Experience a thought-provoking, genre-defying exploration of resistance, survival, and the human spirit in Erased. Theatre Passe Muraille, in partnership with Open Heart Surgery Theatre, proudly presents the world premiere of Erased, a bold and imaginative new play by Coleen Shirin MacPherson. Erased invites audiences into a surreal post-climate collapse world inside a greeting card factory, where workers are pushed to their limits and forced to meet quotas while creating absurd cards under the control of machinery that defines and erases them.

Running from November 20 to November 30, 2024, at Theatre Passe Muraille, this visually striking 11-member physical theatre piece blends absurdism, dark comedy, political theatre and poetry. It highlights our addiction to production in late capitalism and serves as a powerful call to reflect on the state of our planet and the systems that have entrapped us. Through a surreal marriage of genres, Erased explores how the spark of a soft revolution can turn into a roaring flame of resistance.

Key Elements of Interest:

 • An Iterative and Evolving Creation: Erased began as a response to capitalism and the culture of consumption, written amidst the forests of France, where inspiration took a unique turn. It premiered in the UK with readings at the Arcola Theatre and Tristan Bates Theatre. It later evolved into a film-play broadcast live through La MaMa Experiments in New York City during the global pandemic. This production represents the latest iteration of a work that continues to grow, shaped by numerous artists and collaborators.

 • International Development and Recognition: Developed at Tarragon Workspace and featured in Theatre Passe Muraille’s Buzz Development series in 2021 and 2023, Erased has captured international attention. It has evolved through contributions from artists in London, New York, and Toronto. The play’s journey from intimate readings to international broadcast highlights its resonance and adaptability.

 • Collaborative Artistic Contributions: The creation of Erased has been supported by a diverse array of talented artists and organizations, including contributions from Susanna Fournier, Mina James, Richard Hansell and Theatre Gargantua. The Chorus of the Disappeared was developed in collaboration with York University’s Devised Theatre students, making it a truly collaborative effort that brings fresh voices to the stage.

Key Details:

Dates: November 20 - November 30, 2024

Venue: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave, Toronto, ON

Performances: The environment is relaxed for the entire run; mask performances are mandatory on Saturday, November 23rd, at 7:30 PM and Wednesday, November 27th, at 7:30 PM.

Opening Night: Friday, November 22, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Special Events: The Department of Theatre, Dance, and Performance at York University will lead post-show conversations on November 23rd and 27th. The conversations will feature guest speakers who will engage with the play’s themes, followed by audience discussions. Food will be provided.

About Open Heart Surgery Theatre: Founded in 2014, Open Heart Surgery Theatre is an international, female-led theatre ensemble based in Toronto and London, UK. Led by Parsi-Irish Canadian theatre maker Coleen Shirin MacPherson, the company creates new devised work that is physical, poetic, relevant, and experimental, engaging in cross-cultural collaboration that stretches borders and moves boundaries. The ensemble’s work has toured internationally, including Egypt, the USA, the UK, France, and Poland. Comprised of a diverse mix of performers, including Lecoq-trained theatre makers, Open Heart Surgery Theatre blends live music, media, and dance to create original theatre that opens the heart and speaks to the urgent stories of our time.

Creative Team:

Written and Directed by Coleen Shirin MacPherson

Producer: Ulla Laidlaw

Movement Direction: Alix Sideris

Composition and Musical Direction: Amy Nostbakken

Sound Design: Richard Feren

Set and Lighting Design: Nick Blais

Costume Design: Jung A Im

Cast Highlights:

Nancy McAlear as Margie

Sochi Fried as Grace

Rose Tuong as Oliver

Ericka Leobrera as René

It features an ensemble cast of vibrant performers who bring Erased to life.

Ticket Information:

Tickets are available at Theatre Passe Muraille’s Box Office and online. Tickets range from $15 to $65, with pay-what-you-can-afford pricing. For questions regarding themes, suggested audience age, or accessibility, contact 416.504.7529 or email info@passemuraille.on.ca.

Where:

16 Ryerson Avenue, Toronto ON, M5T 2P3

Accessibility:

The whole run is Blind Friendly, Captioned, and in a Relaxed Environment.

Website:

www.passemuraille.ca.