PlayME

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.