The Living
Synopsis
The Living, a documentary play, inspired by the actual stories of women and girls who survived trauma in post-conflict zones, examines the lives of victims and perpetrators, post-genocide, who live side-by-side in government-issued housing, and NGO-funded campaigns to encourage reconciliation in hopes that the impossible act of forgiveness can end the cycle of revenge.
Premiere
The Living premiered at SummerWorks Festival, Theatre Centre, Toronto, August, 2015 and was directed by Ines Buchli, and starred Kaleb Alexander, Beryl Bain, Francoise Balthazar, Cindy Block, Miriam Fernandes, Gabrielle Graham, Stephanie Jung, Anita La Selva, Richard Lee and Wayne Ward.
Press
WINNER: Best Director, Ines Buchli
WINNER: NOW Audience Choice Award
“a hard-hitting anatomy of the social wreckage following ethnic cleansing” – NNNN Now Magazine
“an intense and ultimately cathartic exploration of loss, hatred, forgiveness, and the ghosts of guilt and atrocity… a moving, even raw atmosphere.”
* * * */5 torontoist, Best of Summerworks
“The painful truth on the road to reconciliation in Colleen Wagner’s beautiful and compelling premiere of The Living…Lovely work from this ensemble.” – life with more cowbell
“was most impressed by was Wagner’s strong portrayal of women in crises.” Mooney on Theatre
“Wagner illuminates the bravery and resilience of the survivors. The acting is strong as is the direction.” – The Slotkin Review, Best of the Festival
Publication
