This May, the boundary between frontline reality and theatrical performance disappears as VITALS returns to the Toronto stage. Originally a site-specific hit in 2014, this 2026 production of Rosamund Small’s Dora Award-Winning play is reimagined for a post-pandemic world—performed for the first time by a working healthcare professional.

Starring Dr. Janet McMordie, a practicing frontline physician and professional actor, VITALS explores the raw, lived experience of a Toronto paramedic. Based on real interviews with Canadian paramedics, nurses, and doctors, the one-woman show navigates the high-stakes world of life-and-death calls, the crushing weight of institutional bureaucracy, and the psychological exhaustion of holding a broken system together

Developed in close collaboration with members from The Peel Regional Paramedic Association, the production serves as a bridge between the arts and healthcare communities. The project also features a significant charitable component, with proceeds from ticket sales supporting Frontline Families Canada, a non-profit providing programs for the families of fallen first responders.

Immersive Elements and Community Dialogue:

Each performance begins with a Frontline Acoustic Prelude, featuring live music by healthcare workers in the lobby to transition the audience into the world of the play. Select performances will also feature Post-Show Talkbacks, bringing together artists, mental health professionals, and first responders for guided conversations on frontline wellness.

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VITALS

Venue: Factory Theatre (Studio), 125 Bathurst St, Toronto.

Dates: May 2–10, 2026.

Tickets: Visit www.factorytheatre.ca

Content Warning: This production contains explicit descriptions of violence, sexual assault, and self-harm. It is intended for adult audiences.

About the Team: VITALS is produced by Laura Philipps, written by Rosamund Small, and directed by Alaine Hutton (Lester Trips).