VIU Theatre Department Presents Fall Studio Show – The End of Civilization

Student actors push envelope during dark, gritty play that explores rage, murder and the actions of desperate people.

What does it mean to be civilized? What happens when the limits of integrity and morality are pushed beyond the breaking point?

These questions are posed in Canadian playwright George F. Walker’s Suburban Motel. In the fourth chapter of this gritty series of short plays, The End of Civilization follows the story of Henry and Lily, who have lost their house, family and suburban stability. 

With no job, no money and a growing sense of desperation, Henry and Lily ship their kids out to an aunt’s house and move into a seedy motel on the edge of town. During a police investigation into a slew of mysterious murders, it becomes clear that their fall from grace was a deeper rabbit hole than they could have imagined. 

Vancouver Island University’s Theatre Department presents The End of Civilization as this year’s fall studio show. This small production in VIU’s Mike Taugher Studio stars VIU Theatre Department students as cast and crew and is directed by Leon Potter, a VIU Theatre Professor. The studio, located in Building 330, Room 109, is an intimate theatre space that seats 25 people.

The End of Civilization runs December 4, 5 and 6 at 7:30 pm. Admission is $5 and tickets are available on Eventbrite with limited sales at the door.

Please be advised that The End of Civilization contains mature themes, profanity and sexual references that some viewers may find disturbing. The play contains graphic content and audience members must be 18 years or older to attend. 

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MEDIA CONTACT:  

Rachel Stern, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University

P: 250.740.6560 | C:  250.618.0373 | E: rachel.stern@viu.ca