​​Director Christy Webb brings gifted young playwright Ruby Thomas' gripping The Animal Kingdom to The Cultch in Vancouver for the Canadian Premiere, September 4-20, 2025. ​​

Seemingly trapped by expectations, labels, and feelings of otherness Sam takes drastic measures. His actions are the catalyst that bring his mother Rita, father Tim and sister Sofia together for six family therapy sessions at the in-patient clinic in which Sam is now enclosed. Through the sessions the dynamics between family members are exposed like frayed wires sparking heat and light.

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Webb is no stranger to addressing difficult subjects. “I am passionate about this play. It’s about a mess of a family in therapy with hopes, but no guarantees. Ruby Thomas wrote a beautiful play about a subject we still talk of in hushed tones. I understand “know” this family and their therapist, well. It’s about some of our best friends, families, and acquaintances.”

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The cast features Advah Soudack, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Henry V (Bard on the Beach), Courage Now (Firehall Arts Centre); Abraham Asto, Blood Wedding, La Bête (The Great Works Theatre Festival). Lili Martin, The Sci-Fi Sampler (Outpost 31), Summer Bucket List (Collectivus Theatre), Concord Floral; Richard Meen, Beautiful Man (Pi Theatre), A Trip to Bountiful, and Jerusalem (United Players); and newcomer Mozi Mayalek.

 

The Animal Kingdom runs September 4-20, at the VanCity Culture Lab, The Cultch  Tickets

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