What's a man to do with his life?

Some men stay awake.

Meet John F., a would-be writer who scribbles away in his journal, regularly takes baths at 5 am, and rants away about the state of today's world with its terrorism, greedy corporations, and disturbing politics.

John F. is an insomniac.

He's lost in a sinking marriage to Gwen (Fiona Highet) and getting used to the birth of their new child, whereas his overbearing businessman brother, William (Randy Hughson), is married to the glacial Kate (Colombe Demers). John F. lusts after his sister-in-law Kate.

Meanwhile, Richard Feren's music — a music of sonic shocks and sombre moods — worked in perfect 'sync' with Andrea Lundy's mood-defining bars and pools of light.

And the remarkably fine acting of all concerned must be applauded — Daniel Brooks' life-beleagured John F., and the caring Gwen played by Fiona Highet; Randy Hughson as the posturing William, and Colombe Demers as the remote Kate.

You could say Insomnia is the story of one man and a culture on the brink of disaster, but a closer look reveals a play about the connectedness of all the John F.'s to the Gwens, the Williams, and the Kates of this world.

We're all living our present histories, together. For better or worse. Sleepless or well rested.

Lastly, here's a memorable line from the play: "Most insomniacs sleep without knowing it".

Cast
Daniel Brooks — John F. | Fiona Highet — Gwen
Randy Hughson — William | Colombe Demers — Kate