Start a conversation with your class about Indigenous sovereignty and land rights with an interactive award-winning pick-the-path audio play by Alley Theatre! Without any visual element, this audio play uses dialogue, music, and sound effects to ignite the imagination of the listener and immerse them into the dramatic story. With real-time responses that spark classroom discussions, this format helps us all invest in the outcome of each performance.

Summary

An Indigenous man is cooking his dinner in a remote log home, when a non-Indigenous couple suddenly arrives for a week-long getaway. This is their dad's house — what is this Indigenous man doing there? The man reveals that the colonial rights to this entire property are up for grabs. With humor, suspense, and a race against time, the listener chooses what happens, ultimately deciding how the land will be stewarded, and by whom.

The stage version of Inheritance premiered at the Annex Theatre in Vancouver, BC in March 2020 and was produced by Alley Theatre and Touchstone Theatre, in association with Vancouver Moving Theatre and community partnership with the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre.

Stills taken from “Inheritance: A Pick-the-Path Experience” performed in Vancouver in March 2020. Featuring Daniel Arnold, Darrell Dennis, and Medina Hahn.

  • Audience: Ages 12+
    Run Time:     80 - 100 minutes - depending on the path you choose!

  • The study guide will help prepare your students for the audio play performance and enhance your art curriculum in the classroom.

    DOWNLOAD STUDY GUIDE

  • FINALIST for the Governor General Award in Drama 2022

    JESSIE RICHARDSON AWARDS 2019-2020

    • Significant Artistic Achievement: Outstanding Innovative & Immersive Theatre

    • Outstanding Production*: Large Theatre

    • Outstanding Lead Actor*: Darrell Dennis

    *: Nominated

  • This audio play contains chapters that allude to violence and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

The Experience

You press play on your audio device - the story begins.
At crucial points the action is halted.

You choose what happens next.
If you're in the classroom, discuss and vote.
If you're listening on your own, the choice is up to you…
The story proceeds according to your choice.

Pre-scripted, pre-rehearsed, and over 50 variations.
This is Choose-Your-Own-Adventure theatre at its finest.

If you would like to engage an Indigenous facilitator to guide this experience in your classroom, please contact info@alleytheatre.ca.

“Groundbreaking and innovative ... humor, depth and believe it or not, fun.”
“We need transformative change. That’s what makes this play so important.”
— David Suzuki
“Playful and provoking! So awesome and necessary.”
 

Reviews

"Inheritance is what theatre should be. It breaks boundaries, embraces new technology ... It is excellent. It should be required viewing. See it, ask questions, and enjoy the beauty of these incredible artists along the way."
— Vancouver Presents, Vancouver BC

“The creative team is definitely onto something ... digs into land claims and entitlement in engaging new ways, using a lively mix of humour and interactive technology to work through heavy concepts. Viewers go out into the night with the knowledge that land issues will never be solved with an easy click of the button. And more importantly, with plenty to think about their own role in the matter.”
— Georgia Straight, Vancouver BC