Touchstone Theatre Opens 2026–2027 Season with 'Vascular Necrosis' — A Queer Zombie Love Story

What happens when you survive the impossible, only to face the overwhelming reality of actually living?

Touchstone Theatre is kicking off its 2026–2027 season with the world premiere of Vascular Necrosis, a darkly comedic, genre-bending new play by Flying Start Playwright-in-Residence Jordyn Wood (she/they). A co-production between Touchstone Theatre and Glitch Theatre, this fresh narrative turns classic post-apocalyptic tropes on their head to deliver a deeply human story about trauma, mental illness, and queer love.

The Story: Rejoining the Living

Five years ago, Penelope killed herself. Shortly after, she rose from her grave as a flesh-eating monster.

Fast forward to today: thanks to daily "de-necrotizers"—medication engineered to suppress her zombie instincts—Penelope (Gabrielle Nebrida-Pépin) has been given a second chance at life. But stepping back into society isn't as simple as taking a pill. As Penelope navigates the uneasy territory between her past and her new reality, Vascular Necrosis explores what it means to rebuild, find belonging, and intentionally choose life in a chaotic world.

Why You Should Go

Blending horror-comedy, sci-fi, and romance, Vascular Necrosis uses monster mythology to tackle heavy, resonant themes with humor and heart. Directed by Daniela Atiencia, the play centers on the intersections of queerness, disability, and hope.

"At its core, Vascular Necrosis invites audiences into a conversation about life itself: why we are here, and why we might choose to stay or not to stay... Jordyn Wood has crafted a queer zombie love story at a moment of great precarity for the human species."

— Lois Anderson, Touchstone Theatre Artistic Director

Event & Ticket Details

• Dates: October 7 – 18, 2026

  • Preview Performance: Wednesday, Oct 7 at 7:30 PM ($20 tickets)

  • Media Opening: Thursday, Oct 8 at 7:30 PM

  • Post-Show Talkback: Tuesday, Oct 13 (Q&A with the cast and crew)

• Venue: The NEST on Granville Island (1398 Cartwright Street, 3rd Floor, Vancouver, BC)

• Tickets: $20 – $35 | Available at Touchstone Theatre

• TICKETS & INFO

Ancillary Event: Catch playwright Jordyn Wood ahead of the run for Summerween: Theatre, Zombies, and Mental Health on Tuesday, August 25 at 6:30 PM at the Vancouver Public Library (Montalbano Family Theatre, Level 8).

Content Warning: While Vascular Necrosis is a dark comedy, the production deals with themes of death, suicide, grief, and mental illness