There’s something very satisfying about seeing a play that does more than simply entertain, one that exposes people to new ideas and stimulates conversation. Onelight Theatre’s upcoming production of Return Ticket: Halifax-Abadan-Halifax has all the earmarks of that kind of play.
The show explores the choices civilians in war zones have to make: Do you stay and protect your home or leave and protect your family? Do you return to rebuild your city or stay in a new home where there is opportunity? Do you speak your mind or stay silent for the sake of state security?
Onelight’s artistic director Shahin Sayadi wrote the play based on a journey he took back to his home town of Abadan, Iran several years ago. He calls it a “deeply personal story’, but one that will resonate with many people who have left their homes behind.
The play is staged using some state-of-the-art multi-media technology developed specifically for this show.
“We really felt the need to capture the feeling that technology—-like cell phones and internet—-can be a real lifeline when you’re in a situation that could be dangerous,” says Sayadi. “”We’ve really experimented with the technology on stage, but not to the point where it stands above the story.”
Return Ticket: Halifax-Abadan-Halifax, Starring Theo Pitsiavas, Marty Burt, Bridget Bezanson at Neptune Studio Theatre, 1593 Argyle Street, November 20-28
TICKETS – $17 (student, seniors, groups of 8 or more) $23 (regular)
Matinee Special – Bring 3 items (or more) for FEED NOVA SCOTIA and get a matinee ticket for $10
PWYC Preview – Friday, Nov. 20
Buy online (PayPal) at www.onelighttheatre.com or call 902-425-6812
This article appears in Nov 12-18, 2009.