alterNatives

The Reviews Are In!

“...expect the unexpected … very funny … The cast is splendid… Very impactful.”  – Curtains Up 

“In this groundbreaking production, Drew Hayden Taylor brings his trademark wit and profound cultural insight to create a wry, humorous exploration of contemporary social dynamics”  – Mountain Lake PBS

“For anyone seeking an experience that’s both artistically and culturally enriching, alterNatives at Centaur Theatre is an absolute must-see. This production is not just a play; it’s a cultural exploration that encourages dialogue and understanding.” – La Métropole

“This perfect storm of people who stir one another up results in lots of great lines and funny situations. As a comedy, the play is excellent.  AlterNatives is an important show and highly recommended.”
– Montreal Rampage

Centaur Theatre presents the English-language production of Menuentakuan’s alterNatives

Written by Drew Hayden Taylor

Directed by Xavier Huard

With Charles Bender, Natalie Tannous, Étienne Thibeault, Lesly Velázquez, Nadia Verrucci, and Xavier Watso

Angel is a young Anishinaabe science-fiction writer in a May-December relationship with Colleen, a “non-practicing” Jewish academic who studies Indigenous literatures. Unbeknownst to Angel, Colleen decides to invite his estranged “alterNative warrior” activist buddies to sit down for a meal with her own comrades, a couple of white liberal vegans. What follows is an uproarious evening of cross-cultural communication (and miscommunication) that sheds light on the uncomfortable truths that continue to colour the relationship between Indigenous and settler communities.

Audience Advisory:

Brief male nudity at the beginning of the show

flickering lights sequences

Production Photos

Interview with the cast

More Info

Playwright Drew Hayden Taylor, described as “the First Nations Neil Simon,” brings his trademark wit and cultural insight to this wry look at contemporary social dynamics. Produced in collaboration with Menuentakuan in an English-language revival of their celebrated production of alterIndiens, alterNatives brings together a group of artists at the vanguard of theatrical creation to bring fresh new life to a classic dramatic scenario – the dinner party gone wrong.

Program