In the Summer of 2023 Litmus dove head first into a first phase script development workshop for our new project, Balikbayan, at St Luke’s United Church in Toronto. Lead Writer Adriano Sobretodo Jr. took inspiration from the space and offers from our team and wrote a draft of the first half of the play.  

We have a rare opportunity over the next two years to exclusively develop and stage this new play in the St Luke’s while it’s undergoing a major renovation. 

The word “balikbayan” is Tagalog for someone from the Philippines living abroad. Our play Balikbayan is about a son uncovering his mysterious father’s past while wrestling with the definition of masculinity across generations and cultures. And it’s also an homage to the 80’s sci-fi classic Back to the Future, where “absolute dream” Marty McFly is still inspiring us to change the present by examining the past.  

And the whole thing is set in motion with a son’s epic fail of a eulogy at his dad’s funeral.

Team:

Adriano Sobretodo Jr. – Lead Writer/Co-Producer

Matthew Walker – Director/Co-Creator/Co-Producer

Atanas Bozdarov – Lead Designer/Co-Creator

Althea Balmes – Associate Designer/Accessibility Assistant/Co-Creator

Marie Barlizo – Dramaturge/Co-Creator

Acknowledgements:

Litmus Theatre thanks the following supporters for Development Phase 1 of Balikbayan.

The old team is getting back together. We’re dusting off our bowler hats and duct tape and bag of old tricks.

We are very excited to share further details with you about our upcoming project – When Wendy Grew Up. A new adaptation of the Peter Pan narratives by playwright Jordi Mand.

Digital production coming soon – Spring 2021.

The Co-Artistic Directors of Litmus Theatre are taking a wee break to pursue other projects. In recent years, Matthew has become full time faculty in the Acting Program at Dalhousie University’s Fountain School of Performing Arts (Halifax) and a new dad. Adriano continues to work as a film/TV actor and as the General Manager of Theatre Smith-Gilmour. Claire is working for Toronto Fringe as Communications Manager and raising a family. We look forward to connecting with our Litmus family soon!

All photos by Dahlia Katz.

Litmus Theatre produced its new adaptation of the Aldous Huxley classic at Theatre Passe Muraille in October of 2016. These photos show Litmus’ unique and innovative use of space and the transformation of Theatre Passe Muraille into a multi-level dystopian environment.

Never put off till tomorrow the fun you can have today.

Watch our 30 second teaser here.
Our full trailer for the show here.
And our Sneak-Peak of the show here.

Videos by Primitive Replica

Experience the World Premiere of a new Canadian adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s masterpiece, which was published in 1932. Fresh from the minds of Dora Award-winning indie company, Litmus Theatre, this show will transform the Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace into a future as imagined by one of the twentieth century’s leading visionaries.

Brave New World
Produced by Litmus Theatre and Kabin
With the support of Theatre Passe Muraille
Sept 27 – Oct 16, 2016.
#BraveNewWorld
#thefutureisnow

Onstage

Eli Ham

Actor (John): Eli is grateful to be part of this new adaptation and team of artists.  Selected acting credits:  Mary’s Wedding, Wilberforce Hotel, Stag and Doe (Blyth Festival), The Hours That Remain (New Harlem/SNTC/Gwaandak), Macbeth (Humber River Shakespeare), The Hobbit (Grand Theatre), Merchant of Venice, Comedy Of Errors, An Ideal Husband (Stratford Shakespeare Festival), The Incredible Speediness of Jamie Cavanaugh (Roseneath).  Film and TV:   Hannibal, Hemlock Grove, Copper, Nikita, The Listener, Murdoch Mysteries, Being Erica, Our Hero, Perfect Pie. Video Games: Splinter Cell: Blacklist, Assassins Creed: Unity.

Nehassaiu deGannes

Actor (Mustafa): Nehassaiu deGannes: “Lady Capulet” Romeo & Juliet, “Queen Anne” The Three Musketeers (Stratford Festival); “Gertrude” Hamlet (Driftwood); U.S.: “Nell Gwynn, Maria & Lady Davenant” OR (Shakespeare & Co.); “Prudence” The Convert (Central Square Theater, Elliot Norton Award Best Production); “Cordelia” King Lear (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); “Angel” Marisol (Luna Stage); “Nurse” EQUUS with Alec Baldwin (Guild Hall); Proof, The Skin Of Our Teeth, Cider House Rules, Trinity Rep. Off-Off Broadway: Target Margin; LaMaMa; Dixon Place. Brown University MFA and Trinity Rep Conservatory.

