“DNA” is a dark, brooding story about bullying, guilt, and moral responsibility among young people. Although it deals with familiar themes without offering many new insights, the young cast puts in a strong effort, even if they don’t always fully capture the tensions of human nature, moral choices, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Icarus Theatre, founded in April 2022 by three ambitious young artists, clearly has a taste for work aimed at young audiences and performed by emerging talent trying to make their mark on Toronto’s theatre scene. Big applause to this trailblazing trio for creating a space where young actors can learn, experiment, and level up their skills.
Dennis Kelly’s short and shocking 2007 play, “DNA” is an ambitious venture for 11 young players who bring the wily narrative to life and overall, their efforts are respectable. While the play offers some plot twists and sharp, reflective writing, we’ve seen its themes of peer pressure, mob mentality and immorality played out before in the likes of “Lord of the Flies”, “Stand by Me” and “The Crucible” and in contemporary teen TV dramas like “Skins” and “Euphoria”. Nothing new here. But while the play doesn’t chart any new ground per se, it does speak to how we can be irreparably shaken by our actions.
Adam, an awkward and isolated boy, has fallen and is presumed dead by a gang of bullying teenagers who made him walk a shaky grille over a deep shaft while pelting stones at him. To hide their guilt, they agree to the manipulative Ray’s psychotic scheme to cover their tracks and ensure their innocence. A fictitious man is blamed for Adam’s murder after they plant evidence. Soon, there’s a police investigation, and the lies spiral uncontrollably. Can the kids get away with murder? Will they collectively crumble under the pressure?
There’s a profound social commentary in “DNA”. Lots going on. Lots of heavy dialogue.
The young cast are eager and mostly capable, but don’t always capture the nuance of adolescence, group dynamics, moral panic and strained relationships. This may be due to director Richards’ approach. A more thoughtful exploration could have been mined. The relationship between the group’s leader, Ray (Chantal Grace), for example, and her loquacious partner, Leah (Morgan Roy), is ambiguous. Other character interactions feel forced and unnatural.
Top marks to Seydina Soumah for his portrayal of Mike, one of the narrators of key events and a bystander to the group’s bullying. His quiet shift from indifference to guilt is delivered with striking naturalness.
Chantal Grace plays a pragmatic and selectively mute Ray. It’s clear she’s in control, but a slower, more deliberate line delivery might focus the audience’s attention on her warped rationality and moral corruption.
Jeremy Foot delivers a compelling, totally believable performance in his short scene. At the same time, Haneen Paima, as Lou, has few lines but remains consistently attentive and expressive, conveying much through her nonverbal reactions. Unfortunately, her performance is somewhat diminished at times by frequent underlit conditions.
The set makes excellent use of the small, claustrophobic space, creating a realistic and detailed forest hangout where the kids gather and party. Crushed leaves, discarded cans and cups, graffiti-covered tarps, and a central pile of old wooden pallets all add to the authenticity.
Nick Vincent’s lighting design effectively uses amber and blue hues to show day and night, though I wasn’t always sure where I was. Some night scenes are too dark, hiding vital expressions during tense moments. Short, spotlighted scenes help highlight key moral dilemmas.
Erik Richards’ sound design adds subtle background ambience to the forest scenes, and his choice of hard rock music fits perfectly. However, the effects during Jan and Mike’s scenes were unclear, and I wasn’t sure where they were in relation to the main action.
“DNA” is a tense, unsettling look at morality, peer pressure, and the loss of individuality. I wanted it to push even further—more tension, more unease. The play unapologetically traps the audience in a world of fear, bad decisions, and mindless conformity. It deserves an even deeper dive into those high stakes.
Runs approximately 70 minutes with no intermission at The Theatre Centre. 1115 Queen St. W, Toronto, ON M6J 1J1
The show has now closed.
“DNA” by Dennis Kelly
Directed by Erik Richards
Costumes/props designed by Emily Anne Corcoran
Lighting by Nick Vincent
Sound design by Erik Richards
Performers: Ivan Anand, Brennan Bielefeld, Avril Brigden, Emily Anne Corcoran, Jonah Fleming, Jeremy Foot, Chantal Grace, Zaniq King, Morgan Roy, Haneen Paima, Seydina Soumah
