‘Lesbian Wilderness Retreat from Hell’ Set to Thrill Montreal Pride with Interactive Horror-Comedy – A Breaking News Update
Montreal, QC – Get ready for a Pride experience unlike any other! Breaking news confirms that creators Gwyneth McFall Gorman and Christina Saliba are bringing their highly anticipated interactive comedy, Lesbian Wilderness Retreat from Hell, to the Lion d’Or cabaret from July 31st to August 9th, in partnership with Montreal Pride. This isn’t just a play; it’s a live, choose-your-own-adventure descent into a hilariously terrifying world where social media meets slasher flicks.
From ‘Lesbian Speed Date’ to a Wilderness of Woe: The Creators’ Vision
The creative team behind the cult hit Lesbian Speed Date – a play lauded for its satirical take on lesbian culture and the perils of dating apps – is back with a vengeance. Director Mariah Inger joins Gorman and Saliba to deliver a production that promises to be even more immersive and unpredictable. Lesbian Speed Date, which debuted in 2019 at festivals including Just For Laughs and Pride Montreal, established the trio’s knack for blending sharp wit with genre-bending storytelling. This new work builds on that foundation, taking the audience deeper into a world where the lines between reality and performance blur.
Interactive Horror: You Decide Who Survives (or Gets ‘Canceled’)
Imagine five social media influencers lured to a seemingly idyllic retreat… only to discover they’re pawns in a meticulously crafted revenge fantasy. That’s the premise of Lesbian Wilderness Retreat from Hell. But here’s the twist: the audience gets to decide their fate. Throughout the performance, viewers will vote on key decisions, determining who will be forgiven and, crucially, who will be “canceled.” Inger describes the play as a “comedy-horror in the style of the 1980s and 1990s,” drawing inspiration from classic films like The Blob, The Thing, and Killer Klowns from Outer Space. The interactivity isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a fundamental part of the experience, demanding adaptability from the actors and creating a truly unique performance each night.
The Rise of Interactive Theatre & Why It Matters
Interactive theatre is experiencing a resurgence, fueled by a desire for more engaging and participatory entertainment. Unlike traditional passive viewing, these productions actively involve the audience, fostering a sense of ownership and creating a shared experience. This trend reflects a broader shift in entertainment consumption, where audiences are increasingly seeking agency and personalization. The challenge for creators lies in balancing audience control with narrative coherence, a challenge Inger and her team appear to have met head-on, crafting multiple endings without sacrificing the play’s core spirit. The actors themselves have embraced the complexity, learning extensive dialogue to accommodate the ever-changing storyline.
Accessibility & Social Impact: Reaching a Wider Audience
Recognizing the diverse audience at Montreal Pride, the play will be performed in English with French surtitles, ensuring accessibility for all. Inger acknowledges that some of the cultural references might be lost on unilingual French speakers, but emphasizes the play’s universal themes – the pervasive influence of social media, the complexities of cancel culture, and the performative nature of online apologies. Beyond entertainment, the production is committed to social responsibility, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to a humanitarian aid project in Palestine. This commitment underscores the power of art to not only entertain but also to raise awareness and support important causes.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the thrilling, hilarious, and thought-provoking Lesbian Wilderness Retreat from Hell. Tickets are available now at https://www.misfitfilms.ca/theatre. This is more than just a play; it’s a cultural event that’s sure to be a highlight of Montreal Pride, and a fascinating example of how theatre is evolving in the digital age. Stay tuned to archyde.com for more breaking news and in-depth coverage of the arts and culture scene.
