In the late 1990s, Monsanto Canada accused a small-town farmer of patent infringement for planting the company’s genetically modified canola seed without a license.
But Saskatchewan’s Percy Schmeiser fought back against the bio-tech giant.
Seeds is a play about the four-year legal battle that ensued, proceeding all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada. The David versus Goliath tale asks the question: Who owns life?
The play, written by Annabel Soutar, is based on court transcripts, interviews with Schmeiser and Monsanto representatives, as well as farmers, lawyers, academics and scientists from across Canada. The result is a show that is part court drama and part social commentary, inspiring debate and discussion about the uses of genetically modified crops.
The production, directed by Chris Abraham, stars Eric Peterson (of Corner Gas fame), Bruce Dinsmore, Mariah Inger, Alex Ivanovici, Manon Adler, Cary Lawrence and Amelia Sargisson.
Seeds tours the Lower Mainland this month, with stops at West Vancouver’s Kay Meek Centre earlier this week, the ACT Arts Centre in Maple Ridge Jan. 23 and the Surrey Arts Centre (13750 88 Ave.) Jan. 28-29.
Tickets for the Surrey show are available at tickets.surrey.ca or by calling 604-501-5566.