Carlos González-Vio

Actor (Henry Foster): Carlos is a Toronto based performer and translator. His performance work has taken him from Toronto to Buenos Aires, Prague, Havana and Bogotá. He has been nominated three times for a Dora Mavor Moore award in the Ensemble category. Credits include: The Death of The King (Modern Times Stage Company/Theatre Centre), Blood Wedding (ModernTimes Stage Company/Aluna Theatre), Hallaj (Modern Times Stage Company), Nohayquiensepa (Aluna Theatre), Crave (Nightwood Theatre), and Endings (PassBo Dance).

Zoë Sweet

Actor (Lenina): Zoë is an actor, producer, movement and acting teacher and Co-Artistic Producer of FeverGraph Theatre Company. Recent credits include: Bartender/Dead Roads (Dead Roads Collective), Jule/Objections to Sex and Violence (FeverGraph and Praxis), Helena Charles/Look Back in Anger (FeverGraph), The Bound Man/Enough Rope (Enough Rope Performance Collective), Cunningham/The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Theatre @ York), Stella/A Streetcar Named Desire (UCRC), The Young Wife/Hello Again, Lady Macbeth/Macbeth. Zoë has an MFA in Performance from York University, an Honours B.A. from University of Toronto and Sheridan College and is part-time faculty at Sheridan College/University of Toronto at Mississauga.

Sofia Fabiilli

Actor (Fanny/Linda): Sophia Fabiilli is a Toronto-based actor, writer, and producer. As an actor, she has performed across the province and is honoured to be collaborating with Litmus Theatre. Her first play, The Philanderess, won The Second City Award for Outstanding New Comedy at the 2015 Toronto Fringe. Upcoming: co-developing a comedy-horror web series The Mystery of the Fatal Murder; her second play, Liars at a Funeral, premieres at the Storefront Theatre in May 2017. @sophfab

Adriano Sobretodo Jr.

Producer/Actor (Helmholtz): Adriano is a classically trained actor from York University’s MFA Acting Conservatory and Australia’s National Theatre Drama School. Recent Screen: The Strain (FX) directed by Guillermo del Toro, Saving Hope (CTV), and a recurring role on Covert Affairs (USA).   Recent Theatre: A reprisal of his Best Supporting Actor nominated role in Theatre Fix’s The Container in September 2016. Adriano is a founding member and Co-Artistic Director of Litmus Theatre. adriano.workbooklive.com

Jesse Dwyre

Actor (Bernard): Jesse’s theatre credits include:  Red  (Segal Centre), Ugly One (Tarragon/ TIP) Tin Drum (Unspun), Great Expectations, Farther West (Soulpepper) Romeo & Juliet, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Caesar & Cleopatra, Three Sisters, Bartholomew Fair (Stratford Festival), Of the Fields Lately, Counsellor-at-Law (Theatre Calgary) Euryidce (SummerWorks) Silverwing (MTYP), Get Away (ATP). Screenwork: His Masters Voice (upcoming),  Adam’s Wall, Silas & the Tomb, Imitation, The Cats, Fifth Estate (CBC), Beauty & the Beast (CBS), Clementine (ABC) Apocalypse 10.5 (NBC).

Ryan Hollyman

Actor (Director of Hatcheries): Ryan is an award winning actor and writer, that was born and raised in Toronto. He is an ensemble member of the Actors Repertory Company. Passe Muraille: Rochdale, Sparta, A Good Idea. Recent theatre: Hero of Hunter Street, Bad Luck Bank Robbers (4th Line); This Hotel, Possible Worlds (TIFT); Helen Lawrence, Macbeth, Shrew (Canadian Stage); Warhorse (Mirvish). Recent TV/Film: The Strain (FX); X-Men Apocalypse (Fox); Saving Hope (CTV); Murdoch; Republic of Doyle; Othello (CBC); The Shape of Rex (Factoria). Upcoming: Pomona (ARC).

Offstage

Matthew Thomas Walker

Director/Adaptation/Producer: Matt is Co-Founding Artistic Director of Litmus and has directed both the company’s previous productions: Birth of Frankenstein (Dora Award, Outstanding Direction) and Matchbox Macbeth (Top 10 Plays of 2010, NOW Magazine).  He recently apprenticed with Kim Collier on her production of Romeo & Juliet at Bard on the Beach. Other directing credits include: The Ghost Ship & The Selkie of Kincardine (Sundown Theatre), Oregano (Theatre Rhea), Mourning Dove (Sudbury Theatre Centre), Disco Pigs (Lasting Dose). He is a graduate of York’s MFA in Theatre and of Dalhousie’s Acting Program.

