THEATRE PREVIEW

AUGUST 2026 | Volume 266

 

The Cultch begins its 2026/27 season with psychological thriller JOB

The Cultch's 53rd season starts this fall with Max Wolf Friedlich's critically acclaimed play JOB, which makes its Vancouver debut following an off-Broadway premiere in 2023 and a run on Broadway at the Helen Hayes Theater in 2024. It will play at The Cultch's Historic Theatre from September 29 - Oct 11, 2026, with a new staging by the renowned Vancouver theatre company, The Search Party.

Jane, an employee at the big tech company, has been placed on leave after becoming the subject of a viral video. She arrives in the office of a crisis therapist — Loyd — determined to be reinstated to the job that gives her life meaning. A psychological thriller, JOB zooms in on two careerists of different generations, genders and political paradigms to examine what it means to be a citizen of the internet and our obligation to help the people who need it most.

The Search Party has made a name for themselves staging innovative and impactful productions of contemporary dramas. Their previous productions at The Cultch include Fairview, Dance Nation, and — most recently — People, Places & Things, all of which have captivated audiences and many of which have garnered awards. Mindy Parfitt, founder and artistic director of The Search Party, returns as director for JOB, which features Vancouver-based talents Elizabeth Barrett and Brian Markinson.  

"JOB is written by one of contemporary theatre's most compelling young playwrights," says Parfitt. "It is sharp, psychologically nimble and compellingly witty. If you think theatre's not for you — think again. JOB reshapes what is possible in theatre —  I can't wait for you to see it."  

"Filled with so many ideas that it seems to expand beyond the walls" — The New York Times
"80 minutes of pretty much pure tension. A slick, cleverly crafted drop-tower ride" — Vulture

Cast: Elizabeth Barrett and Brian Markinson
Playwright: Max Wolf Friedlich
Director: Mindy Parfitt
Set Design: Amir Ofek
Costume Design: Alaia Hamer
Sound Design: Kate DeLorme
Lighting Design: Gerald King
Props Supervisor: Stephen Field Elgar
Stage Manager: Jenny Kim
Technical Director: Jessica Han

WHEN: SEPT 29–OCT 11, 2026

EVENING PERFORMANCES, 7:30 PM
Tues, Sept 29 — PWYC Preview
Wed, Sept 30 — PWYC Preview
Thurs, Oct 01— Opening
Fri, Oct 02
Sat, Oct 03
Tues, Oct 06 — Community Night/Talkback
Wed, Oct 07
Thurs, Oct 08
Fri, Oct 09
Sat, Oct 10

MATINEE PERFORMANCES, 2:00 PM
Sun, Oct 04 — Talkback
Sat, Oct 10
Sun, Oct 11

WHERE: Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables St., Vancouver, BC
TICKETS: Tickets from $39. Tickets on sale now through The Cultch's Box Office: 604-251-1363 or https://thecultch.com/event/job/   

ABOUT THE SEARCH PARTY:

Founded by Mindy Parfitt, The Search Party is an ambitious company committed to bringing emotionally powerful and aesthetically rigorous productions to Vancouver's intimate stages. Drawn to traditional theatre with a modern appeal, the company seeks out original texts that explore the intricacies and contradictions in our human connections and experiences. The Search Party is inspired by humour, compassion and quality storytelling that highlights the power of voice as it expresses the vulnerabilities and strengths of the human spirit.

ABOUT THE CULTCH:

Since 1973, The Cultch (formerly the Vancouver East Cultural Centre) has been one of Vancouver's most diverse and innovative arts and cultural hubs. The organization operates three theatrical venues, a gallery, and various ancillary spaces in the heart of East Vancouver. Offering dynamic contemporary works in theatre, dance, music, and the visual arts, The Cultch brings world-class presentations to thousands of citizens each year through its own programming and rental opportunities for community users. The non-profit's purpose is to provide a venue for performance, serving a diverse and engaged public, creating space for artistic experimentation and development, and building an audience for cutting-edge local, national, and international work.

 

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