‘The Drake Equation’: A Solemn Journey Through Space, Art, and Mortality
This review contains mentions of suicide.
The Drake Equation has an air of mystery surrounding it. The description, which makes no mention of its creator, doesn’t give much about the story beyond noting three mysterious events, which of course left me very curious as I walked into the Davies Lounge.
The show opens with a disclaimer: This presentation has absolutely nothing to do with Drake, the famous rapper from Toronto. Any likeness is purely coincidental. The “Drake” in question here is Frank Drake, creator of the Drake Equation, which uses statistical probability to estimate the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. Aside from the occasional Drake meme as a transition, fans of the titular rapper would be disappointed.
The presenter, who remains unnamed, walks the audience through memories from the past five years, with a specificity that might make one wonder, “Where was I when this was happening?” The show blends the presenter’s real-life stories of COVID and experiences during lockdown with broader life reflections.
This is not one for the faint of heart or for those squeamish about death and existential contemplation. At one point, the presenter makes connections between the Drake Equation and their own thoughts of suicide, even carrying the audience through their inner monologue on the morning they planned to end their life.
Rather than a conventional play, The Drake Equation is a collection of loosely connected thoughts and stories from a person sorting through intertwined feelings. The piece was inspired by the presenter’s sudden realization that it is possible life on Earth is the only life in the galaxy, and the terror that followed. As someone who had always assumed that there must be life elsewhere, this sentence stopped me in my tracks, as good theatre often does.
The show progresses slowly in a way that feels intentional. Mostly, it is a one-sided conversation (until the end, when the presenter opens up room for questions and discussion). You’ll enjoy this one if you like unstructured thoughts, or if you’ve ever pondered on the state of life in the galaxy and don’t mind following a wandering thread.
Though one major issue with the show is the staging. The presenter remains seated behind a desk and a laptop screen for the entire performance. They use very little of the stage and at most times, this feels monotonous. The presenter mentioned a previous, more interactive version, which I imagine might have been more engaging.
This is not a lighthearted or funny show, although fans of dark humour might get a couple of chuckles out of it. Instead, it’s for people who like to think quietly. I can appreciate the presenter’s inclusion of playful touches like Hotline Bling to warm the audience up before the show. This show doesn’t do much in terms of theatrics or drama; the presentation is solemnly delivered. I remember feeling some discomfort during the show, which seemed to be part of the point.
The ending, like many parts of the show, feels purposefully incomplete. The presenter leaves us with a music clip that asks, “Is that all there is?” There is no definite conclusion. It seems the question is too big for just one person to answer.
‘The Drake Equation’ is playing until August 14, 2025 at the Davies Lounge in the TK Fringe as part of The Kick & Push Festival. More information about the show and tickets can be found here.
