A remote property is up for grabs. Three people race to claim it. You—the audience—decide how the story unfolds.
Set on a vast, rural estate, urban couple Abbey (Medina Hahn) and Noah (Daniel Arnold) are on a week-long getaway to visit her father. When they arrive, they find him missing and a local Indigenous man, Frank (Darrell Dennis), staying there instead. When it’s revealed that the colonial property rights to this unceded land are up for grabs, the audience—with anonymous voting devices in hand—decides what happens next.
An exciting and daring interactive play like nothing you’ve experienced, Inheritance puts the power in the palms of its audiences, giving them the freedom to choose the action of the play. At key moments, the play is halted, multiple plot choices are offered, and with a simple click of a button the audience picks the path the play takes next, ultimately deciding its outcome.
This play was prepared through an extended rehearsal process that required double the amount of standard rehearsal time for the many variations of the story, and it was developed in community partnership with the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre and in collaboration with an advisory council which includes members of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and səˈxwɛpməx (Secwepemc) First Nations.
Inheritance is directed by Herbie Barnes (Anishinaabe from Aundeck Omni Kaning on Manitoulin Island), who brings his experience as a director and performer to the project. The play is written and performed by three playwrights: Daniel Arnold, Darrell Dennis, and Medina Hahn.
Dennis says, “I think what we’re trying to do is show multi-faceted views. And because the audience chooses the story they’re inherently being shown that every day is a choice.” Hahn adds, “And this piece is allowing us to have tough conversations and push them past the points where they usually stop because it’s uncomfortable.” Arnold adds, “Yeah I’ve always thought this format could be really exciting in the theatre, combining an entertaining mystery with a pressing social issue—and letting the audience decide how it unfolds…”
Playing at the Annex Theatre March 3–15, 2020.
An Alley Theatre and Touchstone
Theatre co-production, in association with Vancouver Moving Theatre and
community partnership with the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre.
Tickets: Choose-your-price: $39; $29; $19 (limited quantity).
Box Office: tickets.theatrewire.com.
Show times:
Tue–Sat 7:30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat & Sun 2pm. Facilitated talkback after every performance.
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