Can you imagine waking up one morning and the rest of the world has disappeared? I certainly can, and frankly it’s my worst fear come to life. Elena Belyea’s I Don’t Even Miss You, directed by Emma Tibaldo, has Basil waking up one morning in that very situation. A multi-media masterpiece of survival, identity, and loss, I Don’t Even Miss You is a show you won’t want to miss.

Elena Belyea stars as Basil, who is desperately trying to figure out “Why this? Why now? Why me?” as they scour the globe for signs of life other than themselves. As they look, the begin to create Orchid, an AI helper like Siri or Alexa to keep them company while they search and survive. Basil’s discovery of a small dog named Radish completes their beautiful garden of companions, and suddenly they feel a little less lonely. Unfortunately, that feeling doesn’t last forever, and they nearly take some very drastic actions. Ultimately, this is a story of perseverance in the face of loneliness, and it’s a message I think we all need right now.

However, the other side to this story is a beautiful queer coming-of-age tale. Basil tells us all about their childhood, their early crushes, and coming out. Thankfully, Basil has a supportive family, so these memories are joyous ones. Yet once those family members, and the rest of society, has been taken away, Basil is left to wonder how much of themselves actually needs to change now. They talk about how they had considered surgeries in the past, yet now they’re more comfortable in their own skin with no one watching or judging them. Showing self-acceptance and gender euphoria on stage is wildly important as we move towards a more understanding society.

Belyea’s performance is spellbinding; from the first moment to the last they have our undivided attention. Singing live, while doing choreography, all as a part of this solo show is no small feat. Their passion for this story is palpable, and their vulnerability makes them immediately endearing.

The design team of I Don’t Even Miss You has pulled out all the stops for this visually spectacular show. Tori Morrison’s sound and video design take centre stage as Belyea performs several original pieces throughout the play, as well as being immersed in an impressive soundscape. Even Gilchrist’s set design is functional and meaningful in equal measure; with three screens shaped like a house, the projections become another storyteller within the play. The captions, designed by Lauren Acheson, David Gagnon, and Mac Brock, which are automatically provided are a lovely accessibility feature while also being art in and of themselves.

Throughout the play, the classic film “The Wizard of Oz” is referenced several times, including showing a clip from the end of the film at the play’s emotional climax. This idea of finding oneself in a new and different world certainly speaks to the heart of this production, while also maintaining the queer community’s connection to the film and its star. Even though Basil doesn’t get the same ending as Dorothy, they do create a little family of their own, and find happiness and gratitude in their new life.

I Don’t Even Miss You is funny, moving, and beautifully performed. The love and compassion which is shown through this play is something we all need a little bit more of right now.

I Don’t Even Miss You runs until November 10th in the Studio space at Factory Theatre. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.factorytheatre.ca/shows/i-dont-even-miss-you/

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Cover Photo: Elena Belyea. Photo by Eden Graham

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