Playwright Makram Ayache joins Chris Tolley to talk about growing up queer in rural Alberta. Hear about how the loss of Ayache's father influenced his acclaimed play The Green Line, and what it means to write from a place of “in-betweenness." The Green Line, nominated for a Governor General’s Award, is a lyrical journey through love, loss, and the legacy of queer identity across generations.
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The Green Line (Part One)
A poetic and heartbreaking story of intergenerational queer history in Lebanon begins. In present-day Beirut, Rami, a twentysomething queer Lebanese Canadian, returns to bury his father. Grieving and searching for meaning, he finds himself drawn to a queer nightclub—where a drag queen named Fifi, dressed as a phoenix, awakens a sense of connection. At the same time, we flash back to 1978, when a young man named Naseeb tries to flee Beirut’s civil war with his sister, Mona. But Mona is in love—and refuses to leave.Featuring: Makram Ayache, Filsan Dualeh, Bahareh Yaraghi, Waseem Alzer, and Antoine Yared“Ayache’s dialogue is decidedly lyrical . . . There are some truly beautiful images not just in the monologues but in simple exchanges.”- Louis B. Hobson, Calgary Herald“An affecting, well-written piece by Edmonton playwright Makram Ayache . . . that travels to a surprisingly wide variety of places . . . a universal, first-class [play] more than worthy of your attention.”- Alan Kellogg, 12thnightThe Green Line by Makram Ayache.
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The Green Line (Part Two)
As Beirut descends into chaos in 1978, Naseeb is swept up in the war’s political tides, fracturing his bond with Mona. In the present, Rami follows a trail of memories—including a phoenix-shaped necklace left by his father—to uncover the truth about his family's past. The Green Line, nominated for a Governor General’s Award, is a lyrical journey through love, loss, and the legacy of queer identity across generations.The Green Line by Makram Ayache
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The Bidding War (Interview with Michael Ross Albert)
Playwright Michael Ross Albert joins Chris Tolley to discuss his acclaimed play The Bidding War and the personal experience that helped inspire it. Michael shares what it was like to buy his first home through an affordable housing program — a moment that felt like winning the lottery, but also brought intense financial fear and uncertainty. Despite finally finding a place to call his own, Michael opens up about the pressure of speculative real estate and how that anxiety found its way into his writing. He and Chris dive into why plays that make us laugh can also leave the deepest mark.The Bidding War is by Michael Ross Albert.
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The Bidding War (Part Two)
The open house descends into chaos as tensions erupt between buyers, agents, and unexpected guests. Secrets are revealed, alliances shift, and a medical emergency turns the high-stakes competition into something more personal. As the dream of homeownership spirals into a surreal showdown, everyone is forced to show their hand, whether they’re ready or not.Featuring: Aurora Browne, Sergio Di Zio, Izad Etemadi, Peter Fernandes, Veronica Hortiguela, Amy Matysio, Fiona Reid, Gregory Prest, Steven Sutcliffe, Sophia Walker, and Gregory Waters.The Bidding War is by Michael Ross Albert.
Welcome to your digital stage, where bold theatre meets cutting-edge audio drama. Each episode draws you into captivating stories brought to life by top actors, acclaimed writers, and cinematic sound design that places you at the center of the action. Winner of the 2020 New York Festival Gold Medal winner for Audio Drama, PlayME has dozens of productions, from daring, original audio dramas to groundbreaking plays. We offer an experience for people who love theatre and audio fiction. Whether you like dark, atmospheric thrillers, raw emotional drama, irreverent comedies, or theatre that push boundaries, our carefully curated collection has something to captivate every adventurous listener. Plus, enjoy in-depth interviews with playwrights, offering unique insights into their creative processes and the stories behind the plays.
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