PlayME

Laura talks with writers and performers Matthew Mackenzie, a Canadian playwright and Mariya Khomutova, a Ukrainian artist who met in Kiyv during Matthew?s theatre research trip in Ukraine. There, they sparked up a romance and found themselves expecting a baby on the eve of the global pandemic and invasion of Ukraine. The couple shared what it was like turning their very personal love story into an award-winning play and how writing helped strengthen their relationship and saved their mental health during their most challenging times.

Amid a whirlwind long-distance romance, Mariya from Ukraine and Matt from Canada learn they will soon become parents. They plan to marry but find themselves unexpectedly separated for months due to a travel ban amid the pandemic. After Matt embarks on a heroic journey to Odesa to reunite with Mariya, they believe their happily ever after is finally within reach. Their fairytale takes an unsettling turn when Russia invades Ukraine. How can they embark on their new life in Canada when Mariya?s loved ones confront death and devastation back home?

First Metis Man of Odesa is by Matthew MacKenzie and Mariya Khomutova.

A real-life love story that spans continents, a pandemic and an invasion

Matt, a Canadian Metis playwright, falls for Mariya, a Ukrainian actor, during a theatre workshop in Kyiv. They kindle a year-long romance through emails before meeting in Toronto, igniting a whirlwind love affair. But as they face the challenges of a long-distance relationship, doubts creep in for both. Just before the pandemic hits, they receive life-altering news, testing the strength of their bond and the viability of their future together.

First Metis Man of Odesa is by Matthew MacKenzie and Mariya Khomutova.

The Play On Podcasts are audio adventures reimagining timeless tales featuring original music compositions and the voices of extraordinarily gifted artists. More episodes and information are available at: https://ncpodcasts.com/othello

Chris talks with writer Trey Anthony about the evolution of her revolutionary show, Da Kink In Hair, from a Fringe sensation to a highly-regarded TV series. Trey candidly discusses her experiences as a queer Black artist navigating the entertainment industry, her drive to portray authentic narratives of Black women in her work, and the profound impact of her childhood relocation from England to Canada at the age of 12 on her journey as an artist.

Much-in-demand hairdresser Novellette sees into the souls of several of her clients. She knows from her profession that If you want to know about a woman ? a Black woman ? touch her hair. She discovers joys like the sexual awakening in her elderly customer, Miss Endid, following the death of her husband. She untangles dark secrets like the painful past of Stacey-Anne, who travelled from Jamaica to Canada in the middle of the winter to live with her mother and her new partner. Da Kink In My Hair is by Trey Anthony

Novellette is a busy hairdresser at her West Indian hair salon. And while she?s a much sought-after stylist, she possesses gifts beyond her ability to tame locks. She believes that the hair she works on sends her messages about her clients? lives. Sometimes, the information she receives makes her want to laugh. Other times, it tells her things she doesn?t want to know. When Novellette places her hands in her client Patsy?s tresses, she helps untangle a painful past while discovering a secret buried in the thick and growing hair. Da Kink In My Hair is by Trey Anthony

Laura talks with writer/performer Liisa Repo-Martell about what compelled her to adapt one of Anton Chekhov?s most famous plays, ?Uncle Vanya,? for a contemporary audience. Liisa shares why she thinks Chekhov?s work is so enduring and how he gets to the heart of our darkest, most petty selves while shedding light on our desires to have more and to be seen. She talks about how she adapted a play written over 100 years ago in Russian and why she has a crush on this famous writer.

After Sonya reveals her love for Astrov, Yelena volunteers to determine if the doctor shares her feelings for him. When Yelena gets him alone, he surprises her with a frightening secret. Reeling from his confession, Yelena convinces her husband, Alexandre, to leave the estate immediately, throwing Vanya and Sonya?s future into question. Upon hearing the news of the couple?s impending exit, an enraged Vanya unleashes his fury on the professor, throwing the household into chaos. Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov, Adapted by Liisa Repo-Martell.

A dazzling adaptation of the masterpiece. In the twilight of Czarist Russia, Vanya and his niece, Sonya, work tirelessly to manage the rural estate. Their quiet routine is shattered when Sonya's father, Alexandre, a renowned professor, arrives with his glamorous young wife, Yelena. The household succumbs to waves of fury, jealousy, and intoxicated yearning with the presence of the new guests. Amidst the turmoil, the country doctor Astrov arrives to attend to the ailing professor. Sonya confides in Yelena about her profound feelings for the enigmatic doctor. Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov, Adapted by Liisa Repo-Martell.

