-wall during a freezing sleet filled night.

Let us begin with the stage set by Ben Needham of steel girders, iron railed walkway and various steel platforms all adding a repressive feel that would challenge even a huge paycheck. Even before the play begins you sense the harshness of the environment. Michael Boll’s lighting design relies heavily on a subdued blue motif with additions of red to emphasize the factory’s purpose. T. Paul Lowry adds a series of projections that further sell the scene. Colin Anderson supplies just enough props to add an air of authenticity. Director Laura Kepley keeps the action moving quickly in this one act 90 minute work.

As for the actors, they are terrific. Kelly Strand as Eliese grows into the part. She begins as a liberal, soft spoken, shy waif who matures into her own power. Robert Ellis, Eric Fancher and Kristie Lang as Actor’s 1, 2 and 3 take on over 30 characters and with the use of costuming, acting skills and accents makes each one unique. BRAVO!

There are so many elements to this story that you will be amazed that they fit so much into a mere 90 minutes. It is a coming of age tale of courage and perseverance that anyone can become anything if they strive towards their goal. It is in truth, a love letter to Cleveland, Ohio.

The Dobama Theatre’s production of “Rust: A Story of Steel and Grit” will be on stage at 2340 Lee Road in Cleveland Height’s, Ohio through May 18, 2025. For information or tickets go to http://www.dobama.org or call (216) 932-3396.