Adapted and Directed by Eleanor Crowder
An adaptation of The Misstress of the Inn by Carlo Goldoni

At the center of this sharp-witted comedy is Mirandolina, a fiercely intelligent innkeeper who has no interest in surrendering her independence to the parade of wealthy men competing for her attention. But when a smug nobleman arrives, determined to prove himself immune to her charms, Mirandolina decides to teach him a lesson he won’t forget. Full of flirtation, deception, physical comedy, and theatrical invention, Mirandolina is a fast-paced battle of wit and ego under the stars. A wildly entertaining game of seduction, manipulation, and comic revenge packed with masks, movement, and the playful theatricality that defines Odyssey Theatre.

What happens when the smartest person in the room is done playing nice?

"If you have never seen an Odyssey Theatre show, this is a great one to start with – superb acting, evocative masks, sumptuous costumes, and a classic commedia-style play written over 300 years ago." – Bruce Burwell, apt613

Director Eleanor Crowder
Producer Michael Sheppard
Mask Designer Clelia Scala
Set & Lighting Designer Graham Price
Costume Designer Isabelle Bélisle
Props Designer  Carmen Korpi
Stage Manager Camille LaPointe
Technical Director Scotty Mitchell
Production Assistant Murphy Guy-Lenser
Cast Jeremie Avila-Huot, William Beddoe, Jacqui Du Toit, Chandel Gambles, Scott McCulloch, Marlow Stainfield, Nicholas Koy Santillo. 

Written and directed by Laurie Steven
Based on the Brothers Grimm folktale “The Handless Maiden”

With the walls of her life closing in, a troubled young woman is offered one final escape. Lured into a crumbling fantasy world, she becomes the reluctant heroine of a story with a mind of its own. She’s hailed as a long-awaited saviour by a trio of bumbling outcasts, courted by a desperate King, entangled in the romantic schemes of an eccentric spirit, and hunted by a Devil hell-bent on destroying her. But when true love doesn’t deliver a happy ending, she must take charge of her own story.

“This play is a truly magical evening in the park…strengthened by fine acting, amazing masks, beautiful costumes, and some very scary looking puppets.” – Bruce Burwell, apt613

“The Girl With No Hands is an ambitious project that showcases a strong female heroine who faces her demons and finds her own path without relying on a prince (or king) charming to “fix” her.” – Courtney Castelino, Broadway World Ottawa

Set Designer Brian Smith
Mask + Puppet Designer Clelia Scala
Prop Designer Carmen Korpi
Wig Designer Marianna Thomlison
Composer Venessa LaChance
Lighting Designer Graham Price
Sound Designer Damien Piper
Wardrobe Andrée-Ève Archambault
Movement Coach Marie-Nathalie ​​Lacoursière
Dramaturg Janet Irwin
Stage Manager Camille LaPointe
Cast William Beddoe, Valerie Buhagiar, Chandel Gambles, Erin Loretta Mackey, Scott McCulloch, Nicholas Koy Santillo, Bruce Spinney, Marlow Stainfield

Nominations

Prix Rideau Award for Outstanding Design – Brian Smith (Set)

In 2024, we introduced Ottawa’s first Festival of Myth, gathering multidisciplinary artists in this region who explore myth through music, dance, theatre and storytelling and visual arts to share their ideas and approached to myth and its relevance today in a Festival format.

Showcasing 67 extraordinary artists, our creative arts festival was a dazzling celebration of the magic of artistic creation and the power of sharing stories. 

Audiences were enchanted by a staged reading of Laurie Steven’s new play The Girl With No Hands. Inspired by a classic tale, the play explores the role of fantasy in our journey to find wholeness.

We were captivated by mesmerizing tales from around the world. Jacqui Du Toit transported us to Mama Africa with tales of the legendary trickster, Anansi the Spider. The ancient world of Norse mythology was brought to life by Ottawa Storytellers Johanna Kuyvenhoven, Marie Robertson and Anne Schmitz. Uchechi Ogbonna spoke life into captivating and traditional Nigerian folktales of creation and creatures.

