Proud at Progress Lab 1422

Proud, a satirical play about Prime Minister Stephen Harper by award-winning playwright Michael Healey, is coming to Vancouver. Earlier this year, Healey resigned from Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre after the company declined to program the play. At issue? A controlling character called the Prime Minister who bears a striking resemblance to, well, a certain prime minister we all know. The episode raised questions about self-censorship in the arts community and prompted supporters across the country to plan readings of the work. The reading in Vancouver is being presented by a group of local theatre companies including Felix Culpa, the Arts Club Theatre Company, and others, with appearances by big local names like Tom McBeath and John Cassini. Check out what the fuss is about at Progress Lab 1422 (1422 William Street) on Sunday (July 22). Doors open at 7 p.m. and the event starts at 8. Entry is by donation. To reserve seats, email proudvancouver@gmail.com.