STUFF

Premiered May 2024 at the Great Canadian Theatre Company.

STUFF is about…our stuff. And us. And a planet we call home. 

Imagine a time that could be now when teens all over the world –Teenage Task Forces– unite with one goal: eliminate stuff. They create the ITTFOSTWN: the International Teenage Task Force of Stuff That We Don’t Need. Impossible?

STUFF is about our attachment to material possessions, consumption, and confusing need with greed. Meanwhile, this living thing called Earth pays the price. But you know all this? 

Oh – one more thing: STUFF is about being human: the “I am because I have” and the challenge of letting go.

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Get a video taste of STUFF 2024, through photos (Curtis Perry) and music by William Mann (100 Watt Youth Ensemble:

And how about a quick video about the building of STUFF?

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Audience responses to Premiere, May 2024:

“What an amazing world you all have imagined. A world in which young people are empowered to decide the fate of the STUFF that will or won’t be a part of our shared future… what a powerful thing to think about, but also to put into action. That scene toward the end really had me thinking, “what’s the biggest STUFF that I would give up?” I was delighted by my revelations and am challenging myself to stick to it! Congratulations to you and the entire ensemble on a piece that is incredibly inventive, whimsical, thoughtful, urgent and importantly – so very hopeful.” (Aimee Bouchard, Learning & Engagement Coordinator, English Theatre)

“Stuff is hard-hitting in a quiet way, and eloquent. Seeing those young characters navigate the world of culling stuff internationally, and realizing the stakes involved is thought-provoking and harrowing. I sat there in my secondhand jacket (denim) and realized that I need to do more! Thanks for making theatre that means something. (Janet Irwin, Director, Writer, Easy Street Productions)

Inspiring production… (Jeanne Inch)

It was a magnificent show. Congrats to everyone for your work on this. (Sarah Kitz, Artistic Director GCTC)

It was a pleasure working with all of you on this wonderful show. I hope it continues to grow over the years! (Emilio Sebastiao, Lighting Designer, Technical Director at La Nouvelle Scene Theatre)

A magnificent, tight, often mesmerizing performance. I left feeling uplifted. I want – and the world needs – more of what you make. (Nick Carpenter, Musician and Playwright, National Theatre School of Canada)

“The work is so honest and engaging, and so full of heart. I have so loved watching it grow and the youth take ownership of this wonderful piece.” (Horseshoes & Hand Grenades Theatre)

“Congratulations Kristina Watt Villegas and team on a fabulous production and meaningful cultivation and amplification of the youth voice in these times of socio-environmental crisis.” (Abby Dionne, Information Resources Coordinator at National Capital Commission)

“What an achievement!! This play is amazing.” (Megan Farnel, Solid Waste Engineer, City of Ottawa)

I work in climate change mitigation and adaptation and clean energy R&D so this resonated with me! Very thoughtfully written. (Marc Wickham; Director, Research & Development, Buildings & Renewables Group, Canmet ENERGY-Ottawa, Natural Resources Canada)

“It’s a well-researched, witty piece that offers an honest exploration of our relationship with material goods and environmental consequences, and I highly recommend checking it out. The actors offer a vital and informed youth perspective on some of today’s most challenging issues. I love experiencing vital community work like this. Kristina, congrats on another excellent production and thank you for having me.” (Curtis Perry, Performing Arts Photographer and Educator)

“I’m still thinking about what the piece addressed and about the emotions presented by the performers based on their (and their characters’) perspectives. Very moving and relevant work.” (Sage Reynolds, Musician and Sound Designer)

Gallery: 100 Watt ensemble Develop STUFF

the making of the Poster for STUFF

Acknowledgements

STUFF is a 100 Watt Production, with partnership with the Great Canadian Theatre Company in 2023-24.

100 Watt: professional theatre created in collaboration with youth for audiences of all generations.

The creation of STUFF was possible with the generous support of the Ontario Arts Council (Residency), the Canada Council of the Arts, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades Theatre and the Department of Theatre at the University of Ottawa. The 100 Watt Youth Ensemble are Resident Artists of the GCTC 2023-24.

STUFF began thanks to the interest & support of the National Arts Centre. You can read more about STUFF’s beginning on NAC’s website if you click here!

[STUFF (Artwork Sophie Dean) [Image Description: Hand drawn poster image with photos of youth collaged in. Overall image of a landfill with two mountainous piles on the left and right. At the center is a river of glowing blues and purples, Three youth sit and play. A tall hand drawn figure stands in the center facing away, they are taller than the pile of garbage. They look out at a hazy green coloured horizon. Falling from the top of the image is a grocery cart and person, they appear to be coming from a break in the clouds with beams of light breaking through.]