Concord Floral

L-R: Theo Gallaro, Melisa Sofi, Liam Sullivan. Photo by Erin Brubacher.

Critically acclaimed Toronto-based playwright Jordan Tannahill’s latest offering, Concord Floral, follows the experiences of a neighbourhood of teenagers as they seek adventure and refuge in the forgotten corners of the unforgiving suburban landscape. Set in modern-day Vaughan, Tannahill’s self-conscious adaptation of Boccaccio’s Decameron begins in a McDonald’s parking lot and portrays a generation drowning in the institutionalized blandness of contemporary mainstream culture.

The Suburban Beast production sees Tannahill sharing the director’s chair with Erin Brubacher and Cara Spooner, and features a standout ensemble of 10 young actors reflective of the diverse makeup of the GTA. Although the play includes supernatural elements typical of Tannahill’s work, Concord Floral draws its didactic power from its intense realism (for example, parts of the soundtrack were recorded by the actors on their iPhones) and a sense that it has captured the zeitgeist. Tannahill is particularly adept at zeroing in on the feeling of claustrophobia that plagues teenagers, and the script captures the contemporary adolescent vernacular and sense of humour with rare ease.

The play revolves around Cocord Floral, a mid-century million-square foot greenhouse built by successful Jewish immigrant florists that has since been completely abandoned. Throughout the years, the greenhouse has become a mess of foliage and garbage, a place where local teenagers and vagrants go to drink, party, and have sexual encounters. The play begins when two girls drop an iPhone into a well and make a disturbing discovery that unleashes havoc on them and their classmates.

Set against a minimalist backdrop, Concord Floral’s riveting performances act together to reveal a sham society that lacks any deep sense of moral or ethical touchstones. As one character poignantly notes, “I live on Pine Ridge Drive, but there are no pines and there are no ridges.” Twice throughout, the teenage cast faces the audience, glaring accusatorily at the people who have allowed them to inherit such a soulless, callous and superficial world. A sense of betrayal is palpable throughout the play, even as characters deal with guilt over their own evil deeds. Although the play dwells on the shadow side of human nature, we are not left completely in the dark, with a glimmer of hope surfacing once Concord Floral’s secret is revealed.

Don’t miss this brilliant modern Canadian fable, playing at Theatre Centre until October 26. Visit theatrecentre.org for more information and to buy tickets.

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Q&A: Concord Floral

Jordan Tannahill on his latest play about contemporary suburban youth