If you are looking for the latest and greatest example of tech in theatre, look no further than Outside the March’s No Save Points, created and performed by Sébastien Heins. Presented by Starvox Entertainment in association with Modern Times Stage Company, this heartfelt and touching play will take you on a journey unlike anything you’ve ever experienced in a live performance. You simply must get out to see, and play, No Save Points.

I’m a millennial, and right away when I entered the space the nostalgia was intense. The signs for the show are adorned the classic video game life hearts, and the handout with the program QR code looks just like the little books found in every Game Boy Game. I had the purple Game Boy Color when I was about the same age as Heins first received his Game Boy. I could immediately relate to Heins and the solace he took in his games; there wasn’t a single car ride where my sister and I didn’t pack our Game Boys, eventually even getting the little lights to plug into it so we could play after dark (this was back before back-lit screens in hand-helds, kids).

No Save Points recounts the story of Heins’ mother being diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, a degenerative genetic disorder which affects both Heins’ mother and aunt. Throughout the play, Heins escapes into his Game Boy and the games both reflect the current situation while also helping him process these difficult times in his life. The games are also representative of the different forms of early video games, from first person text adventures to platformers, each one is beautifully designed and have a fully fleshed out story. The four games are played by audience members with Heins as our avatar.

This is where the incredible technology comes in. Heins is wearing several sensors which signal him as to which button is being pressed on the controller: an old Game Boy converted into a transmitter. By pressing the buttons as you would in any video game, Heins is then directed to move, jump, or speak based on the options provided by the game. I attended opening night, and they were still working out some of the limitations of the technology; you could only get so far back before the Game Boy was out of range of the sensors. What was incredible, was how the audience quickly caught on to the issue, and so instead of one person being in control, we all started shouting commands to Heins, working together to help him defeat the game. I found it delightful, we were all working towards a common goal together, but also wanted to help Heins through the emotional aspects of the game as well. Had we all been given Wiimotes and asked to play Mario Kart, I can’t promise things would have been so harmonious!

To me, the stand-out games were “Windrush” and “Miasma” for their innovation and story-telling abilities. When the screen was taken away and the set for “Windurush” was revealed I gasped; I understood immediately what it was, a Donkey-Kong style platformer game but REAL! We have to stop the evil villain from infecting everyone at the hospital and taking control of their minds and bodies. “Miasma” is a beautifully animated game where we have to help the little boy rescue his Mama from an evil monster. Both games pack an emotional punch while also being thrilling from start to finish.

The play concludes with real photos of Sébastien and his mother from when he was a little boy until present day, and it is the perfect way to end this epic adventure, as it celebrates the incredible resilience and zest for life they share. Outside the March has totally outdone themselves with this production, and you’ll certainly be sorry if you miss it! It runs at the Lighthouse Artspace at 1 Yonge Street until July 2nd. Tickets are limited, so get them right away! Visit: https://outsidethemarch.ca/the-experiences/no-save-points/

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Photo of Sébastien Heins by Dahlia Katz