Your free ticket to dozens of shows by talented writers from across Canada returns on Jan 10, 2024! Join hosts Laura Mullin and Chris Tolley for the latest season of PlayME featuring five contemporary plays: Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekov (adapted by Liisa Repo-Martell), Da Kink In My Hair by Trey Anthony, First Metis Man of Odesa by Matthew MacKenzie and Mariya Khomutova, PRODIGAL by Paolo Santalucia, and Guilt: A Love Story by Diane Flacks.

Chris talks with Marcia, who shares how she was inspired to write her hit play ?Serving Elizabeth? after binging the Netflix series ?The Crown.? She was livid when she noticed how only white characters were featured while others, the Black voices, were left out of the narrative. She confides how she was obsessed with princesses and queens as a little girl, but her feelings changed as she grew up and became aware of colonialization and the harm caused by the British Monarchy. Serving Elizabeth by Marcia Johnson

A drama that explores issues of colonialism and who gets to have a voice. It?s 1952, and Mercy and her daughter Faith run a well-regarded restaurant in Kenya that prepares excellent local dishes like maharagwe and matoke but is struggling due to a family health crisis draining their finances. When a white tourist arrives at the establishment and offers them a lucrative opportunity to cook for secret VIPs, Faith is eager to take the job, but Mercy is suspicious. Serving Elizabeth by Marcia Johnson

A drama that explores issues of colonialism and who gets to have a voice. When Mercy discovers she will cook for the young Princess Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Phillip, she refuses the job due to her anger at King George and his interference with Kenyan politics. But her daughter isn?t about to pass up an opportunity that could change her life. Seventy years later, Tia, a young Kenyan-Canadian screenwriter, works as an intern production team in London, UK, preparing an episode for a TV series based on Princess Elizabeth?s historic 1952 visit to Kenya. Serving Elizabeth by Marcia Johnson

A drama that explores issues of colonialism and who gets to have a voice. Mercy finds herself with an unexpected opportunity to be alone with Princess Elizabeth but finds herself in an awkward situation with the young royal. And Tia has a face-to-face with the creator of the British TV series and gets a chance to challenge him about the treatment of the characters in his script. Serving Elizabeth by Marcia Johnson

Chris talks to writer Kevin Loring about his play that explores the intergenerational effects of the residential school system set in his hometown of Lytton, BC. He shares how one of the actors during a workshop reading of his play challenged him to dig deeper into his character?s alcoholism and why it ultimately shaped the development of his award-winning show. He also describes the emotional moment when his play was first performed in front of his community and his thoughts on the meaning of the word ?survivor.? Where The Blood Mixes by Kevin Loring

A funny and honest play about loss and redemption Floyd and Mooch are best buds. They like to hang together at George?s bar in the village of Lytton, BC, where Mooch can usually be found ?mooching? drinks from his friend Floyd. Mooch is unemployed, troubled and usually steals his girlfriend June?s money to buy beer. She?s saving the money either to buy groceries or pay bills. When a letter arrives for Floyd from his long-lost family member, he grows anxious about the reunion and the circumstances that separated them all these years ago. Where the Blood Mixes by Kevin Loring

A funny and honest play about loss and redemption Floyd and Mooch are haunted by their residential school experience. Mooch wants to talk about it but Floyd would prefer to leave the past in the shadows. When someone from Floyd?s old life arrives at the bar to reconnect with him, he isn?t ready to confront what has been left behind. Where the Blood Mixes by Kevin Loring

A funny and honest play about loss and redemption. Floyd retreats home when his past catches up with him. He?s not ready to discuss what happened and provide the answers they desire. Mooch?s girlfriend, June, is left to pick up the slack and helps fill in some missing blanks. But Floyd can?t escape forever, and his visitor has come with their own surprises. Where the Blood Mixes by Kevin Loring

Laura talks to playwright and performer Zorana Sadiq about her love of making mixtapes when she was a kid. She shares how music can activate our limbic system transporting us to different places, which makes hearing our most sophisticated sense. She discusses how her very personal play about her obsession with music and sound impacted audiences and why she doesn?t think artists should worry about being ?great.? MixTape by Zorana Sadiq

