Calgary play offers modern dating advice

Whether you're looking for love online, through friends or at the bar, the numerous evolving rules and terms can be exhausting and a Calgary play is offering to ease the pain in "A Millennial's Guide to Dating In The 21st Century."

It's part of the The IGNITE! Festival for emerging artists in Calgary this week.

Director Erin Watson told The Homestretch she got the idea when she and her co-creator were frustrated with the dating field.

"I'm a big fan of vintage etiquette guides and we laughed about the idea, what if there was that style of guide for modern situations? From there it blossomed."

The play breaks down the meaning of terms such as "Netflix and Chill" (a euphemism for sex) and "ghosting" (disappearing with no explanation.)

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Watson says many people she's spoke with shared the same concerns about feeling awkward and insecure, so the play built on those themes.

"Who hasn't been in that awkward situation?" she said.

While the digital aspect of dating through websites and applications is more typical for Millennials, she says the play's themes are universal.

The festival ran June 6 through 10 at the Pumphouse Theatre.

With files from The Homestretch

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