Claire Wynveen

Producer/Dramaturg: Claire is the Co-Artistic Director of Litmus Theatre and the Communications Manager at the Toronto Fringe. She is also an actor, producer, administrator and writer. Recent writing credits: The Ghost Ship, The Selkie of Kincardine (Sundown Theatre), co-writer of the Dora Award-winning Birth of Frankenstein (Litmus Theatre). Recent stage credits include: Mary Shelley in Birth of Frankenstein, Lady Macbeth in Matchbox Macbeth (Litmus Theatre). Claire holds an MFA in Acting from York University and an undergraduate degree in film/theatre from Queen’s University.

Patrick Lavender

Lighting/Set Designer: Patrick is a production designer for independent theatre.  He is the recipient of 2 Dora Awards, for both lighting design and set design.  His recent and upcoming work includes; The Circle (Tarragon Theatre), Extremeophiles (Summerworks), Killer Joe (Coalmine Theatre), Late Company (Why Not Theatre & surface/underground theatre), Crawlspace (Videofag), It Comes in Waves (Necessary Angel/Bluemouth), Birth of Frankenstein (Litmus Theatre).  Patrick also works as a production manager for; Necessary Angel Theatre Company, and Volcano Theatre.

Lindsay Woods

Costume Designer: Lindsay is a B.C. transplant, and although she isn’t quite sure what she’s doing in Toronto for the most part, she is very glad to be working with Litmus Theatre on Brave New World.  Other credits include The Harvester (FAWN Chamber Creative), Tuesdays and Sundays, The Ghost Ship, The Selkie of Kincardine (Sundown Theatre), Hansel and Gretel (Cow Over Moon Children’s Theatre), The Hollow Square (kith and kin) and Birth of Frankenstein (Litmus Theatre).

Nick Storring

Sound Designer: Nick Storring is a Toronto-based composer and musician active within various aesthetics. Winner of the Canadian Music Centre’s 2011 Toronto Emerging Composer Award, he also placed first in the 2008 Jeux De Temps competition for electroacoustic composition. His music has been presented and performed by the Esprit Orchestra, Eve Egoyan (a 24-minute commissioned solo work) Quatuor Bozzini, Beijing’s Musicacoustica Festival, and Vancouver New Music. An avid collaborator Storring has composed for films by Terrance Odette, Ingrid Veninger and, in collaboration with Dafydd Hughes, for the National Film Board’s award-winning web documentary High Rise : Universe Within directed by Katerina Cizek. He’s also scored danceworks by celebrated choreographers Yvonne Ng, Deepti Gupta and created music for ‘ambient gaming environment’ Tentacle which was mounted at New York’s Museum of Modern Art in 2011. www.nickstorring.ca

Sarah O’Brien

Stage Manager: A native of Ottawa, Sarah studied at Queen’s University (Drama/Art History) and Studio 58 (Production), apprenticing at GCTC and Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre. She stage manages theatre, musical theatre, dance and new creation projects for companies in Toronto and across the country. Of proud Maritime parents, she has the good fortune to have spent her last sixteen summers in Nova Scotia with Festival Antigonish. Sarah is also a member of Harbourfront Centre’s Technical Services department, and has provided production support for local, Canadian and international productions in that capacity for the last ten years. Recent credits include Little Thing, Big Thing (Festival Antigonish), Pomegranate workshop (Tapestry Opera), The Beaux’ Stratagem (George Brown Theatre School, and a mini-tour of Ontario with ProArte Danza. Sarah is honoured to be taking Brave New World to its next level.

Kevin Matthew Wong

Associate Producer: Kevin Matthew Wong – Kevin is an emerging actor, director, musician, producer and environmentalist. He is the co-founder and Artistic Producer of Broadleaf Theatre, a company that aims to make Canadian environmental-issues more immediate, accessible, and fun. Kevin is also a graduate of Generator’s inaugural  Artist Producer Training Program. He sings bass with Tunes Beats Awesome acapella and can be found producing and performing all over Toronto.

Cody McCallum

Sponsorship Director: Cody is the Development Manager at the Toronto Fringe Festival, and the Associate Producer of Theatre Smash. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama and Art History from Queen’s University, and is a graduate of Humber College’s Arts Administration program. Cody has worked in many capacities in both arts administration and production at TIFF, the Luminato Festival, Canadian Stage, and the Thousand Islands Playhouse.

