A new year of high school is full of excitement and potential—but three teens didn’t expect it to bring such a dark change to their lives. After spending a summer reinventing herself in Paris, Emma is ready for her new life to start, while her best friend Lily is eager for them to reconnect. Lily throws a last-minute party fueled by alcohol and Instagram, which leads to a long-awaited encounter between Emma and Lily’s older brother Chris. But the next day Emma feels that something went terribly wrong.

Updated by award-winning Christine Quintana from her original critically acclaimed script to fit our current times, this smart and intense play about the complexities of relationships and community opens up a much-needed conversation about the nature of consent, from an unexpected perspective.

Detailed Synopsis

The play starts on the first day of Grade 11 and best friends Lily and Emma have lots to catch up on as Emma has spent the summer in Vancouver. Upon finding out that their parents are away for the night, Lily and her older brother Chris decide to invite friends over for a house party.

Emma and Lily get ready and discuss Emma’s romantic interest in Chris. Lily encourages Emma to take shots while the house fills up with more and more teenagers. The drinks are flowing, and Emma and Chris are slow dancing together. They kiss and move to Chris’ bedroom.

After a rough morning, Emma and Lily discuss the party. Emma cannot recall much of the evening, specifically what happened with Chris in the bedroom. Over the next few days, Chris texts Emma to check in and invite her out on dates. Eventually Emma opens up to Lily about not remembering the last part of the party and her concerns about being pregnant. Lily reassures Emma and encourages her to reach out to her doctor.

Following her doctor’s appointment, Emma meets with Chris. He is happy to meet her and brings flowers. Following awkward small talk, Emma admits to Chris that she spoke to her doctor about not remembering what happened the night of the party and she was sent to the hospital where the police were called. She did not give Chris’ name but they will be speaking to his parents about the party.

The police interview Chris and others at the party. Rumours and gossip on social media ensues. Emma and Lily discuss what Emma should say to the police. Lily advises her to be careful and avoid getting Chris in trouble, but Emma is hesitating. Lily reminds her that she was dancing and kissing Chris, that he is not a violent psychopath and that he doesn’t deserve to be punished, but Emma still feels uneasy about what happened and is not committing to protecting Chris.

Lily posts a picture of Emma and Chris kissing on Instagram and her followers react, some upset at Emma, some supporting Emma. Chris and Emma talk about the posted picture and discuss how things could have been different the night of the party. Chris confesses his love for Emma and he apologizes to her. Lily joins them and apologizes for posting the picture. They speak about the night in question and share an emotional moment.

In the closing scene, Emma is by herself, sharing with the audience her struggle and pain from which she is only now emerging.