The Segal Centre’s 2025-26 season kicks off with Big Stuff
What do you do with a lifetime of trinkets and the nostalgia they carry? Real-life couple and acclaimed comedy duo Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus tackle this question head-on in Big Stuff, which makes its Montreal debut at the Segal Centre from August 31 to September 21. Co-created and directed by Kat Sandler, this autobiographical comedy is a journey through grief, relationships, and what we choose to hold onto, both emotionally and physically.
The play quickly evolved from a 10-minute storytelling night in Toronto to a full-fledged theatrical production. The initial inspiration came from a humourous yet stressful road trip, crossing the border from Los Angeles to Toronto with a truck full of their parents’ “worthless junk,” which sparked a playful disagreement between the couple. After losing their last parent, Naomi and Matt found themselves with a big hole in their hearts and an even bigger pile of belongings to sort through. This shared mourning became the foundation of the show, combining storytelling, improv, and audience interaction.
Lisa Rubin, artistic and executive director of the Segal Centre, describes the show as a must-see: “The moment I saw this show, I knew I had to share it with everyone I love. It’s the kind of laughter that catches in your throat, the kind of joy that stays with you. See it here first before the rest of the country falls in love with it too.”
Following rave reviews and standing ovations, Snieckus and Baram have created a space of community and togetherness with the show, encouraging audiences to look at their possessions with a new perspective. The duo adds: “We get to tell them our story and relive our parents every night, and then we also get to hear other people’s stories. That’s what the show is about.”
The Segal Centre is committed to accessibility and is offering two audio-described performances of Big Stuff on September 14 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm. An ASL-interpreted performance will also be provided on September 20 at 7:30 pm.
For tickets, visit https://purchase.segalcentre.org/EventAvailability?EventId=1401
or call 514-739-7944. For a full list of offerings, please visit segalcentre.org
