The Hunger is an “immersive performance installation.”  It was conceived by architect Margaret Krawecka with Mal Nowacka (The Chimera Project), Ulysses Castellanos and Richard Windeyer (bluemouth inc.)

This art performance/installation is based on the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel. As audience members we are led by performers to walk through a 500 sq ft installation made of vacuum-sealed bread. The performers, all wearing black and bird masks, then guide us to partake in their performance.

The play explores the themes of modern escapism and consumption through this age-old folk story. The performance is intense at times. The ‘birds’ sometimes offer us treats to eat; making us part of the group — society in this case. There are images superimposed on the bread walls showing us the effects of consumerism in society. We have succumbed to purchasing all kinds of goods of certain labels to feel better about ourselves. Yet we are never satisfied. Thus, we are constantly hungry for more.

While partaking in the performance, we begin to question what all the images, sounds and food represent. And well after you exit the performance, we still continue to make connections and discover more themes. Essentially, the play along with the installation reminds us that society is never satisfied. We are always craving more and become greedy in the process…We allow what we own or buy to define us.

I really recommend experiencing this performance art piece for yourself. The Hunger runs until Sunday, May 27 at Scotiabank Studio Theatre. Part of the tickets sales will go to the Westend Food Co-Op, an organization endorses healthy and sustainable local food options. For more information visit www.thehunger.me.