Perhaps In A Hundred Years is not a conventional theatrical narrative. It is a wonderful insight into this group of artists’ struggle with the issues that concern us all: why we are here, where we are going, why we do what we do, how we relate to each other, and what the hell is wrong with the world?

They dance, but not in a formal, choreographed way. They engage in dialogue but then they forego any script and just talk. The characters are the actors and there are no walls, no “conceit of the piece”; there is just these artists – the three performers, Chad Dembski, Ame Henderson and Jacob Zimmer, with input from collaborator Kilby Smith-McGregor – expressing their worldview to us in any and every way that might be relevant.

If there is a premise at all, it is very loose: the three of them are adrift in space and need to entertain themselves and envision what the future can hold. In the process they entertain us and envision the future for all of us as well.

They dance frenetically to 80’s music. They ponder what they were in past lives. They interrogate each other, which is the most hilarious part of the show, especially for anyone who is, or was, an adherent to Marxist idealism. Sometimes one of them will take a break and go chill out on the balcony right behind the performance space.

The doors are left open so, depending on where you are seated, you may still be able to see whoever is out there. The upshot is that it feels more real than “realism” could ever be, to me at least. Jacob, Ame and Chad have anxiety, they worry about the world but feel helpless to improve it, they are friends who love each other and sometimes they don’t get along.

This show is the epitome of this generation’s version of existential dilemma, but although it can be sad ultimately there is optimism. It may be nothing more than a blue Freezie and a cold beer on a hot day, but those small things can give great hope.

Details

– Perhaps In A Hundred Years plays at Hub 14, 14 Markham Street.

Thursday August 4th      7:00 PM
Friday August 5th             9:00 PM
Saturday August 6th       5:00 PM
Sunday August 7th          5:00 PM
Monday August 8th        7:00 PM
Wednesday August 10th  7:00 PM
Thursday August 11th    9:00 PM
Friday August 12th          7:00 PM
Saturday August 13th     7:00 PM
Sunday August 14th        3:00 PM

– All individual SummerWorks tickets are $15 at the door (cash only). Tickets are available online at www.artsboxoffice.ca, by phone at 416.504.7529, in person at at the Arts Box Office (located at Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave., One block North East of Bathurst & Queen W. M-F 12PM-7PM, Weekends 10AM-8PM) (Advance tickets are $15 +HST and $1 service fee)

– Several money-saving passes are available if you plan to see at least 3 shows