Chris talks with Jordi Mand about writing with vulnerability, mining family stories for inspiration, and confronting personal fears through her plays. Jordi opens up about her journey from performer to playwright, the delicate balance of using real life in fiction, and how becoming a mom has changed her work. They dive into the emotional roots of In Seven Days, the role of Jewish identity in her storytelling, and why she’s drawn to characters who live in the moral grey zone. Plus, Jordi explains how faith and culture quietly shape her plays. It’s an honest, funny, and moving conversation with one of Canada’s most fearless voices in theatre.In Seven Days is by Jordi Mand.
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1:18:59
In Seven Days (Part Two)
As Sam’s time grows shorter, tensions and emotions run high. Rachel’s estranged boyfriend unexpectedly shows up to support her, leading to a heated confrontation with her father over past grievances. Amid a bittersweet celebration, the family tries to hold on to moments of joy—but they’re all painfully aware of what’s coming. When Rachel uncovers a long-held secret, it might be the key to changing her father’s heart.Featuring: Mairi Babb, Ron Lea, Brendan McMurtry-Howlett, Shaina Silver-Baird, Ralph Small.In Seven Days is by Jordi Mand.
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29:20
In Seven Days (Part One)
When thirty-year-old Rachel returns home for Shabbat dinner with her ailing father and his girlfriend, she’s met with a life-altering announcement: her father, Sam Adleman, has chosen to end his life through Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)—and he plans to do it in just seven days. Shocked and heartbroken, Rachel decides to stay the week, desperately trying to change his mind. But when she brings their Rabbi into the conversation, family tensions rise, and Sam’s decision grows even more complicated.Featuring: Mairi Babb, Ron Lea, Brendan McMurtry-Howlett, Shaina Silver-Baird, Ralph Small.In Seven Days is by Jordi Mand.
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1:13:46
Hypothetical Baby (Interview with Rachel Cairns)
Playwright and performer Rachel Cairns joins Laura Mullin to discuss her acclaimed play Hypothetical Baby and the deeply personal experience that inspired it. Rachel shares her journey of facing an unplanned pregnancy despite having an IUD, the unexpected challenges of accessing abortion care, and the emotional and societal pressures that shaped her decision.Despite growing up in a progressive and supportive family, Rachel found herself unprepared for the realities of navigating reproductive healthcare. She and Laura dive into the stigma, shame, and controversy surrounding a woman’s right to choose and how storytelling can challenge perceptions, spark dialogue, and empower change.Hypothetical Baby is by Rachel Cairns.
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56:27
Hypothetical Baby (Part Two)
After navigating the barriers to abortion access, Rachel now faces the emotional weight of the experience—her body, her relationships, and the choices that linger long after the procedure.As she processes the physical toll of the abortion, a conversation with her mother reveals a hidden family history of reproductive decisions. Meanwhile, her boyfriend’s lack of emotional support forces her to question not only their relationship but the broader societal structures that leave women shouldering the weight of these choices alone.Darkly funny and brutally honest, Hypothetical Baby isn’t just about abortion—it’s about power, partnership, and what it really means to have a choice.Hypothetical Baby is by Rachel Cairns.
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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