A Note from artistic directorkathryn smith

Welcome! We are so excited to bring audiences to Theatre 1308 to see this life affirming show by Young Jean Lee.

As the incoming Artistic Director of Verb Theatre, this season has been very full of new learnings to discover how best to serve the community and continue bringing audiences work that is exciting and thought provoking. This year has also been full of gratitude for the incredible support we have received. Thank you!

Imustgiveaspecialthanksto outgoingArtisticDirectorand founderofVerbTheatre:Jamie Dunsdon.Jamiesupportedme tremendouslyinearlydaysof leadership,andsheeven suggestedplaywrightsandshows tolookinto.

One of those shows was Young Jean Lee's We're Gonna Die.

This piece leapt off the page and instantly excited me. It captures the simple but complex nature of what it means to be alive and I believe it will resonate with everyone in some way or another.

The stories you will hear today have a common theme of failure, loss, and grief. Which are so painful in the moment but in retrospect so necessary. Before rehearsals started for this show, I was feeling like many people in my life were experiencing extraordinary circumstances of pain and loss. Working on this show over the past few weeks has reminded me that yes, horrible things happen all the time, and that's okay.

Young Jean Lee's work encourages us to endure. To keep going and to keep asking questions. I believe that is why she defines this script as 'life affirming'.

I'm incredibly proud of the artists involved in making this show a reality. They are thoughtful, kind, and joyful creators on and off stage. Always encouraging, asking questions, and enduring.

We hope you enjoy the show. And now: We're gonna die.

Kathryn Smith, Director