January 7 – February 9, 2025
A Crow’s Theatre, Toronto
Crow’s Theatre is proud to present the world premiere of WIGHTS, a compelling new play by Canadian playwright Liz Appel, running from January 7 to February 9, 2025, at the Guloien Theatre in Toronto.
Synopsis
Set on Halloween 2024, just a week before the U.S. election, WIGHTS centers on Anita Knight, a brilliant and ambitious English professor at Yale University. As she prepares for a pivotal job interview to lead Yale’s newly formed Center for Reparative Thought and Justice, Anita gathers her closest friends for support. The evening takes an unexpected turn when her husband arrives late, triggering a series of events that unravel their seemingly ordered world. The play delves into the power of language and its profound influence on relationships, society, and reality itself.
Creative Team and Cast
WIGHTS is penned by Liz Appel, a Toronto-born playwright now based in New York. Appel holds an MFA in Playwriting from Hunter College, an MPhil in Modern and Medieval Languages from Cambridge University, and an MA and MPhil in English from Yale. She also contributes as an interviewer for Vogue.com. The production is directed by Crow’s Theatre Artistic Director Chris Abraham. The cast features a talented ensemble, including:
- Ari Cohen as Anita’s husband
- Sochi Fried as one of Anita’s close friends
- Richard Lee as another friend
- Rachel Leslie as a fellow academic
These actors bring depth and nuance to a narrative that challenges audiences to reflect on the complexities of language, identity, and societal structures.
Themes and Content Advisory
WIGHTS is a biting social satire that confronts themes of racism, privilege, and the intricate dynamics of personal and professional relationships. The production includes adult content and language and employs theatrical haze, stage blood, and video/lighting effects to enhance the storytelling experience. Audience discretion is advised.
Critical Reception
The play has garnered attention for its ambitious narrative and thought-provoking content. Intermission Magazine notes that WIGHTS “sizzles with ambition,” highlighting its exploration of social justice and the impact of language on personal dynamics.
Venue Information
Performances take place at the Guloien Theatre, located within the Streetcar Crowsnest complex in Toronto. The venue offers an intimate setting that allows audiences to fully engage with the play’s dynamic and immersive staging. For more information about the production, including performance dates and times, please visit Crow’s Theatre’s official website.