A solo show about a life told through the sounds and music Zorana shares her real-life story about discovering her love of music. A child of Pakistani immigrants who grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Zorana?s obsession with sound began at school. There she learned to play the flute at band camp, using her imagination to play the notes. When her teacher instructs her to visualize the notes in her mind, she discovers she can play the music she sees in her imagination. Suddenly becomes keenly aware of the sounds around her, including the angry voices of her parents as they fight. She loses herself in the music she compiles as mixtapes on her double-cassette player. Written and performed by Zorana Sadiq

A solo show about a life told through the sounds and music A fledging soprano, Zorana heads to arts high school to pursue her love of music and gets a lead role in the school musical. She?s discovering herself as an artist just as her parents? marriage falls apart. Zorana graduates high school and moves to Montreal to study classical singing. But even there, she can?t escape her family drama. In the rehearsal hall, she begins to struggle with her confidence as a performer. Written and performed by Zorana Sadiq

A solo show about a life told through the sounds and music Zorana graduates from university. She no longer feels like singing anything. She takes a job at a call centre and tries to figure out who she is. She stumbles on something unexpected that helps open both her heart and mind. Written and performed by Zorana Sadiq

Laura talks with award-winning playwright David Paquet and writer/ translator Leanna Brodie about how David?s research into his family?s past helped inspire his dark comedy, ?Wildfire?. He shares how specific images and phrases help craft his unusual characters and why he feels drawn to those on the margins. Leanna Brodie opens up about her job of adapting the play for anglo audiences and why she?s tasked with translating more than just the language. They both reveal what it?s like to work as a writer today and why it's not just about making great art. Wildfire by David Paquet, translated by Leanna Brodie.

A dark comedy about a family overcoming a difficult childhood. Claudette, Claudia, and Claudine are triplets who live in the same triplex. They are reeling from being raised by an unloving mother. They do what they can to get by. Claudette keeps her young son in a cage, Claudia has developed an unhealthy interest in her mailman, and Claudine has taken to befriending baked goods. The three sisters live nearby but never see each other and only communicate by phone. That is until Claudia leaves her apartment one day, reuniting the sister and forever altering their lives. Wildfire by David Paquet, translated by Leanna Brodie.

A dark comedy about a family overcoming a difficult childhood. Carol is mourning the death of her beloved cat, the only thing she's ever truly loved. Callum is taking his brother's advice to get off his computer and out in the world to make friends. He meets Carol, and they share a love for movies and popcorn. Carol wonders if Callum shares her feelings, but her inability to articulate them is just one of the things they have in common. Wildfire by David Paquet, translated by Leanna Brodie.

A dark comedy about a family overcoming a difficult childhood. Caroline has just put a hammer through her TV. She has issues that she's trying to drown out with vacuuming. There were hints of her problem during childhood when she accidentally killed her parents' beloved pet tarantula. She tries to bury her worries by collecting figurines. It helps soothe her mind for a while, but her urges are strong and can't be kept under wraps forever. Wildfire by David Paquet, translated by Leanna Brodie.

Chris talks with award-winning playwright Hannah Moscovitch about her unique childhood and how her socially engaged parents taught her to think critically about the world around her. She shares how sexual assault has been normalized in our culture and why she initially feared the audience?s reactions to her play ?Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes,?: which she wrote before the #MeToo movement. Hannah lets in on what it?s like to take the leap from the stage to the screen and write for the hit TV show Anne Rice?s ?Interview with A Vampire? and how despite her success, she?s experienced artistic disappointments. This episode contains coarse language and mature subject matter. Sexual Misconduct Of The Middle Classes by Hannah Moscovitch.

A drama about a novelist and star professor who is tortured with self-loathing when he notices a pupil - a girl in a red coat. Jon finds himself amid another divorce, his third. He's grown bored with his job as a university lecturer and struggles to write his latest novel. Enter Annie, his attractive 19-year-old student and his super fan. She sits in the front row of his lectures and gazes at him with rapt attention. He can?t get her off his mind - until one day she shows up at his front door. Sexual Misconduct Of The Middle Classes by Hannah Moscovitch.

A drama about a novelist and star professor who is tortured with self-loathing when he notices a pupil - a girl in a red coat. Jon swears that he?s never been tempted by the college girl fantasy. But there's something different about Annie. She?s smart and a talented young writer brimming with potential that he can help unlock. He knows how older male writers tend to reduce young women into cliché objects of desire, but he tells himself that he?d never fall into that trap. He tries to resist falling into what he knows is a bad situation. Sexual Misconduct Of The Middle Classes by Hannah Moscovitch.

