Crow’s Theatre, in association with Porte Parole (Montreal), will present the Toronto premiere of SEEDS written by Annabel Soutar, directed by Crow’s Theatre Artistic Director Chris Abraham and starring Eric Peterson, from February 18 – March 10 at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts.
SEEDS is arresting documentary theatre chronicling the four-year legal battle between Saskatchewan farmer Percy Schmeiser (Eric Peterson) and biotech giant Monsanto Inc. Based on court trial transcripts and interviews with all The Players, including Schmeiser, Monsanto representatives, farmers, academics, lawyers and scientists from across Canada, SEEDS goes behind the scenes of the battle for the future of food.
In 2004 Annabel Soutar began to research the case of Monsanto Inc. versus Percy Schmeiser. Monsanto accused Schmeiser of growing their genetically patented Round-up Ready canola seeds on his property without paying the licensing fee they require. By taking audiences through a suspenseful labyrinth of legal conflicts regarding patent rights, scientific showdowns about GM food, and property clashes between farmers and the biotechnology industry – SEEDS asks an essential question – can you patent a living thing? Or as Percy famously asked, “who owns life?”. This landmark trial not only brought this question before the Supreme Court, but also garnered Schmeiser attention from around the world.
“I’m thrilled to be introducing Toronto audiences to playwright Annabel Soutar and her remarkable piece Seeds,” said Crow’s Artistic Director Chris Abraham. “When I read it for the first time, I couldn’t put it down. Her dogged pursuit of the truth in the case of Monsanto vs. Percy Schmeiser is entirely gripping, as are her observations of the social and political implications of the paradigm shift in genetics happening under our feet. I can’t wait for the conversation and debate that will be sparked by this show.”
The cast includes talented actors from Toronto and Montreal playing over 35 roles. Canadian stage and screen veteran Eric Peterson (“Corner Gas”, Billy Bishop Goes to War) stars as Percy Schmeiser. Bruce Dinsmore (Cabaret, “Arthur”), Mariah Inger (“Confessions of a Dangerous Mind”, “Possible Worlds”, The Overwhelming), Alex Ivanovici (“Histoires d’hiver” Genie Award, “Nos Étés”, “Les Soeurs Elliot”), Tanja Jacobs (Mother Courage, The Little Years, 11 Dora Nominations), Cary Lawrence (“Nos Étés”, “Yamaska”), and Liisa Repo-Martell (Eternal Hydra, The Test, “Nights Below Station Street”) make up the rest of the ensemble.
The production features set and costume design by Julie Fox, sound design by Richard Feren, lighting design by Ana Cappelluto and video design by Elysha Poirier.
Founded in 1983, Crow’s Theatre is one of Canada’s leading creators of new and award-winning theatre work. Crow’s ignites passionate and enduring engagement between its audiences and artists by creating, producing and promoting unforgettable theatre that examines and illuminates the pivotal narratives of our times. Recent productions include Eternal Hydra, Instructions to any future socialist government wishing to abolish Christmas,
The Country and I Claudia. Eternal Hydra won the 2009 Dora Mavor Moore Awards for Best New Play, Outstanding Production, Outstanding Direction, and Outstanding Lighting Design.
Artistic Director Chris Abraham is amongst Canada’s most lauded directors, with multiple award- winning productions at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Canadian Stage Company, Tarragon Theatre, Segal Centre and many others across the country.
Crow’s Theatre (Toronto) and Porte Parole (Montreal) in association with the Young Centre for the Performing Arts present SEEDS
Written by Annabel Soutar • Directed by Chris Abraham
Starring Eric Peterson, Bruce Dinsmore, Mariah Inger, Alex Ivanovici, Tanja Jacobs, Cary Lawrence, Liisa Repo-Martell
Set and Costume design by Julie Fox • Sound design by Richard Feren Lighting design by Ana Cappelluto • Video design by Elysha Poirier
