The Cull

By Michele Riml & Michael St. John Smith

While a forest fire rages out of control in the mountains of southeastern BC, a group of close friends gather to celebrate one couple’s 25th wedding anniversary. When an unexpected gift of $25,000 turns a civilized conversation about the local wolf cull into a bitter argument over economic inequality, a secret is uncovered that turns this particular dinner party into a night of eat or be eaten.

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“A powerful piece. I loved all of the sharp humour and slow creeping tension that builds through it. The cull itself and the threat of the forest fire is such a provocative frame for the story. And so many poignant moments. I can't wait to see the play again in its next iteration!”
Scott Button

Production Details

BIPOC CASTING IS ENCOURAGED

Lewis Casillo – 43 years old, married to Emily

Emily Casillo – 42 years old

Paul Rayburn – 43 years old, married to Nicole

Nicole Rayburn – 39 years old

John Atkinson – 61 years old, married to Lynne

Lynne Yu – 43 years old, Asian-Canadian.

Approximately 120 minutes

By Michele Riml & Michael St. John Smith

Production History

The Cull is an Arts Club Silver Commission awarded by the Arts Club Theatre Company in Vancouver to Michele Riml and Michael St. John Smith. Further encouraged by enthusiastic audience response to its staged reading at the BMO Theatre, Artistic Director, Ashlie Corcoran chose The Cull to open the Arts Club’s 2020-21 season on its Granville Island Stage.

A month-long provincial tour was also scheduled for January 2021 to follow The Cull‘s World Premiere in September 2020. Due to Covid-19, both productions have been postponed until such time that live theatre is once again, a safe and viable option.