12 Litres 8800 Steps by Anita La Selva is the ultimate theatrical odyssey for those seeking a silver lining in the darkness. Originally a short film garnering accolades across 18 international film festivals, and five years in development for the stage, the theatrical world premiere for 12 Litres 8800 Steps runs May 1-17, 2026 at the iconic Factory Theatre in Toronto. Inspired by La Selva’s own experience with equine therapy, a visually striking journey comes together through text, sound, choreography and video projections.

12 Litres 8800 Steps is rooted in playwright, director and performer Anita La Selva witnessing the demise of her partner through addiction, illuminating the stigmas that keep individuals and their loved ones in a place of shame and fear. 12 Litres 8800 Steps features La Selva as The Woman, and actor, puppeteer and movement specialist Brad Cook as The Horse, who negotiate their relationship, re-discover play and heal each other in the process. 12 Litres 8800 Steps features production design by Trevor Schwellnus, dramaturgy by Martin Julien, choreography by Victoria Mata Soledad, sound design by Thomas Ryder Payne and costume & horse mask design by Teresa Przybylski & Monica Viani with co-direction by Beatriz Pizano.

Oscillating between magic realism and everyday reality, this 80-minute high octane rollercoaster illuminates an often times overlooked perspective: the toll on family and caregivers.

According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, 1 in 5 (over 6 million) Canadians suffer from addiction with Statistics Canada reporting two-thirds of Canadians experienced addiction within their immediate families. 12 Litres 8800 Steps is a particularly urgent work, unfolding a non-linear story exploring the inextricable connections between mental health and addiction.

The world premiere of 12 Litres 8800 Steps acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and is funded in part by the Government of Ontario, Ontario Arts Council and is produced with the support of the City of Toronto through Toronto Arts Council. Venue provided in partnership with Factory Theatre. Sponsored by The Grind Magazine.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS:

Venue: Factory Theatre Mainspace, 125 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5V 2R2

Run Time: 80 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets: $25 Arts Worker/Student/Senior | $35 Regular | $50 Supporter | All Previews are $25

Performance Dates:

Friday, May 1 – 7:30pm – Preview

Saturday, May 2 – 7:30pm – Preview

Sunday, May 3 – 2:00pm – Preview

Wednesday, May 6 – 7:30pm – Opening Performance

Thursday, May 7 – 7:30pm – Post-Show Talkback

Friday, May 8 – 7:30pm

Saturday, May 9 – 7:30pm

Sunday May 10 – 2pm

Wed May 13 – 7:30pm

Thurs May 14 – 7:30pm – Post-Show Talkback

Friday, May 15 – 7:30pm

Saturday, May 16 – 7:30pm

Sunday, May 17 – 2pm – Closing Performance

Tickets on sale March 18. Tickets can be purchased online at www.factorytheatre.ca, by phone at (416) 504-9971 or by email at boxoffice@factorytheatre.ca.