After a successful run at the Hamilton Fringe, Dandelion Theatre, along with Sweet Action Theatre Company, is bringing their original work DEATH: A Love Story to Toronto! Written and directed by Dandelion’s Artistic Director Max Ackerman, DEATH: A Love Story is a charming story with deep emotional roots that’ll have you smiling and tearing up in equal measure. You certainly don’t want to miss the passionate performances and writing DEATH: A Love Story has to offer.

When two people wake up to discover that they’ve recently become deceased, their main plea is to not have to go through the ordeal by themselves. Suddenly thrust into the same space together, the audience learns that the two people had a romantic relationship in the past which didn’t end on the best terms. Ackerman does an impressive job of having the dialogue sound like a familiar argument, not forced in any way. The trauma-dumping and blame game scenarios are all-too-familiar in real life relationships, especially after time apart with no communication (and seemingly little communication to begin with). With twists and turns along the way, DEATH: A Love Story certainly kept me on the edge of my seat, anxious to know how the couple was going to deal with each new revelation.

The bare set allows for the lights and projections to really have their moment alongside the performers. Max Chu’s lighting design takes us from a galaxy of colours to stark white in an instant; the juxtapositions created and along with some truly beautiful moments made it a joy to watch. Chu’s lighting is complimented by Ally Mackenzie’s projection and artwork; the combination allows for the eerie and ethereal atmosphere of the production.

DEATH: A Love Story features two exceptionally talented actors: Sivert Das as Jack, and Sophie Rivers as Moonie. They both give heartfelt performances and have amazing chemistry together on stage. Jack’s moods seemed to change on a dime, and Das gave these moments the perfect emphasis and understanding. Rivers’ body language, particularly on first seeing Jack, told us everything we needed to know about how Moonie still feels about her ex. Das and Rivers allow their vulnerability and talent to shine in these roles, making the characters feel like real multi-dimensional humans.

DEATH: A Love Story only runs until August 20th so you’ll want to get your tickets ASAP. This sweet story will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside, and make you hug your loved ones a little tighter. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.dandeliontheatreto.com/workwithus

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Cover photo by Ally Mackenzie