By Vern Thiessen

Theatre by the Bay

November 2023

If you would have told 20 year old Iain that he would be directing the world premiere of a new play by Vern Thiessen based upon an idea he had, I think his little theatre nerd brain would have exploded.

I have been a fan of Vern’s work since I saw Shakespeare’s Will at the Stratford Festival. At the time I remember thinking “a one woman show about Shakespeare’s wife? How good could this possibly be?” only for it to be my favourite show of that season (and I saw a fair few) and launched a passion for Vern’s writing.

Working with Vern and Dramaturg Colleen Murphy was such a delight. Speaking with Vern for even a few minutes reveals his passion and voracity with the craft of writing plays. He was so receptive to feedback, so open to collaboration, and gifted this incredibly well-written piece about the desperate lengths the poor can be driven to when crushed under to wheels of capitalism.

And I mean, the ACTORS, the DESIGNERS, the whole team like…goodness. Everyone was absolute rockstars. They bought into the piece entirely and it shows. You could see and feel the heart of it in every detail. It was an absolute dream. And I think it features some of my favourite production photography ever. Like, wow.

A true highlight.

The Cast

Joe: Isaiah Kolundzic*

FF: Nathan Howe*

Rennie: Tom Keat

The Crew

Associate Producer: Sabrina Merks

Production Manager: Rochelle Reynolds

Set Designer: Joe Pagnan

Lighting Designer: Logan Cracknell

Costume Designer: Madeline Ius

Props Master: Brenda Thompson

Composer and Sound Designer: Mathew Magneson

Set Builder: Diane Frederick

Scenic Painting: Rosalind Naccarato

Stage Manger: Khaleel Gandhi*

Assistant Stage Manager: Lesley Coo*

Production Photographer: Noah Hollinshead

* The participation of these Artists are arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance•Opera•Theatre Policy.