We embarked on a sacred journey with Into the Circle Theatre, encountering some of Éire’s (Ireland’s) most ancient and prolific goddesses. Ottawa’s Indigenous musical storyteller, The Tennessee Cree, shared his stories through a blend of traditional and country folk music. Métis artist Suzanne Keeptwo shared a way of looking at life to find the wonder.

Dancers wove timeless legends into their every movement. Haiyan Dance Studio delighted with five dances based on Chinese legends, myth, and tales. Rathi Dance performed epic tales of Indian legend through Bharatanatyam, the oldest classical Indian Dance form. Indus Theatre and Kalavatee Dance shared a beautifully danced reinterpretation of a tale from the Mahabharata. 

Our Young Company led us on a mythical adventure in their original play Heart’s Desire which explored how to move forward with hope in a world of struggle, war, inequity, and climate threat. The performance was brought to vibrant life with masks, puppets, and mythical creatures.

Workshops allowed guests to awaken their own creativity. Clelia Scala taught puppet design and creation, Jacqui Du Toit led South African mask creation, Laurie Steven provided guidance in creating and telling one’s own story, and Bougie Birch facilitated dreamcatcher creation.

Thank you to the sponsors, partners, donors, volunteers, artists, and audiences who breathed life into this creative adventure. We look forward to bringing the Festival of Myth back to Ottawa in the future.

By Molière
Original translation and adaptation by Lib Spry and Laurie Steven
Directed by Andy Massingham

When skinflint Harpagon endeavours to wield his son Clay and daughter Lise as commodities in his effort to dominate the world food market, he sparks a battle between generations and ideologies. The Miser is Molière’s masterpiece of comedy, finely honed with a dark strand of satire, given a fresh and relevant revisioning in today’s world of corporate greed.

“[T]he show is a delight. The clever wordplay and non-stop action are wildly entertaining.”
—Bruce Burwell, Apt613

“an exceptionally good production…”
—Alvina Ruprecht, Capital Critics Circle

Set Designer Brian Smith
Costume Designer Vanessa Imeson
Mask Designer Clelia Scala
Lighting Designer Graham Price
Sound Designer Steven Lafond
Stage Manager Cathy-Lynn Symonds
Cast Jamar Adams-Thompson, Jesse Buck, Lise Cormier, Tracey Guptill, Scott McCulloch, Landon Nesbitt, Kate Smith, Marlow Stainfield 

By Jacinto Benavente
Original translation by Catherine Boyle and Laurie Steven
Directed by Laurie Steven

The con is on when two penniless con artists arrive in a town of pretenders and concoct a devious scheme to get rich. But the town is in too deep and too tied up in their vested bonds of interest to blow the whistle.

“‘Ingenuity and impudence are all we have,’ says Crispin. Throw in imagination, a little Vaudeville pas de deux, love and chance, and an Oxford comma. Add a mask. A sprinkle of Shakespeare. The glamour of opera. And you have a must-see play.”
—Colin Noden, Apt613

“At times it’s funny, at times it’s disquietingly vicious. Always, it’s clear that we are witnessing a heightened representation of human behaviour and one that both signals and masks the characters’ true intention.”
—Patrick Langston, Artsfile

“…the secret of this production is clearly the magic of the staging … All this roaring activity takes place against a magic background when, after sunset, the urban forms of Barry Padolsky’s scenography emerge glowing in the dark, appearing to grow out of the greenery of Strathcona Park, like magic creatures called up by the night.”
—Alvina Ruprecht, Capital Critics Circle

Nominations

Prix Rideau Award for Outstanding Production

Prix Rideau Award for Outstanding Design – Vanessa Imeson (costumes)

Prix Rideau Award for Outstanding Male Performance – Mitchel Rose

Prix Rideau Award of Emerging Artists – Lucy Sanci

Dramaturge Laurie Steven
Assistant Director Madeleine Hall
Set Designer Barry Padolsky
Costume Designer & Wardrobe Vanessa Imeson
Mask & Makeup Designer Clelia Scala
Lighting Designer Graham Price
Sound Designer Venessa Lachance
Choreographer Marie-Nathalie Lacoursière
Fight Movements Choreographer Stavros Sakiadis
Production Manager Graham Price
Stage Manager Susan D. Currie
Props Arielle Voght
Cast Ross Mullan, Anurag Choudhury, Stavros Sakiadis, Mitchel Rose, Bruce Spinney, Maryse Fernandes, Soo Garay, Scott Maudsley, Neta J. Rose, Erin Eldershaw, William Beddoe, Scott McCulloch, Lucy Sanci, Tanasiah Lavallee-Smart, Maureen O’Brien

