In Seven Days is a poignant, timely, and deeply funny play that explores the complexities of family, choice, and mortality through the lens of Jewish traditions. Set in a small Ontario town, the story centres on Sam, a man in his sixties who, after learning his cancer has returned and is terminal, chooses to pursue medically assisted death. His daughter Rachel, a lawyer dealing with her own personal struggles, returns home to confront the emotional weight of his decision. Rachel soon finds herself in conflict with Shelley, Sam’s meticulous partner and caretaker. As tensions rise, Rachel seeks solace from Eli, a rabbi and long-time family friend, hoping he might help change her father’s mind. But Eli is torn between his religious beliefs and his love for Sam–and then Darren, Rachel’s ex, arrives on the scene with an agenda of his own.
Each character faces their fears, desires, and regrets, culminating in a powerful exploration of love, loss, and duty. Filled with humour and heartbreak, In Seven Days captures the profound emotional journey of saying goodbye.
About the Author
Celebrated writer Jordi Mand is known for her impactful contributions to theatre, film, and television. Raised in Richmond Hill and now residing in Toronto, Mand’s globally acclaimed plays — Between the Sheets, Caught, This Will Be Excellent, Bronte: The World Without, and a new stage adaptation of Little Women — have been produced across Canada and translated and published internationally. She has collaborated with many of the country’s most prominent theatre companies, including the Stratford Festival, Tarragon Theatre, Theatre Passe Muraille, Nightwood Theatre, the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company, and the Grand Theatre. Mand also wrote for the hit CTV drama Cardinal and has contributed to numerous television development rooms. She is a graduate of the Canadian Film Centre’s Bell Prime Time TV Program and Montreal’s National Theatre School of Canada.