Audience Dictates Fate in 'Age Is a Feeling' Play

The Canadian playwright and actor Haley McGee is preparing to revive her impactful show, 'Age Is a Feeling,' for a London run. This unique performance dynamically engages the audience, as their choices dictate which of the 12 potential stories are told each night, out of six selected from postcards displayed on stage.

McGee's extensive research involved visiting hospices, mystics, and cemeteries, gathering reflections from diverse individuals. This process enriched the play with relatable anecdotes, such as the memorable line about white pubic hair, which consistently elicits laughter. The show has achieved international success, being performed in 10 languages across various countries, connecting with audiences of all ages.

Originally conceived from the perspective of a 25-year-old contemplating her future, the play now takes on new meaning for McGee, who is herself approaching her 40s and is a new mother. The recent passing of her director, Adam Brace, in 2023 has also profoundly influenced her perspective, highlighting themes of art's capacity to console and the shared human experience of mortality.

'Age Is a Feeling' has deeply moved audiences, with some viewers in their 70s seen wiping away tears during performances in Edinburgh. The play's unpredictable nature, mirroring life itself, ensures that each rendition offers a distinct emotional journey, ranging from joyful to bleak, prompting reflection on life's valuable, albeit uncertain, path.