Written and directed by David S. Craig

A provocative, sexual, and funny new play that blends farce, Greek chorus work, and a giant masked goddess to expose our apathy to environmental catastrophe.

“….wonderfully funny[…]The acting is terrific, the punchy script crackles with immediacy, and you’ll be laughing out loud at the notion of making Greece great again.”
—Lynn Saxberg, Ottawa Citizen

“One revelation after the other drives the plot forward, each one plays out with more wit and textual charm with underlying depth than the preceding, creating a delightful text full of fascinating exchanges.”
—Alvina Ruprecht, Capital Critics Circle

“Odyssey Theatre’s production values were all top notch. The set was gorgeous, the costumes were fab, and Gaia’s entrance and subsequent scene rocked the night.”
—Allan Mackey, Onstage Ottawa

“Craig’s play gleefully mixes past, present, and future, cultural entertainment icons, and pretty much anything he feels will help drive home his message about catastrophic climate change along with his take on patriarchy, love, and mankind’s unchanging cluelessness.”
—Peter Robb, Artsfile

Awards:

Ottawa Citizen Top 10 Best Live Performances of 2018 

Set and Mask Designer Jerrard Smith
Costume Designer Lori Hickling
Lighting Designer Graham Price
Sound Designer Rick Sacks
Choreographer Lola Ryan
Dramaturges Laurie Steven, Eleanor Crowder, Janet Irwin
Production Manager Graham Price
Stage Manager Laurie Shannon
Props Christine Hecker
Cast David Warburton, Catriona Leger, Shelley Simester, Natalia Gracious, Sarah Finn, Martin Julien, David daCosta, Lisa Norton

By Carlo Goldoni
Translated by John Van Burek
Directed by Attila Clemann

A Canadian translation of a Goldoni Commedia jewel about the value of integrity.

“Laurie Steven’s company is evolving into something that is redefining the old Commedia rules of Italian street performance.”
– Alvina Ruprecht, Capital Critics Circle

“This Amorous Servant seduces her audience… [a] robust outdoor production.”
– Patrick Langston, Artsfile

“The bottom line is you can’t go wrong with Odyssey.”
– Jennifer Hartley, Ottawa Life Magazine

“Odyssey Theatre has built itself up on fusing the nostalgia of the Classics with a more contemporary vibe and The Amorous Servant is no exception.”
– Brie McFarlane, The New Ottawa Critics

“There’s just something magical and wonderful about an evening of theatre under the stars.”
– Allan Mackey, Onstage Ottawa

“The Amorous Servant is yet another feather in the cap of a company that chooses quality over quantity with their productions…I highly encourage everyone to see it.”
– Ian Huffam, The New Ottawa Critics

Director Attila Clemann
Set Designer John Doucet
Mask Designer Jerrard Smith
Costume Designer Vanessa Imeson
Lighting Designer Ron Ward
Stage Manager lindi G. Papoff
Cast David Warburton, Chris Ralph, Suzanne Roberts Smith, Joshua Browne, Abraham Asto, Lise Cormier, Christopher Allen, Tiffany Claire Martin

By Carlo Goldoni
Adapted and directed by Andy Massingham

In this rollicking comedy, the savvy and perpetually hungry servant Truffaldino concocts a scheme to double his wages (and his meals) by serving two masters at once.

