PlayME

Playwright Makram Ayache joins Chris Tolley to talk about growing up queer in rural Alberta. Hear about how the loss of Ayache's father influenced his acclaimed play The Green Line, and what it means to write from a place of “in-betweenness." The Green Line, nominated for a Governor General’s Award, is a lyrical journey through love, loss, and the legacy of queer identity across generations.

A poetic and heartbreaking story of intergenerational queer history in Lebanon begins. In present-day Beirut, Rami, a twentysomething queer Lebanese Canadian, returns to bury his father. Grieving and searching for meaning, he finds himself drawn to a queer nightclub—where a drag queen named Fifi, dressed as a phoenix, awakens a sense of connection. At the same time, we flash back to 1978, when a young man named Naseeb tries to flee Beirut’s civil war with his sister, Mona. But Mona is in love—and refuses to leave. Featuring: Makram Ayache, Filsan Dualeh, Bahareh Yaraghi, Waseem Alzer, and Antoine Yared “Ayache’s dialogue is decidedly lyrical . . . There are some truly beautiful images not just in the monologues but in simple exchanges.”- Louis B. Hobson, Calgary Herald “An affecting, well-written piece by Edmonton playwright Makram Ayache . . . that travels to a surprisingly wide variety of places . . . a universal, first-class [play] more than worthy of your attention.”- Alan Kellogg, 12thnight The Green Line by Makram Ayache.

As Beirut descends into chaos in 1978, Naseeb is swept up in the war’s political tides, fracturing his bond with Mona. In the present, Rami follows a trail of memories—including a phoenix-shaped necklace left by his father—to uncover the truth about his family's past. The Green Line, nominated for a Governor General’s Award, is a lyrical journey through love, loss, and the legacy of queer identity across generations. The Green Line by Makram Ayache

Playwright Michael Ross Albert joins Chris Tolley to discuss his acclaimed play The Bidding War and the personal experience that helped inspire it. Michael shares what it was like to buy his first home through an affordable housing program — a moment that felt like winning the lottery, but also brought intense financial fear and uncertainty. Despite finally finding a place to call his own, Michael opens up about the pressure of speculative real estate and how that anxiety found its way into his writing. He and Chris dive into why plays that make us laugh can also leave the deepest mark. The Bidding War is by Michael Ross Albert.

The open house descends into chaos as tensions erupt between buyers, agents, and unexpected guests. Secrets are revealed, alliances shift, and a medical emergency turns the high-stakes competition into something more personal. As the dream of homeownership spirals into a surreal showdown, everyone is forced to show their hand, whether they’re ready or not. Featuring: Aurora Browne, Sergio Di Zio, Izad Etemadi, Peter Fernandes, Veronica Hortiguela, Amy Matysio, Fiona Reid, Gregory Prest, Steven Sutcliffe, Sophia Walker, and Gregory Waters. The Bidding War is by Michael Ross Albert.

Welcome to Toronto’s hot real estate market, where even an open house can become a pressure cooker. It’s Sam’s first day as a real estate agent, and he’s hoping for a straightforward showing. But things quickly spiral when eager buyers swarm the home of his first client, June. Tensions rise, secrets surface, and the competition turns cutthroat. In this sharp, darkly comic audio drama, The Bidding War exposes the high-stakes chaos lurking beneath Toronto’s housing bubble. Featuring: Aurora Browne, Sergio Di Zio, Izad Etemadi, Peter Fernandes, Veronica Hortiguela, Amy Matysio, Fiona Reid, Gregory Prest, Steven Sutcliffe, Sophia Walker, and Gregory Waters. The Bidding War is by Michael Ross Albert.

Playwright Zahida Rahemtulla joins Laura Mullin to talk about her hit debut play, The Wrong Bashir, a sharp and funny intergenerational comedy about identity, faith, and forging your own path. They discuss the inspiration behind the play, the unique dynamics of the Ismaili community, and what it means to grow up caught between expectations and self-discovery. Zahida also shares what it was like casting her real-life father and bringing underrepresented voices to the Canadian stage. The Wrong Bashir is by Zahida Rahemtulla.

The mistaken identity spirals as Bashir’s family attempts to correct the mix-up, but not everyone agrees on whether it should be corrected. As the pressure mounts and unexpected visitors arrive, Bashir is forced to confront not only who others expect him to be—but who he really is. “Think 'Kim's Convenience' but set in an Ismaili Muslim family. This play feels ripe for a TV adaptation. With its mistaken identity plot and comic characters, Zahida Rahemtulla's “The Wrong Bashir” has the hallmarks of a classic sitcom…” Joshua Chong, Toronto Star Featuring the cast from Crow’s Theatre’s acclaimed production: Sharjil Rasool (Bashir), Bren Eastcott (Nafisa), Sugith Varughese (Sultan), Nimet Kanji (Najma), Vijay Mehta (Al Nashir), Pamela Mala Sinha (Gulzar), Salim Rahemtulla (Dadipapa), Zaittun Esmail (Dadima), Parm Soor (Mansour) The Wrong Bashir is by Zahida Rahemtulla.

When philosophy student Bashir Ladha is accidentally nominated to a prestigious religious position, his family is ecstatic until they realize he’s more interested in podcasting than leading prayers. As Bashir questions the entire situation, his parents scramble to maintain appearances and navigate the growing confusion. Fast, funny, and full of heart, The Wrong Bashir is a razor-sharp comedy about mistaken identity, generational pressure, and what happens when your community’s expectations don’t match who you really are. Featuring the cast from Crow’s Theatre’s acclaimed production: Sharjil Rasool (Bashir), Bren Eastcott (Nafisa), Sugith Varughese (Sultan), Nimet Kanji (Najma), Vijay Mehta (Al Nashir), Pamela Mala Sinha (Gulzar), Salim Rahemtulla (Dadipapa), Zaittun Esmail (Dadima), Parm Soor (Mansour) The Wrong Bashir is by Zahida Rahemtulla.

