Strata Inc. follows a hacker going corporate, exploring the collision between our best intentions and the compromises we make for success.

As a teen, Victoria was an infamous hacker. Now a young adult, she has created a powerful virtual reality platform and has agreed to work for a giant corporation to bring that platform to a huge audience. As users collide with the new Internet reality of VR experiences, exploring online privacy, connection, security, and access, Victoria must choose: run the multinational responsible, or escape from her own invention.

About the production:

Strata Inc. is based on real developments in virtual reality technology as it intersects with marketing, the world of work, and new outlets for the imagination.

Strata Inc. uses individual audience headphones, sound design, and mic’d actors to echo the transportational abilities of VR while creating an in-person communal experience of theatre.

Starring:

Bénédicte Bélizaire, Gabrielle Lazarovitz, Maryse Fernandes, Matt Hertendy, Prem Anand, William Beddoe, Will Somers... and...

You?

This production invites interested audience members to read smaller roles. From acting to immersive seating to more distanced seating, this show offers multiple levels of engagement. Contact strata.inc.collective@gmail.com to choose your own adventure.

Only 4 public performances: Friday-Saturday on March 6-7 and March 13-14, 2020

All shows start 8:00 pm. Latecomers will not be admitted. Performances run 110 minutes.

Rebel.com, 377 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa

NEW! Friday night panels!

Join us after the Friday night shows for short panels with experts in the field of technology and culture.

Friday, March 6th features Tracey Lauriault (Professor of Critical Media Studies, Carleton University), Murad Hemmadi (tech journalist for The Logic), and Megan Piercey Monafu (playwright, Strata Inc.), moderated by local visual artist and community builder Brenda Dunn on the topic:

Online platforms are more powerful than we thought they would be, and now play a role in social cohesion. They have the characteristics of nations while being trans-national. Is self-regulation enough? Is it too late to regulate these platforms? What are the practical steps that governments and users can take?

Friday, March 13th features Anthony Scavarelli (VR researcher and Algonquin professor), Brett Tackaberry (Chief Technology Officer, Rebel.com), Megan Piercey Monafu (playwright, Strata Inc.), moderated by local visual artist and community builder Brenda Dunn on the topic:

What does it mean for tech to be inclusive and adaptive? How do we find new ways to deal with new social realities, such as the social value of avatars and the possiblity of online interactions taking precedence over IRL interactions?

We are the Strata Inc. Collective

Strata Inc. was written by Megan Piercey Monafu, with sound design by Johnny Wideman, experience design by Megan Piercey Monafu and Johnny Wideman, and dramaturgy by Scout Rexe.

Co-produced by Dan Monafu and Megan Piercey Monafu, with executive producer Shawn Kazda.

Special thanks to our venue sponsor, Rebel.com.

Content warning:

One scene in this play contains a depiction of online assault, though no physical assault is shown. The nature of sexual assault online is discussed in two other scenes. If you would like further details, please contact strata.inc.collective@gmail.com.

More info:

Development of Strata Inc. made possible through the Corel Endowment Fund for the Arts Award, City of Ottawa Arts Funding, the Ontario Arts Council, the Ottawa Fringe undercurrents festival, and the Great Canadian Theatre Company. Research supported by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Grant.

http://megmonafu.ca/strata-inc