“…surely this summer’s hit! Not to be missed.” —Rajka Stefanovska, Capital Critics Circle

“…a wonderful form of classic theatre, highly accessible for even the most theatre averse to just let go and laugh.” —Allan Mackey, On Stage Ottawa

“[A] truly entertaining show from start to finish” —Kabriya Coghlan, Apartment 613

Awards:

Capital Critics Circle Awards for Best Actor – Jesse Buck, Best Director – Andy Massingham

Prix Rideau Awards for Outstanding Production, Outstanding Direction – Andy Massingham, Outstanding Female Performance – Dana Fradkin (nominations for Outstanding Male Performance – Jesse Buck, Outstanding Female Performance – Sarah Finn, Outstanding Design – Jerrard Smith)

Dramaturge Laurie Steven
Set & Mask Designer Jerrard Smith
Costume Designer Vanessa Imeson
Fight Choreographer Zach Counsil
Sound Designer Steven Lafond
Lighting Designer Ron Ward
Stage Manager Alexandra Maisonneuve
Cast Jesse Buck, Sean Sullivan, Lynne Griffin, Dana Fradkin, Maryse Fernandes, Adam Sanders, Zack Council, Sara Finn, Joshua Wiles

An evening of three plays inspired by the traditions of Spanish Commedia dell’Arte.

Saving Melisandre
Written and directed by Laurie Steven
Inspired by an episode from Cervantes’ Don Quixote

The Love of Don Perlimpìn and Belisa in the Garden
By Federico García Lorca
Adapted and directed by Laurie Steven

Whether You Like It or Not
By Tirso de Molina
Translated and adapted by José María Ruano de la Haza
Directed by Laurie Steven

“…fun, visually stunning, well-acted, and cheeky.”
–Ian Huffam, The New Ottawa Critics

“Within Odyssey’s all round incredibly talented cast, Karen Knox is a dynamo as Finea in Whether You Like It Or Not. She’s so engaging that it’s impossible not to get lost in the thrill ride of this show, beginning to end…Odyssey Theatre’s summer shows are consistently some of the strongest and most creative in the Ottawa season, usually managing to accomplish the rare feat of drawing me back out for a second viewing before the run ends.”
–Allan Mackey, On Stage Ottawa

Nominations: 

Prix Rideau Award for Outstanding Acting – Karen Knox

Set Designer Marcelo Donato
Costume Designer Naomi Mathieu
Mask Designer & Construction Jerrard Smith
Masks on Sticks Designer Clelia Scala
Fight Choreographer Mark Huisman
Music Director John Armstrong
Lighting Designer Ron Ward
Puppet Design & Coaching John Nolan, Kathy MacLellan
Stage Manager Barry Cook
Cast Karen Knox, Dana Fradkin, Scott McCulloch, Alan K. Sapp, William Beddoe, Chandel Gambles, Mark Huisman, John Nolan

By Alain-René Lesage
Translated by Laurie Steven and Joanne Miller
Directed by Laurie Steven

A satiric look at society filled with greedy schemers.

“Steven has done a wonderful job of choreographing the production’s stylized movement.” 
–Patrick Langston, The Ottawa Citizen

“Director Laurie Steven is back among us and her excellent command of the Commedia dell’Arte technique that shone through this performance.”
–Alvina Ruprecht, Capital Critics Circle

Awards: 

Capital Critics Circle Award for Set and Costume Design – James Lavoie

Set & Costume Designer James Lavoie
Mask Designer Almut Ellighaus
Fight Choreographer Mark Huisman
Music Director Venessa Lachance
Lighting Designer Glenn Davidson
Cast Jesse Buck, Andy Massingham, Alanna Bale, Chandel Gambles, Attila Clemann, Mark Huisman, John Doucet, Paulette Sinclair, Nichola Lawrence

By George Bernard Shaw
Directed by Andy Massingham

Shaw’s comedy about love and war.

“…a beautiful burst of energy that starts high from the first drumbeat and rises with no snags until the final clap.”– Ian Huffam, The New Ottawa Critics

“…this production—funny, fast, and furiously satire—works[…]strong in concept and overall execution, the production includes small, memorable moments.” — Patrick Langston, The Ottawa Citizen

Set Designer Snezana Pesic
Costume Design & Construction Alex Amini
Mask Design & Construction Almut Ellinghaus
Lighting Design Ron Ward
Stage Manager Chantal Hayman
Cast Pierre Brault, David Warburton, Philippa Leslie, Doreen Taylor-Claxton, Claire Armstrong, Attila Clemann, Dylan George

By Marivaux
Adapted and directed by Andy Massingham

A comedy that probes the human heart as it exposes class distinctions.

