Written and Directed by: Lauren Gillis, Alaine Hutton

Consulting Director: Adam Lazarus

Cast: Lauren Gillis, Alaine Hutton, Angela Blumberg

Presented by: Factory Theatre, Toronto

Running Until: December 1, 2024

In today's fast-paced, hyper-connected world, it’s easy to feel like we're losing touch with our true selves. We often find ourselves overwhelmed by the constant barrage of tasks, responsibilities, and the relentless pull of digital distractions. This theme takes center stage in Factory Theatre's latest production, “Honey, I’m Home,” a dazzling exploration of our disjointed realities that leaves audiences both bewildered and introspective.

The creative minds behind this evocative piece, Lauren Gillis and Alaine Hutton, whisk us away into a vivid yet unsettling narrative about personal disconnection. The 65-minute show navigates through themes of fragmented identity and modern existential dread, all while unexpectedly spiraling into the realm of dark surrealism and body horror.

“Honey, I’m Home” introduces us to a collection of characters reflecting the chaos of contemporary life. Gillis kicks off the performance as a nun with an unnervingly cheerful disposition, showcasing a patient (Hutton) caught in a state of catatonia. This disconcerting portrayal raises questions about the boundaries of identity and the dark undertones of societal expectations.

In a stark contrast, Hutton's character, Janine, embodies the essence of an office worker shackled to her desk—the last employee bravely clinging to her job as automation takes over. Her yearning to escape is palpable, amplifying our understanding of the struggles many workers face as they navigate increasing demands with diminishing recognition.

The storyline takes a bizarre twist when Janine seizes an opportunity to adopt a "duel presence system" that enables her to operate an avatar at home, disconnected from her physical self. Hilarious yet bleak, this sequence reveals the absurdity of workplace perks juxtaposed against the loneliness of digital existence. In this virtual realm, Janine soon discovers the inherent limitations of her tech-supported life, traversing through stress, unyielding digital interruptions, and an ongoing feeling of entrapment.

But perhaps the most chilling aspect of “Honey, I’m Home” is the lurking figure played by Angela Blumberg, who embodies the unsettling specter of our deteriorating sense of self. Accompanied by an electrifying soundtrack featuring original compositions and nostalgic 90s dance tracks, this production is not just a feast for the eyes, but a visceral auditory experience that grips you tight.

Gillis and Hutton thrive in their roles, presenting a masterclass in the art of performance as they shift seamlessly between characters and convey the psychological complexity of their portrayals. The remarkable choreography designed by movement coach Denise Fujiwara elevates the aesthetic to an almost nightmarish level, showcasing Janine’s body as it contorts under the weight of despair.

Lighting designer Andre Du Toit breathes life into the production, juxtaposing the stark, clinical brightness of the digital world with earthy tones that heighten the visceral horror of the physical realm. Each moment is carefully curated, leaving a haunting impression long after the curtain falls.

What makes “Honey, I’m Home” so striking is its capacity to blend humor with harrowing truths about the human condition, ultimately leaving audiences to ponder their own place in an increasingly digital landscape devoid of genuine connection. As Janine’s journey unfolds, the chilling fate of her disintegrating identity becomes a poignant reminder of our terrifying reality.

Moreover, as whispers circulate about Factory Theatre's potential displacement due to real estate development, the thematic resonance of the play intensifies, amplifying the communal sense of anxiety that pervades our lives. This production is more than just a show—it’s a direct commentary on our fear of losing our home in both a physical and metaphorical sense.

Prepare yourself to confront your deepest fears and vulnerabilities in this entrancing and surreal theatre experience. “Honey, I’m Home” is a wake-up call to the societal ills we normalize every day—but be warned: once the lights dim, there may be no escaping the chilling insights that linger in the shadows.