Kat Sandler’s WILDWOMAN to kick off Her Words Festival at Soulpepper Theatre
Soulpepper Theatre’s fall programming comes in the form of the Her Words Festival, a two-month-long event featuring work by some of Canada’s most exciting female playwrights and emerging voices.
Along with presentations of works-in-progress and community conversations with industry leaders, the festival is set to include three mainstage productions.
The first is the world premiere of Kat Sandler’s WILDWOMAN.
Based on the true story that inspired Beauty and the Beast, WILDWOMAN examines the lives of three women as they wrestle for survival and legacy in the 16th-century French court of King Henry II.
Newly arrived in France, queen-to-be Catherine de’ Medici must contend with her unruly husband, a scheming maidservant, and the king’s much older mistress — all while struggling to give the kingdom what it needs most: an heir. But it’s Pete, a “wildman” kept in a cage for the king’s amusement, who has the most surprising impact.
Sandler will direct an experienced cast of local talent: Rosemary Dunsmore, Dan Mousseau, Rose Napoli, Tony Ofori, and Gabriella Sundar Singh. Working with them is a design team made up of Nick Blais (set), Michelle Tracey (costumes), Kimberly Purtell (lighting), and Maddie Bautista (sound).
“WILDWOMAN is a dark comedy about three very different women fighting for power in a time that is so unlike and also disturbingly like our own,” said Sandler in a press release. “It’s been incredible to be surrounded and supported by the other bold and brilliant female artists of [the Her Words Festival] as we bring our ideas to life, and thrilling to see the development of so many pieces that touch on themes that are top of mind for so many of us: love, legacy and power.”
WILDWOMAN runs at Soulpepper Theatre from October 5–29. Tickets are available here.
Liam Donovan
Liam is Intermission’s publishing and editorial assistant. Based in Toronto, his writing has appeared in Maisonneuve, This Magazine, NEXT Magazine, and more. He loves the original Super Mario game very much.
LEARN MORE
iPhoto caption: Two Fringers pose next to a wall of posters. Photo courtesy of Toronto Fringe.
Missing Toronto Fringe? Now’s your chance to make a difference
Following a successful festival, the Toronto Fringe continues to accept donations as part of its Tip the Fringe campaign.
iPhoto caption: Jane Spence and Derek Ritschel. Photo courtesy of Lighthouse Festival.
Lighthouse Festival announces shake-up in artistic director role
“I couldn’t have imagined how great this theatre would become, thanks to the support of our incredible community and the unwavering dedication of our team,” says Derek Ritschel, who will pivot to a new role as the company’s director in residence. Jane Spence will step into the role of artistic director in November.
iPhoto caption: Photo courtesy of the Toronto Fringe.
The Delightful Chaos of Mistila and the Motlies promises merriment at the Toronto Fringe
This summer, Down and Dirty Theatre Company will bring its show The Delightful Chaos of Mistila and the Motlies to the Toronto Fringe Festival. The show, billed as “a magical...
iPhoto caption: Poster courtesy of GFT.
Guild Festival Theatre to present one-night-only concert version of Evalyn Parry’s SPIN
Inspired in part by the incredible true story of Annie Londonderry, who in 1895 became the first woman to ride around the world on a bicycle, SPIN travels from 19th-century women’s emancipation to the present day, forging unexpected links across time and history.
iPhoto caption: Photo courtesy of Dos Mundos
A whimsical TYA solo show about a talking snake is coming to the Toronto Fringe
Written and performed by Priscila Gonzalez, Snacey! is a high-energy tale right out of an early-2000s TVOkids television program.
iPhoto caption: Photo of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 by Dahlia Katz.
Toronto theatre wins big at the 2024 Dora Awards
The winners of the 2024 Dora Awards were announced on Monday in a lively ceremony hosted by Ryan G. Hinds at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre.
iPhoto caption: Poster courtesy of GFT.
Guild Festival Theatre to present one-night-only concert version of Evalyn Parry’s SPIN
Inspired in part by the incredible true story of Annie Londonderry, who in 1895 became the first woman to ride around the world on a bicycle, SPIN travels from 19th-century women’s emancipation to the present day, forging unexpected links across time and history.
iPhoto caption: Photo courtesy of Dos Mundos
A whimsical TYA solo show about a talking snake is coming to the Toronto Fringe
Written and performed by Priscila Gonzalez, Snacey! is a high-energy tale right out of an early-2000s TVOkids television program.
iPhoto caption: Photo by Peggy Baud-Woolsey.
REVIEW: Geoff Sobelle’s HOME journeys from hyperrealism to slapstick
It’s a multivalent work that toggles between gentle and abrasive, understated and triumphant, complicated and straightforward, experimental and crowd-pleasing.
iPhoto caption: Photo by Zeeshan Safdar.
REVIEW: With the help of a daring set, The Caged Bird Sings brings Rumi into the present day
Literal and metaphorical cages abound in this radical adaptation of Rumi’s Masnavi, produced by Modern Times Stage Company and presented in the Aga Khan Museum’s courtyard.
iPhoto caption: The Inheritance production photo by Dahlia Katz.
Toronto Theatre Critics’ Awards announce 2024 winners
This 11th iteration of the TTCAs boasts 19 winners across 14 categories, including a special citation for artistic achievement.
iPhoto caption: Production shots by David Hou.
Throughout Stratford’s productions of Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, and Hedda Gabler, moments of actorly playfulness jolt us into the here and now.
Comments