“One time some time” there was a group of people who gathered in a church basement as the rain fell steadily on the roof far above them. They’ve come at the request of a man few, if any, have ever met, but they’re all there for the same reason: to help with their addiction to technology. Dave Malloy’s Octet, beautifully directed by Chris Abraham, is a scathing examination of our obsession with technology, social media, and how it’s changed us all, perhaps even on a molecular level. Featuring purely a cappella numbers with goosebump-inducing eight part harmonies and stories we can all relate to a little more than we’d like to admit, Octet encapsulates humanity’s relationship to technology with an eerie accuracy.

“I walked through a forest” of lights and screens, of hallways and paths through Joshua Quinlan’s stunning set design. We’re clearly in a church basement, the parquet floors, extra pews, stained glass windows and the occasional cross or two, immediately indicate our location. However, the flooring and windows are actually comprised of the LED screens which we’ve seen used in unique ways in several of Crow’s Theatre’s productions as of late; and they work exceptionally well for a play about our addictions to screens. Quinlan has clearly discovered how to make the most of the Guloien Theatre, creating a jaw-droppingly detailed world each time you enter the space. Ming Wong’s costumes beautifully embody the personalities and states of the characters as they enter. I find that there’s usually one piece of costuming that I immediately covet, and for Octet it’s absolutely Henry’s shoes; they are every kind of fabulous.

“One time some time” there’s a support group for folks who are addicted to their phones. Like AA or other groups, there’s sharing time and steps for improvement, all to help them get out of the internet and back into real life. There’s eight people in this group, always eight, Saul insists on it. Velma is the latest member of the group: she was just contacted by Saul recently, and this is her first meeting. She meets Henry, who loves games with candy in them. Paula, who runs the group in Saul’s absence and can’t stand how much her husband is on his phone. Marvin, a scientist who questions everything, even when confronted with the extraordinary. Karly and Ed, both of whom haven’t had much luck on the dating apps. Jessica, who’s been cancelled over a viral video. And Toby, who’s reached a point of utter hopelessness against the ignorance on the internet. Velma’s been trying to fit in with various online communities, but hasn’t found her place quite yet. As they sing hymns and share their struggles, there’s no clear way out of the swirl of (mis)information they find themselves in, yet they’re going to keep walking towards the forest of clarity together.

“The forest was beautiful/My head was clean and clear”: Malloy’s hymns consistently juxtapose nature and technology, creating a pastoral sense of before and after. It’s something we’ve likely all experienced: I recently went to a provincial park and loved that my phone essentially became a useless brick except for the camera function. And yet, I could feel the pull of not knowing: of not having my notifications work, of wondering if I’d lose streaks on various apps, of hoping someone wasn’t trying to call me with an emergency. It’s funny how it’s simultaneously peaceful and not to be so disconnected from tech. These are just some of the struggles we hear the characters dealing with throughout the play, and given the wide range of topics covered in this 90 minute musical, it’s practically impossible to not create a bond with one or more of the characters. While I’ve been trying my best to cut down on screen time, it’s been difficult, and I tend to turn to the apps on my phone to help me use my phone less, which feels counterproductive. After seeing Octet I was practically ready to smash my brand new iPhone: Malloy lays bare so many of our habits, addictions, and yet provides no real solution, likely because there isn’t one. Yet it’s difficult to not feel inspired to take at least some kind of step to separate yourself from the online world after you’ve witnessed this play.

“The fairies of the forest” are some of the most talented performers Toronto has to offer, and with backgrounds in musical theatre and opera, it comes as no surprise to me that Octet has the effect it does on me. Just from the first few notes of the first song, “Hymn: The Forest” I had goosebumps; I had to fight the urge to close my eyes to immerse myself in these intensely beautiful harmonies as I didn’t want to miss a second of their performances. Truly an ensemble cast, each performer gives a nuanced and electrifying performance. Zorana Sadiq lets her warmth and charm shine through in Paula. Damien Atkins’ Henry is sweet, shy and caring. Hailey Gillis is such a treasure; her voice is amazing and you can seldom take your eyes off of her as she performs. Andrew Broderick’s Toby is both passionate and over it, a combo which Broderick plays very well. Jacqueline Thair has a stunning voice, and her Jessica embodies some of our worst fears of what the internet is capable of. Giles Tomkins’ booming bass voice is such a great addition to the cast of Octet; you could hear that operatic quality to his voice which makes him unique. Ben Carlson brings an exceptional energy to his role as Marvin, whose skepticism really had me thinking long after the show finished. Alicia Ault’s Velma grabbed my heart and didn’t let go; her vulnerability as Velma had tears in my eyes and she has a gorgeous soaring voice to match.

“I have screensavered the forest/to remind me there are places/where the monster doesn’t go”

I have a photo from that camping trip I mentioned as my phone’s wallpaper right now, just water, sky, trees and the dock jutting out into all of it. I did it for this exact reason: sitting on a picnic table beside that dock, nothing could get to me but the wind beating against my back. As a millennial, I can remember a time before I had a smart phone, heck, I remember getting dial up internet and thinking it was a big deal. Yet now I have the world at my fingertips, but I mostly use that technology to send cat videos to my friends. Octet struck a deep chord with me, putting in front of me ideas, worries, and anxieties which have been jostling around in the back of my mind for a while. Though Malloy doesn’t provide any concrete answers, I think the mere fact that his show opens up dialogues about so many issues is an impressive first step. The rest of the journey is up to us.

Octet runs at the Guloien Theatre in Streetcar Crowsnest until October 19. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.crowstheatre.com/shows-events/octet

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Cover Photo: (L to R) Alicia Ault, Zorana Sadiq, Jacqueline Thair, Giles Tomkins (back) Ben Carlson, Andrew Broderick, Hailey Gillis, and Damien Atkins. Photo by Dahlia Katz.

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Lyrics found at: https://genius.com/Dave-malloy-i-hymn-the-forest-lyrics

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