Sufficient Merit*

*inspired by true events

“I personally always do my finest work when I’m ball-shrivelingly desperate.”

When three struggling actors–a Pinter-loathing neurotic desperate to quit her day job, a bull-headed avant-gardist in the throes of a midlife crisis, and a conflict-avoidant cult-hopper in recovery– learn that their beloved theatre venue is under dual threat from government funding cuts and a looming data centre developer, they must stage a show successful enough to convince their mercurial landlord that they have “sufficient merit” to remain in the building.

Unaware of the slings, arrows, and cancel culture headed their way, the three actors set out to create The Perfect Show, force-feeding each other enthusiasm to keep the dream alive. Can three radically different artists agree on what constitutes a successful play (or worse: high art)? Can their sanity survive the labyrinthian world of theatrical rights, licensing, and lawyers? And can they save their theatre without sacrificing the very principles–or friendship–that made them start it in the first place?

Featuring failed auditions, career advice from a chihuahua, and debates over the creative rewards of “MAGA Miss Julie”, Sufficient Merit is an absurdly comic take on being an artist in late-stage capitalism, where the price is either your rent or your pride.

Writers: T’ai Hartley, Alia Lahlou, Emma Paige Baker and Eleanor Dunlop

Directors: Eleanor Dunlop and Emily Serdahl

Performers: T’ai Hartley, Alia Lahlou and Emma Paige Baker

Running from Wednesday 16th September – Sunday 20th September

Running time: Approx 75 minutes

Ages Guidance: Ages 14 and above