TPM's first production of the year is As I Must Live It, co-produced with Modern Times Stage. A charming and provocative new work from award-winning spoken word artist Luke Reece. Through poetic storytelling touching on everything from antagonistic squirrels to Chris Pratt’s abs, Reece shares his experiences growing up with a mentally-ill father in a mixed-race family.

“This show is a culmination of ten years of writing spoken word pieces that started as a way to process my experiences and relationship with my father,” shares Reece. “Now…now it’s much more than that. It’s a beacon for those who have had similar experiences – and for those who haven’t. It’s a sharing of stories and poems ultimately to talk about something real, with as much heat and humour as possible.”

An award-winning producer, playwright, poet and educator, Luke Reece is the Associate Artistic Director at Soulpepper Theatre, one of Canada’s leading non-profit theatre companies. Through Luke’s work as an artistic leader within the national arts community, he advocates for engaging and nuanced storytelling that challenges Canadian audiences. In 2021 Luke was included in York University’s inaugural Top 30 Changemakers Under 30 list.

Luke is one of Toronto’s most decorated slam poets, becoming the Toronto Poetry Slam (TPS) Grand Champion in 2017, winning the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word as the captain of the TPS team and then again in 2018 as the team coach. In 2018 he placed 2nd in Canada individually which earned him a spot representing the country at the 2019 World Cup of Poetry Slam in Paris France where he placed 4th. He continues to give back to the Toronto Spoken Word scene as a board member for the Toronto Poetry Project. In the spring of 2020 Luke was featured performing for former Toronto Raptor and NBA Champion Serge Ibaka on his Instagram Talent Show. His body of work also includes a radio play, animated short, and a praised short film featured on CBC titled ‘Notice’.

Be sure to catch this immersive experience Feb. 11th – Mar. 2nd!

For tickets visit: www.passemuraille.ca.

Photo: Luke Reece.