A small town Saskatchewan farmer takes on Monsanto in the true life drama SEEDS at the ACT on Saturday.
SEEDS retells the legal battle between Percy Schmeiser, played by Eric Peterson of Corner Gas, and the international bio-tech giant Monsanto.
Monsanto accused the farmer of patent infringement in the late 1990’s for planting their genetically modified canola seed without a license. When Schmeiser fought back, a four-year legal battle ensued that went all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Written by Annabel Soutar and directed by Chris Abraham, the play is based on actual court trial transcripts, and interviews with Percy Schmeiser, Monsanto representatives, farmers, academics, lawyers and scientists from across Canada.
Billed as part court-room drama and part social commentary, the Porte Parole production seeks to inspire debate and discussion about the intended and unintended uses of genetically modified crops.
Since it was first staged in Montreal in 2005, SEEDS has garnered critical acclaim and has had runs in Toronto and was also featured at the 2014 PuSh Festival in Vancouver.
SEEDS plays on Saturday at The ACT at 11944 Haney Place, downtown Maple Ridge.
Tickets are adults $43, seniors $38 and youth $15.
For more information go to www.theactmapleridge.org or call 604-476-2787.