Neworld Theatre’s “Eyes of the Beast” Brings Climate Disaster Survivor Stories to Life - OUTLET REVIEW

Outlet Vancouver was invited to witness the incredibly moving and thought provoking performance “Eyes of the Beast” at SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts (on now until June 22nd)! Here are some reasons why we believe you should go check it out as well: 

The Venue and Atmosphere

Located at the SFU Galleries Theatre on Hastings Street, the venue perfectly complemented the tone of the production - intimate, reflective, and grounded. The scale of the space fostered a sense of closeness between performers and audience, especially for those of us in the front row just inches from the performers. With no raised stage and minimal separation, it felt as though the stories were being told directly to us, one-on-one. The proximity created an atmosphere that was less theatrical performance and more personal testimony.

Set Design and Visual Elements

The set was intentionally simple, allowing the stories themselves to take center stage. It was clear there was a lot of care in choosing background audios, visuals and lighting. Subtle but powerful projections on the backdrop helped to ground each story in place and time, enhancing the emotional impact without overwhelming it.

There were also moments of movement and dance woven through the performance. These expressive interludes were visually striking and served as emotional punctuation marks that helped the audience process the stories we were hearing in real time.

The Storytelling

Eyes of the Beast recounts real-life survivor stories from recent climate disasters in British Columbia including the 2021 heat dome, the Abbotsford floods, and the fire that devastated Lytton. The play honours the voices of those who experienced these events firsthand.

Each monologue was grounded in lived experience, delivered with a level of emotional authenticity that made it feel like the actor had lived it themselves. The storytelling was so vivid and detailed that it wasn’t hard to picture each scene unfold in your mind. It was less about reliving news coverage and more about bearing witness to human suffering, fear, and resilience.

A Standout Moment: The ER Nurse’s Story

One particularly unforgettable moment came from an actor who played an anonymous emergency room nurse who worked during the heat crisis. His bone-chilling description of the chaos inside the hospital, overwhelmed staff, and patients too hot to save, left the entire theatre in stunned silence. It was a harrowing reminder of how brutally unprepared our systems are for climate extremes.

Diversity of Voices

The cast members portrayed a wide range of characters across age and background. This range allowed the audience to see themselves reflected in the stories - whether through personal memory or imagined future. It drove home the point that none of us are truly separate from the impacts of climate change.

The Community Dialogue

Following the 55-minute play, the evening transitioned into a facilitated community discussion which was one of the most powerful aspects of the event. Audience members were encouraged to reflect on what they had seen, and to share their own experiences with climate disasters.

Several people spoke up, voicing feelings of fear, helplessness, and sadness. Others talked about moments of solidarity and how unprepared they felt when faced with emergencies. It was an open, vulnerable space for processing and one that made the performance feel like the start of a longer, necessary conversation.

Closing Reflections with Sarah Henderson

The evening concluded with a powerful talk from Dr. Sarah Henderson, a healthcare professional who works with data on climate-related health impacts. She reminded us that behind every statistic is a story - a life lost, a family displaced, a community fractured. Her message underscored the importance of community care and resource-sharing, especially in times of crisis.

Final Thoughts

Eyes of the Beast is more than a play. It’s a communal act of remembrance, a reckoning with the present, and a call to prepare for the future. It invites audiences not just to listen, but to reflect, engage, and speak up.

This was not only a night at the theatre - it was a meaningful experience that bridges art and action. If you’re in Vancouver, don’t miss your chance to see it before it closes on June 22. Tickets start at just $5 and available HERE.

Will you be checking it out? Join the conversation on social media @OutletVancouver!