Chris talks with Jordi Mand about writing with vulnerability, mining family stories for inspiration, and confronting personal fears through her plays. Jordi opens up about her journey from performer to playwright, the delicate balance of using real life in fiction, and how becoming a mom has changed her work. They dive into the emotional roots of In Seven Days, the role of Jewish identity in her storytelling, and why she’s drawn to characters who live in the moral grey zone. Plus, Jordi explains how faith and culture quietly shape her plays. It’s an honest, funny, and moving conversation with one of Canada’s most fearless voices in theatre. In Seven Days is by Jordi Mand.

As Sam’s time grows shorter, tensions and emotions run high. Rachel’s estranged boyfriend unexpectedly shows up to support her, leading to a heated confrontation with her father over past grievances. Amid a bittersweet celebration, the family tries to hold on to moments of joy—but they’re all painfully aware of what’s coming. When Rachel uncovers a long-held secret, it might be the key to changing her father’s heart. Featuring: Mairi Babb, Ron Lea, Brendan McMurtry-Howlett, Shaina Silver-Baird, Ralph Small.

When thirty-year-old Rachel returns home for Shabbat dinner with her ailing father and his girlfriend, she’s met with a life-altering announcement: her father, Sam Adleman, has chosen to end his life through Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)—and he plans to do it in just seven days. Shocked and heartbroken, Rachel decides to stay the week, desperately trying to change his mind. But when she brings their Rabbi into the conversation, family tensions rise, and Sam’s decision grows even more complicated. Featuring: Mairi Babb, Ron Lea, Brendan McMurtry-Howlett, Shaina Silver-Baird, Ralph Small.

Playwright and performer Rachel Cairns joins Laura Mullin to discuss her acclaimed play Hypothetical Baby and the deeply personal experience that inspired it. Rachel shares her journey of facing an unplanned pregnancy despite having an IUD, the unexpected challenges of accessing abortion care, and the emotional and societal pressures that shaped her decision. Despite growing up in a progressive and supportive family, Rachel found herself unprepared for the realities of navigating reproductive healthcare. She and Laura dive into the stigma, shame, and controversy surrounding a woman’s right to choose and how storytelling can challenge perceptions, spark dialogue, and empower change.

After navigating the barriers to abortion access, Rachel now faces the emotional weight of the experience—her body, her relationships, and the choices that linger long after the procedure. As she processes the physical toll of the abortion, a conversation with her mother reveals a hidden family history of reproductive decisions. Meanwhile, her boyfriend’s lack of emotional support forces her to question not only their relationship but the broader societal structures that leave women shouldering the weight of these choices alone. Darkly funny and brutally honest, Hypothetical Baby isn’t just about abortion—it’s about power, partnership, and what it really means to have a choice.

What happens when the "what if" becomes reality? In Hypothetical Baby, award-winning playwright and performer Rachel Cairns pulls back the curtain on the unspoken truths of abortion. Raw, darkly funny, and deeply personal, this fearless solo play goes beyond the question of “will she or won’t she?”—diving headfirst into the messy, complex, and often absurd journey of reproductive choice. From a dismissive doctor’s office to a relentless spiral of Google searches, Rachel navigates judgment, uncertainty, and the unexpected revelations that come with making one of life’s most personal decisions. A Globe and Mail Critic’s Pick, Hypothetical Baby challenges taboos with sharp wit and unflinching honesty.

PlayME is back! Your free ticket to bold, binge-worthy theatre. In this season’s trailer, hosts Laura Mullin and Chris Tolley present five powerful new plays turned audio dramas. Hypothetical Baby by Rachel Cairns explores the complexities of deciding to have a baby—or not. In Seven Days by Jordi, Mand follows a daughter fighting to change her father’s MAiD decision. The Green Line by Makram Ayache is a GG-nominated story of queer history in Lebanon. The Bidding War by Michael Ross Albert is a dark comedy about housing, gentrification, and sabotage. The Wrong Bashir by Zahida Rahemtulla delivers a sharp comedy of mistaken identity and self-discovery. This season also features exclusive interviews with the playwrights, offering insight into their creative process and the stories behind their work. Tune in for compelling stories, unforgettable performances, and the best of theatre—anytime, anywhere.

Go behind the scenes with Laura Mullin and Chris Tolley as they discuss the creation of TUNNEL RUNNERS, their original seven-part scripted audio thriller. They dive into the writing process, the challenges of recording action-packed scenes, and the intricacies of foley and sound design. They discuss the series' themes, including anxiety, young adulthood, life on the margins, and hidden underground societies, while reflecting on the creative decisions that shaped the story. Plus, hear their thoughts on the rise of scripted fiction podcasts and get a sneak peek at the upcoming PlayME season.

Just take it. Why fight it? Give in to what you really are. Tunnel Runners is a new seven-episode original series from the creators of the award-winning PlayME Podcast.

Under the mist. Just me and her. Nothing else matters. -But I can’t shake the feeling we’re not alone. Tunnel Runners is a new seven-episode original series from the creators of the award-winning PlayME Podcast.

We pull him out. Covered in dirt and blood. He’s not moving. Tunnel Runners is a new seven-episode original series from the creators of the award-winning PlayME Podcast.