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Play addresses toxic drug crisis at Langley arts hub

‘Precarious’ showcases inclusive performance through songs

An emotional, heart-to-heart play called "Precarious: A Transformative Musical Tale," comes to Langley Saturday, with members of the team sharing stories of the toxic unregulated drug crisis, and through humour and past personal experiences hopefully helping those who are struggling or have lost a family member. 

Mission Overdose Community Action Team (MOCAT) and the Langley Overdose Response Community Action Team (LORCAT), brings "Precarious" to the stage.

"Precarious," nominated for a 2024 Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity award, will be performed on Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Bez Arts Hub.

The community play will consist of family members and peers of all ages.

Cheryl Epp, a member of the “Precarious Players,” said the play is aimed to resonate with all ages of the community who may be struggling from different issues.

“We're trying to appeal, to everybody and anybody in the public, whether they're affected directly or not by a family member dying from toxic drugs, or who probably knows someone who has,” she said.

“It's not as far removed from people's lives as one would think. Anybody who's lost a son, or a child, or a close family member, even if it's not from toxic drug supply, they're dealing with loss,” Epp explained.

MOCAT coordinator Kat Wahamaa said the play will include some history of prohibition and the fentanyl crisis.

“Through scenes and songs, the play interweaves some of the history of prohibition, the unfolding human tragedy of the fentanyl crisis, while celebrating the heroism of peers and families on the frontlines.” 

All songs and scenes will be based off performers’ past personal experiences, Epp noted.

“We’re singing and talking about experiences that we know about. We have all had friends or family members who have been affected by [the drug crisis],” she said. 

“The performances will feature songs full of melodies and catchy phrases all of the community can look forward to,” Epp added. 

She expects emotions of Precarious’ Playaers to run high on stage.

“It’s a very authentic performance and you're probably going to see a few tears shed on stage when people are singing their songs or giving their lines, and – of course – start feeling the emotions because you can't just talk about it and not feel anything,” she said.

The play has built and bonded the community closer together already in the past, added Epp.

“We've become family through this issue. Sometimes hard times bring people together, and so do the arts. We’ve been involved with not just building a play, but building a community.”

“I think when people see that we have that kind of love and attraction and comradeship with each other, I think it kind of warms their hearts, because of things like loneliness; that's a huge problem these days.” 

Precarious members look forward to performing in front of an intimate and up-close crowd, said Epp.

“If the crowd wants to sing along, by all means. We'd love having that interaction with our audience. It’s going to be an intimate setting, as well, and I think we're all kind of excited to be close to the audience."

The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m, and will take place at #102–20230 64th Ave. Tickets can be purchased for $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors online at: https://www.stopodmission.ca/ or at Eventbrite https://tinyurl.com/yckxxjn.