A drama about a novelist and star professor who is tortured with self-loathing when he notices a pupil - a girl in a red coat. Time passes, and circumstances change. Turns out Annie is not just a good writer but a great one. Now in her 20s, she's an up-and-coming playwright, and from afar, Jon takes pride in following her success. After years apart, they meet In a hotel to catch up and share how their lives have unfolded while revisiting their forbidden past. Sexual Misconduct Of The Middle Classes by Hannah Moscovitch.

Laura talks with playwright Michele Riml, who shares what it?s like to write a show that has gone on to be an international hit for almost 20 years. She talks about why she wanted to write a play about the sex life of a long-term couple, the reason we don?t often see these kinds of relationships reflected on stage and the surprising effect the show has had on audience members. Michele also gives her secrets to writing a comedy and confesses what it feels like to find success as a writer.

A touching comedy about a middle-aged couple trying to reignite their sex life after 25 years of marriage. Alice has had it with her husband, Henry. She?s no longer willing to put up with a stale sexless marriage, so she hatches a plan to rev their romance. She convinces Henry to go with her to a swanky hotel to try and bring back some heat into their relationship. Armed with a copy of ?Sex for Dummies,? Alice employs some intimacy exercises, including sharing fantasies to try and re-connect with her husband. But Henry is happy to keep things the way they are, and he isn?t ready to hear about Alice?s deepest desires.

A touching comedy about a middle-aged couple trying to reignite their sex life after 25 years of marriage. Alice invites Henry to engage in an exercise that involves exploring each other?s bodies while blindfolded, but the exercise reveals more than sensuous pleasure. Alice discovers that Henry has been keeping a secret that?s made him grow distant. When Henry finally lets down his guard and shares his deep dark fantasy Alice isn?t ready to listen. It exposes insecurity within her that?s been bubbling to the surface for years. She believes it's the true reason behind their lack of a love life.

A touching comedy about a middle-aged couple trying to reignite their sex life after 25 years of marriage. Alice isn?t the only one who isn?t happy with their marriage. Henry has dreams and desires, but he keeps those thoughts to himself. He accuses Alice of blaming everything on him and not taking responsibility for her feelings of discontentment. Separately, Alice and Henry begin to fantasize about a life without each other and how it would feel to be single again. But Alice hasn?t completely given up on Henry yet and has one last sexy surprise that might finally get Henry?s attention.

Chris talks with award-winning playwright Christine Quintana, who shares what it was like being raised by a punk rock drummer in East Los Angeles before her family moved to British Columbia. She even has the claim to fame of being held as a baby by all of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. She talks about why she wanted to write about teens and consent, how she incorporated some of her own youth into the show and the surprising reaction to the play by both teen and adult audiences.

A drama about three teens figuring out the complexities of relationships, community and the nature of consent. Emma?s selfies from her time in Paris make her summer look amazing. Her friend Lily has some serious FOMO but is glad to have her back. When Lily and her older brother Chris throw an epic party, the booze flows. It?s the perfect opportunity for Emma and Chris to share their feelings for each other. Especially after several drinks, in his bedroom, behind a closed door.

A drama about three teens figuring out the complexities of relationships, community and the nature of consent. A doctor?s appointment confirms that Emma was sexually assaulted at Chris and Lily?s party. Lily posts a photo of her older brother and Emma making out at the party, and Emma finds herself being tried in the court of public opinion. The police get involved as much of her school turns against her. Lily must choose to stand with her brother, or her best friend ? but what is true, and who is right?

A drama about three teens figuring out the complexities of relationships, community and the nature of consent. Emma, Chris and Lily all wish they could turn back time and rewrite events from the party where Emma and Chris hooked up. Emma confronts Chris and lets him know that not only does she not remember their encounter, but that she would have refused had she been able. Chris is devastated as he fully grasps the fallout from the party and his actions, and asks for forgiveness. Emma struggles to move on as she deals with the ramifications of a night that has changed her forever.

Laura talks with award-winning playwright and novelist Anosh Irani, who shares what it was like to move from Mumbai, India, in the 90s to Vancouver, Canada, to pursue his literary career. He talks about how certain compelling images from his past inform his work, why he searches for the wound in the characters he creates, and the realities of ?making it? as a celebrated writer.