Jason Golinsky

Production Manager: Selected PM Credits include: PM and Facilities Manager for TPM (2012-current). The Next Stage Theatre Festival (2008-2013) Toronto Fringe Festival (2011, 2012) and co-PM (2013, 2014).  Jason’s alternate life in design includes Associate for 2 Pianos 4 Hands in (2005-current), Canadian Associate Lighting Designer for Warhorse, Lighting Director for Stars on Ice (2007 – 2009), Lighting Director for Ballet Jorgen Canada (2003 – 2005) Jason graduated University of Alberta with a BFA in Technical Theatre, Stage Management.

JP Faienza

Production Assistant: JP Faienza is a Toronto-based theatre worker and artist. This is his first time working with Litmus Theatre, and he is happy to be doing so. JP makes original performance work in the time he isn’t busily contributing to a functional capitalist society. In Toronto, he has worked on productions with Obsidian Theatre, Aluna Theatre, Lemon Bucket Orchestra, Progress Festival, and SummerWorks. He had work shown in SummerWorks 2015.

Start Your Nuit Blanche with Litmus Theatre
October 1st, 7:30pm

Litmus Theatre is offering $20 tickets for the performance of Brave New World on Saturday October 1 at 7:30pm. Simply call 416-504-7529 or book online. Quote “NUIT” to access this promo code. This promo code can be redeemed until September 23rd at midnight.

After the performance, grab some free SOMA (aka candy) courtesy of Litmus Theatre and hit the town. You’ll already be perfectly placed in Queen West to roam and experience the delights and debauchery of the Nuit. We will send you out into the world with a curated Nuit Blanche map, courtesy of the World Controller of the World State, Mustapha Mond. According to Ms Mond, you should “never put off till tomorrow the fun you can have today.” So grab your SOMA, grab your map, and live it up as if #thefutureisnow this Nuit Blanche! Your first dose is free.

Pre-Show: Eggrolls With Andy
October 5th – 6:45-7:15pm
Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace

Join Artistic Director of Theatre Passe Muraille and a special guest, to discuss Brave New World and Aldous Huxley’s contribution to culture. This conversation will take place inside the theatre, just before Brave New World begins.

Thanksgiving Sunday Events
The following events take place on:
Sunday October 9, 2pm

Pay What You Can:
Feeling lean after the revelry of Nuit Blanche? Join us for a matinee where you decide how much you want to pay! We suggest a donation of $20, but we welcome a donation of any level.

Relaxed Performance:
Relaxed Performances are designed to welcome audience members who will benefit from a more relaxed performance environment, including, among others, those with an Autism Spectrum Condition, sensory and communication disorder, or a learning disability. This performance will include low light during the performance, less intense sound and lighting effects, the ability to come and go from the space, a ‘chill out’ space outside of the theatre.

Post-Show Talkback:
The show will be followed by a Q & A session with members of Theatre Passe Muraille and Litmus Theatre.

Post-Show: Pearle Harbour Solves All Your Problems*!
Friday October 14, after the show
Theatre Passe Muraille Cabaret Space

Feeling blue after taking too much SOMA? Missed your last game of Elevator-Squash? Join Litmus Theatre for a fabulous post-show event featuring Pearle Harbour! Written and performed by Justin Miller, this acidic blend of drag and bouffon will have you sobbing with laughter. [*Problem solving not guaranteed.]

Litmus Theatre’s new Canadian adaptation of Brave New World will premiere in Toronto in fall of 2016. Click here for details.

All photos below are from Litmus’ Brave New World workshop, October 2015. Presented as part of Theatre Passe Muraille’s Buzz Series, this project is supported by the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts.

Please contact claire@litmustheatre.com if you are interested in a school booking.

Photos by Brian Batista Bettencourt

Join Litmus for two public showings of a work-in-progress version of Brave New World. Facilitated by Theatre Passe Muraille where Litmus is a company in residence, these showings will be an opportunity for a sneak peek at this new Canadian adaptation. Followed by casual drinks and a discussion about the piece. Audience dramaturgy will be welcomed and encouraged!

This showing is part of Theatre Passe Muraille’s Buzz Series.

Fri Oct 16 & Sat Oct 17, 2015 – 7:30pm
Collective Space, 221 Sterling Rd. Unit 5.
$15 in advance, PWYC at the door (seating extremely limited)