Environmental Activism At The Center Of Matrix Theatre's Next Drama

Matrix Theatre Company continues its 2017 - 2018 Mainstage Season with the environmental drama, Kayak, opening April 6 and running through April 29. The production runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 3PM. All performances are presented at Matrix Theatre Company, located at 2730 Bagley Avenue in the heart of Mexicantown. Tickets are $22 for adults and $17 for students, seniors, veterans, and active military personnel, and may be purchased in advance or, if available, at the door. Group rates are also available. For further information or to purchase tickets, visit www.matrixtheatre.org or call (313) 967-0599.

Alone in a kayak on a vast stretch of water, Annie Iversen recounts the strange chain of events that got her there. A doting suburban mother, Annie was blindsided when her son, Peter, fell in love with Julie, a passionate environmental activist. Climate change, S'mores, SUVs, and Noah's Ark are all part of Annie's story as she sets out to save her son and unwittingly throws herself into the path of events larger than she ever could have imagined. "Kayak is an exciting play about personal activism, and we feel this is an important topic to bring forward during these trying times," shared Artistic Director Megan Buckley-Ball.

"What does everyday climate activism look like? How do we individually make a difference? One of the things I love about Kayak is how nuanced this show and these people are while they struggle with those very complicated questions," shared Kayak director Amanda Grace Ewing (Northville). Written by Jordan Hall, the play stars Dan Johnson (Ann Arbor) as Peter, Claire Joliffe (West Bloomfield) as Julie, and Kez Settle (Clawson) as Annie. The production team includes Sarah Drum (Westland), Chantel and Charlie Gaidica (Royal Oak), and Casaundra Freeman (Detroit).

The final dress rehearsal on Thursday, April 5 is a "Pay What You Can" performance. To help eliminate the barrier between audiences and live theatre, patrons can choose to pay whatever amount they want at the door to see the preview show of Kayak. Tickets will be available at the door that evening and can be purchased in advance by calling the box office at 313-967-0599. Doors open at 7:30PM for the 8PM performance.

In its 27th season as a non-profit, community-based theatre, Matrix Theatre Company is located in southwest Detroit and uses the transformative power of theatre to change lives, build community and foster social justice. Go to matrixtheatre.org for further information. Matrix Theatre Company's Mainstage Season is funded in part by Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, The Kresge Foundation, and The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Foundation.

Photo Credit: Amanda Grace Ewing

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