A Life Sentence
A Life Sentence is inspired by a young woman's lived experience of sexual abuse at the hands of her father. Through theatrical devices, a timeline that stretches decades, and vulnerable, creative storytelling, this play explores victim-blaming, and it's lifelong effects on a person. "It's certainly the time to do it", says Gwen's abuser, referring to the "trend" of women coming forward with their truth. 30 years later, this same sentiment has been echoed in the wake of the #metoo movement. When the opportunity to seek legal repercussions for her fathers actions presents itself, Gwen has to consider losing everything for the possibility of justice. A Life Sentence was originally produced at Studio 58 as a part of Fourplay 2020 but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The original cast of A Life Sentence in rehearsals at Studio 58, under the direction of Amiel Gladstone.
“I was incredibly moved”
“Very well performed and written”
“It was beautiful, and a powerful story for other ‘Gwens’ to witness.”
A New Life for A Life Sentence: Vancouver Fringe!
3 years after its cancellation, and less than a week after the passing of Jarred's Grandmother, the inspiration behind the character Betty, A Life Sentence was selected for production in Vancouver Fringe 2023. Running September 7-17, Jarred is preparing to Co-Direct the project alongside best friend and collaborator Jessie Liang. 6 years of hard work, a global pandemic, and a lot of patience have led to this moment. More details to come!
Virtual Reading
After the show was cancelled a week and a half from opening, we held a Virtual Reading of the play on YouTube in September 2020, which garnered over 150 viewers.
Interested in reading or producing A Life Sentence? E-mail jarredmeek@icloud.com for more info and to gain access to the full Virtual Reading.
Companion Book
In 2021, Jarred published a companion book to the play, called Picture Parfitt: The Ups and Downs of City Raised People in a Country Style Life.
"Sitting back and re-reading these pages, it's a wonder we all made it- but they never complained about their nomadic way of life." says Barbara Parfitt on her years of farm and city life.
Picture Parfitt recounts the sometimes less than ideal, but somehow always perfect adventures of a family of 7, plus a farm full of animals. From a -68°C isolated Christmas, a face off with a bull moose, and the adventures of Piggy the, you guessed it, pig, you'll be sure to laugh and cry your way through this heartfelt journey.
Edited and published by her grandson, Jarred Stephen Meek, the book was originally written on a typewriter by Barbara as a way for her children to hold onto some of their happier and more adventurous memories. In 2021, having lost her memories to dementia, the book was published and given to Barbara so she could have a first hand account of her memories from her own point of view. Barbara, the inspiration behind Betty, passed away in February 2023 after an over 5 year journey with Dementia.
Picture Parfitt is available here on Amazon.