A heartbreaking, hilarious tale about a clown looking for love at the circus by Anosh Irani. Felix is no ordinary clown. He?s a strange creation of his own making. Born in the circus to the Flying Olga, he was quickly rejected by his mother, who?s more interested in becoming famous than raising a son. He looks for love in other places. He finds it in a ticket seller who teaches Felix to read. He finds it through Aja, the seamstress? adopted daughter. He feels it so much for her he might have a case of Loveria. It's like malaria, only deadlier.

A heartbreaking, hilarious tale about a clown looking for love at the circus by Anosh Irani. Felix?s love for Aja grows just as his parent's affection for each other fades. The Flying Olga wants a Mercedes and swimming pools, so she turns to The Great Gagoonda, who promises to fulfill her wildest dreams. All that Felix wants is to be loved, but Aja?s love is giving away all of her affection to the tentmaker's son. Felix drowns out his feelings with a bottle of wine and hatches a brilliant plan to win Aja?s heart. But something wonderful is always followed by something else.

A heartbreaking, hilarious tale about a clown looking for love at the circus by Anosh Irani. What is it about mothers that makes it so hard to accept that they might not love us? Felix and Aja share their first kiss, and now she is planning a future with a house and a pool and kids. His world is starting to feel uncomfortably familiar. And even though he?s a clown, Felix is learning that not everything in life is a joke. That things and people aren?t exactly as they appear. And bringing kids into this world is nothing short of buffoonery.

Chris talks with award-winning playwright Andrea Scott who shares what it was like to bring iconic activist Viola Desmond to life within her play. She talks about how she worked to humanize Viola by drawing from her own experiences as a Black woman to help flesh out her real-life character?s emotional world and examine why heroes are often only appreciated in hindsight.

A drama about civil rights icon Viola Desmond by Andrea Scott. Viola is a young woman with big dreams. She was born to a white mother and a black father in 1914, uncommon at the time, so her very existence is controversial. Not willing to settle for the traditional role women were expected to play, Viola tries her hand at teaching but faces racism and unwanted sexual advances from her superiors. She finds her passion as a beautician and creator of makeup for Black women and wrestles with her desire to be an entrepreneur and her duty as a new wife.

A drama about civil rights icon Viola Desmond by Andrea Scott. Viola has the magic touch of making other women look their best, and her beauty products for Black Women are selling like hotcakes. She?s an independent woman travelling all over Nova Scotia selling goods when her car broke down in New Glasgow one fateful day in 1946. She decides to take in a movie to pass the time and inadvertently sits in the ??all-whites? section of the theatre, changing the course of her life and history.

A drama about civil rights icon Viola Desmond by Andrea Scott. After getting arrested and spending the night in jail, Viola is confronted with the gut-wrenching decision to fight her conviction. Should she risk her popular business to make a fuss? And what will happen to her already strained marriage? But Viola knows there?s more to be gained than the right to sit at the front of a movie theatre. And she?s about to discover the consequences for being brave enough to put up a fight against systemic racism.

Laura talks to celebrated playwright and performer Daniel MacIvor, who shares what it was like growing up as a gay kid in the 70s in Cape Breton and how it influenced his writing. He talks about why being raised on an island has made him more aware of endings, how he modelled the protagonist of his play in New Magic Valley Fun Town after his real-life brother and why he?s drawn to creating characters who struggle with mental health.

By Daniel MacIvor. Dougie is excited and maybe a little nervous as he prepares his mobile home in Cape Breton for a party with his childhood best friend. He hasn?t seen Allen in 30 years, and if Facebook is to be believed, he?s now a fit university professor who, unlike Dougie, still has his hair. Dougie?s church-going ex-wife Cheryl and their depressed adult daughter Sandy are there for the reunion. They bicker as they prep the booze and snacks for Allen?s arrival when Sandy upsets Dougie about Allen?s childhood nickname.

By Daniel MacIvor. After much anticipation, Allen arrives at Dougie?s mobile home in Cape Breton for a reunion after a 30-year absence. When Allen opts for water instead of alcohol, Dougie and Cheryl get nervous that they might be in for an awkward night. Allen finally agrees to a rum and coke, much to their relief, and he and Dougie catch up until Dougie decides he needs to get something off his chest.