Aislinn Rose, Artistic Director of The Theatre Centre, announced the company’s next slate of theatre presentations: the world premiere of Game of Life by bluemouth inc., in a limited run from March 27 to 29, and the return of asses.masses created by Patrick Blenkarn and Milton Lim, on May 24 and 25. Learn more about both shows at theatrecentre.org.

Game of Life is based on the personal story of bluemouth inc. founding artist Lucy Simic, after a life-changing diagnosis.

A two-part exploration of mortality, the urgency of time, and the holding and letting go of relationships, Game of Life is experienced through both a live performance (ELEPHANT), and an interactive video installation (LUCY AI). Expect laughter, dancing, and moments that will stay with you long after the show ends.

“Toronto audiences will likely know bluemouth from their wildly popular shows Dance Marathon or Café Sarajevo, which both toured around the world. Audiences and critics alike have often struggled to find the words to describe a bluemouth inc. experience, but it’s usually something along the lines of “unforgettable”, “thrilling”, “unexpected”, “unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.” I’m especially excited for The Theatre Centre to be presenting the world premiere of Game of Life, which brings together two incredible works. It means so much to us that bluemouth trusts The Theatre Centre to be the home for their most deeply personal stories.” 

-Aislinn Rose, Artistic Director, The Theatre Centre

bluemouth inc. is an award-winning Canadian performance collective celebrating 25 years of creating bold, immersive experiences that push the boundaries of live performance. Blending theatre, dance, and technology, they craft performances that resonate deeply on a personal level while reflecting the complexities of our times. Game of Life continues this tradition—a powerful exploration to find meaning in the face of life’s biggest challenges, created by the Core Members of bluemouth inc.: Lisa Humber, Mariel Marshall, Stephen O’Connell and Lucy Simic.

ELEPHANT brings audiences into a shared space with the performers, where the ripple effects of one life-changing event unfold. It’s part documentary, part lucid dream, and not entirely under control. Devised collectively over a period of five years, ELEPHANT brings together the talents and creativity of a dynamic team of collaborators including Deanna Choi, Tony Chong, Lisa Humber, Erum Khan, Patrick Lavender, Mariel Marshall, Jeremy Mimnagh, Stephen O’Connell, Carol Prieur, Lucy Simic and Michael Wanless.

LUCY AI: When Lucy was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2018, her dear friend David Usher wanted to make sure her memories lived on. The result is LUCY AI—an interactive video installation of Lucy’s inner world. It’s personal, powerful, and changes every time it’s experienced. LUCY AI was created by bluemouth inc.’s Core Members, with Patrick Lavender (technical director), Stephen O’Connell (cinematography), Lucy Simic (writer), L Wilson-Spiro (video designer) and Richard Windeyer (composer), in collaboration with David Usher (concept and AI creation) of ReImagine AI.

Following the work’s world premiere at The Theatre Centre, the show will head to La MaMa Moves! Dance Festival in New York City from April 10 to May 4.

Game of Life-Elephant runs for four performances at The Theatre Centre from March 27 to 29. Opening night is March 27 at 8 p.m. Single show tickets to Game of Life are $30 and include a selected performance of ELEPHANT, and access to the LUCY AI installation. LUCY AI is also available as a standalone experience, with PWYC entry. For financial accessibility information visit theatrecentre.org/your-visit.

In asses.masses the unemployed donkeys have one demand: the humans must surrender their machines and give all donkeys their jobs back. But revolution is never easy.

Created by Patrick Blenkarn and Milton Lim, asses.masses is a one-of-a-kind video game experience redefining the boundaries of live performance. This seven-hour experience (including lunch and several intermissions) returns to The Theatre Centre after a highly-talked about run in 2023. This custom-made video game about labour, technophobia, and sharing the load of revolution is designed specifically to be played from beginning to end within a live theatre. Brave spectators take turns at the controller to lead the herd through a post-Industrial society, where asses are valued more for their hides than their potential.

Adds Aislinn Rose: “The only word I have to describe the audiences who attended our 2023 presentation of asses.masses is "wild." I have never had so much fun in a live theatre space as I did for those 21+ hours over three days… and the thing I’ve heard most from community members since then is “I can’t believe I missed it”. We’re bringing it back… so don’t miss it.”

asses.masses is presented by The Theatre Centre in association with Aluna Theatre. $30 tickets will go on sale in April, and the price includes lunch. Shows start at 1 p.m. on May 24 in English, and May 25 in Spanish translated by Argentinian artist Marcos Krivocapich.

The Theatre Centre is located at 1115 Queen St. W, Toronto. Visit theatrecentre.org.