The Unplugging by Yvette Nolan

The Belfry’s upcoming play celebrates Indigenous knowledge of the land and personal transformation.

January 16, 2023

Victoria, BC...From February 7 - March 5, 2023, the Belfry Theatre will present The Unplugging by Yvette Nolan. Directed by Reneltta Arluk, The Unplugging stars Lois Anderson, Marsha Knight, and čačumḥi – aaron wells.

“...The Unplugging is so funny, smart, and nuanced…” The Snipe, Vancouver

When all the world’s technology ceases to function, it is time to find a new way of surviving—or an old way. Two women—one Indigenous and one white exiled from their village for being too old to bear children, find themselves in a desolate, post-apocalyptic world, where they rediscover traditional ways of survival and their own inner strength.

“…a gentle, emotional, immediate morality tale…timely, fascinating, and necessary.” Toronto Star

When a charismatic stranger appears, seeking their aid, they must choose whether to use their knowledge of the past to provide hope for the future to the community that branded them “useless.”

“...both charming and sentimental...the script has … a sense of humour to keep its message from overwhelming the relationships at its heart.” Vancouver Sun

Marsha Knight (Elena) and Lois Anderson (Bern) in The Unplugging by Yvette Nolan / Photos by Don Craig / Daniela Masellis - Set & Lighting Designer / Catherine Hahn - Costume Designer

Marsha Knight (Elena), Lois Anderson (Bern), and čačumḥi – aaron wells (Seamus) in The Unplugging by Yvette Nolan / Photos by Don Craig / Daniela Masellis - Set & Lighting Designer / Catherine Hahn - Costume Designer

Yvette was inspired to write The Unplugging after the death of her mother, and the realization that she had not learned enough about her Anishinaabe heritage.

Why I Chose This Play

Yvette Nolan suggests that the day technology fails us, we will no longer know how to survive. This beautiful play imagines that day, and how—if we are lucky—and wise! —we will embrace Indigenous knowledge of the land and ways of being, and truly discover a new way of living—and living together. Michael Shamata

Yvette Nolan (Algonquin) is a playwright, director and dramaturg. Her works include many plays, the dance opera Bearing, the libretto Shawnadithit, and the short play-for-film Katharsis. She co-created, with Joel Bernbaum and Lancelot Knight, the verbatim play Reasonable Doubt, about relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan. From 2003-2011, she served as Artistic Director of Native Earth Performing Arts, Canada’s oldest professional Indigenous theatre company. Her book, Medicine Shows, about Indigenous performance in Canada, was published by Playwrights Canada Press in 2015, and Performing Indigeneity, co-edited with Ric Knowles, in 2016. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Public Policy at Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy.

The Unplugging will be performed for in-person audiences from February 7 – March 5, 2023, with simultaneous live-stream broadcasts from February 21 - 26.

Creative Team

Yvette Nolan - Playwright

Reneltta Arluk - Director

Daniela Masellis - Set & Lighting Designer

Catherine Hahn - Costume Designer

Krystle Pederson - Composer, Sound Designer & Onstage Musician

Tobin Stokes – Sound Design Mentor

Liz King - Stage Manager

Jalisa Gonie - Assistant Stage Manager

Liz Page - Apprentice Stage Manager

Shannon Litzenberger - Assistant Director

Audience Engagement Events

B4PLAY (In-person + Online)

Saturday, February 4 at 11 am

BMO Studio, 129 Gladstone Avenue

Our live talk show hosted by CBC Radio’s Gregor Craigie and featuring artists from the upcoming show, along with experts from the community, has been designed to provide insight into each Mainstage production.

Panellists include Reneltta Arluk (Director), Marsha Knight (Elena), Brendan Dacontie (Ursa Creative, an Indigenous technology company on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen people, the Esquimalt and Songhees nations) and Melina Laboucan-Massimo (Founder of Sacred Earth Solar, co-founder and Senior Director at Indigenous Climate Action and Host of a new TV series, Power to the People).

Each event is held the Saturday before Opening, is free to attend, live-streamed on Facebook, and is available as a podcast on our website.

To reserve free tickets, please call our Box Office at 250-385-6815.

TALKBACK THURSDAY (On Stage + Online / Hybrid)

Thursday, February 23 following the performance

On the third Thursday performance during the run of each show, most (usually all) of the actors return to the stage to answer your questions and provide insight into the play you have just experienced. These Q & A sessions last approximately 20 minutes.

VocalEye – The Unplugging

Wednesday, March 1 (Almost Live Event)

For patrons with low or no vision, we are offering an online VocalEye performance of The Unplugging.

The virtual lobby opens at 6:30 pm for socializing, the official welcome at 6:45 with an intro to the show, and then the show starts at 7:00 pm. Afterwards, we have a Q and A and a prize draw.

During VocalEye performances, trained Audio Describers provide descriptions of the visual elements of the show, allowing people with low vision to enjoy the theatrical experience without missing any of the details.

Please call the Box Office for details.

Ticket Information

We are offering Pay What You Want tickets for both in-person attendance and live streams. Tickets are available at 250-385-6815 or online at tickets.belfry.bc.ca.

While masks and proof of vaccination are no longer mandatory, we strongly encourage all audience members to wear masks and take all publicly recommended health precautions.

Show Sponsors

The Unplugging is generously sponsored by CIBC Wood Gundy Blue Heron Advisory Group, Caffe Fantastico, Used.ca, and 98.5 Ocean.

Season Sponsors

The Belfry is generously supported by The Times Colonist and Helijet.

Public Funders

The Belfry is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, the Province of BC, BC Arts Council, CRD Arts Development and the City of Victoria.

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Mark Dusseault

Marketing & Communications Director, Belfry Theatre