the bluffs

Produced by Midtwenties Theatre for the 2024 Toronto Fringe Festival
Theatre Passe Muraille, Mainspace
July 4-14, 2024

Written by: Sarini Kumarasinghe
Directed by: Jacqui Sirois

Stage Manager: Emma Davidson
Dramaturg: Braden Brickner
Set Design: Mike Sirois
Costume Design: Christina Dovolis
Lighting Design: Vishmayaa Jeyamoorthy
Sound Design: Connor Wan

Producer: Beau Han Bridge
Marketing and Graphic Design: Mackenzie Parrot

Cast: Shelayna Christante, Justine Christensen, Malcolm Green & Cydney Watson

The Bluffs follows Eleanor as she revisits the cottage she inherited after her wife died on the premises six months prior. When a storm traps Eleanor, her squatter brother-in-law, and a mysterious neighbour inside the home, the three of them must contend with their complicated relationships to each other and the deceased, and work together to defeat the dark presence dwelling in the cottage walls. In this modern gothic drama, The Bluffs explores themes of grief, honesty and how our relationships with those we love evolve into adulthood.

Praise and Reception

“Directed by Jacqui Sirois… The Bluffs is a tight, taut slice of modern gothic horror, expertly punctuated by small shards of character-driven comedy. …The show features clever use of a minimalist set, and sharp direction – particularly of the show’s creepy climax. …This moody, atmospheric horror story is smartly acted and creatively mounted. In 75 minutes that just fly by, it sucks you in, creeps you out, and leaves you gasping . . . and satisfied.” - SS, Sesay Arts Magazine

“Director Jacqui Sirois’ production, while excelling at the garish, slightly over-the-top scary shenanigans, also maintains a decent atmosphere and sense of place.” - Istvan Dugalin, Istvan Reviews

“In generating unsettling feelings, it helps that [the] script is played completely seriously, occasionally using realistic humour but never undercutting itself with camp. Committing to the seemingly improbable story does wonders, allowing us to suspend our disbelief and enjoy the tension. Also helpful is Jacqui Sirois’ direction of the show’s simple but effective tech, including flickering lights and a box-filled set that’s easily disrupted.” - Ilana Lucas, BroadwayWold Toronto

“The Bluffs is a whole lot of fun, with a few good chills that caused some hilariously well-timed sounds of shock from the audience, thanks to the finely-tuned direction by Jacqui Sirois.” - Ross, FrontMezz Junkies

“Jacqui Sirois directs the hell out of it with discernible care for the characters’ hopes, fears, regrets, and healing journeys.” - Ryan Borochovitz, Intermission Magazine