At SummerWorks, head straight for the dark, sealed freight container

The SummerWorks festival has a lot of theatre, local buzz bands and live art to offer, but it’s a tad intimidating for the cultural layperson. Anyone scanning the schedule for that one memorable experience should avoid the traditional venues and try The Container. The production’s technical simplicity—a small cast performs for an audience of about two dozen in a dark, sealed freight container—leaves plenty of room for narrative depth. The script, written by U.K. playwright Clare Bayley, explores the lives of five illegal immigrants as they share their stories, ration their resources and anticipate their clandestine arrival in England. During its 2007 premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the play won over audiences and even garnered the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award. Canada’s contentious immigration policies should make it no less relevant over here.

Aug. 7–17. $15. The Theatre Centre Backlot, 1115 Queen St. W., 416-538-0988, summerworks.ca.