“…a glass full of joy and immense fun, sprinkled liberally with the sexy time, served on a platter of wonderful, accessible, and timeless source material…” – Allan Mackey, On Stage Ottawa

“I loved the moments when Dorante (Daniel Briere) and Silvia (Stephanie Izsak) disguised as their own servants, try to show how indifferent they really are to each other even though both have been smitten with the love bug from the first glimpse[…]Snezana Pesic’s costumes were fitting and her set shone and glittered like the perfect site of one of Offenbach’s musical masterpieces.” –Alvina Ruprecht, Capital Critics Circle

Awards: 

Capital Critics Circle Award for Best Design (Masks) – Almut Ellinghaus

Nominations:

Prix Rideau Awards for Outstanding Design – Snezana Pesic

Sound Designer Andy Massingham
Dramaturge Janet Irwin
Set Design Snezana Pesic
Costume Design Snezana Pesic
Mask Design & Construction Almut Ellinghaus
Choreographer Courtney Bamford
Lighting Design Ron Ward
Stage Manager Chantal Hayman
Cast Daniel Briere, Stephanie Isaac, Jodi Stevens, Chris Ralph, Zach Counsil, Evan Dowlin

By Carlo Goldoni
Adapted and directed by David S. Craig

A riotous, tender, angst-ridden exploration of small town machinations.

“As the Count, Andy Massingham is a highly amusing embodiment of pomposity and foolishness. Pierre Brault delivers a Baron who is as conniving as the Count but slightly more intelligent and much better off. Stylish in appearance (aided by Snezana Pesic’s costumes and Almut Ellinghaus’s masks) and presentation, both are precise in holding the exaggeration of mannerisms and tone to the appropriate level…this production of The Fan is a clear reminder of Odyssey’s raison d’être.”
—Iris Winston, Capital Critics Circle

“This is a wonderful way to discover Goldoni, a great evening of fun and an exciting 25th anniversary celebration.” — Alvina Ruprecht, Capital Critics Circle

“…Chief among [the main cast] is Andy Massingham whose Count, an impecunious poseur who claims a devotion to the “beaux arts,” is alone worth the price of admission…sly, obsequious and vastly entertaining.” — Patrick Langston, The Ottawa Citizen

Awards:

Prix Rideau Award for Outstanding Adaptation – David S. Craig
Capital Critics Circle Award for Best Professional Actor – Andy Massingham

Nominations:

Prix Rideau Awards for Outstanding Production, Direction – David S. Craig, Female Performance – Rose Napoli,  Male Performance – Andy Massingham. Capital Critics Circle Award for Best Professional Production.

Dramaturge Laurie Steven
Set Design Brian Smith
Costume Design Snezana Pesic
Mask Design & Construction Almut Ellinghaus
Choreography Jay T. Schramek
Music Composer John Armstrong
Lighting Design Ron Ward
Stage Manager Krista MacIsaac
Cast Andy Massingham, Pierre Brault, Alix Sideris, Nicolas Van Burek, Robin Craig, Brad Long, Rose Napoli, Jay T. Schramek, Kaitlyn Semple, Michael Showler

By Janet Irwin
Directed by Paul Griffin
Based on Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte

Janet Irwin’s exploration of love and commitment in the age of consumerism.

“Had Mozart been in the audience Thursday night, he would have been tickled pink at Odyssey Theatre’s new production They All Do It.” – Patrick Langston, The Ottawa Citizen

“…the action is as light and funny as an episode of Glee, particularly when John Armstrong’s music, described as a twist on Mozart’s score, kicks in.” – Denis Armstrong, Ottawa Sun

“…They All Do It is surprisingly wonderful. The writing is sharp, funny, clear, relatively clean and transcends Mozart’s original comedy succinctly in the vernacular kids speak today. That’s an amazing accomplishment, when you consider that our 16-year-old loved it[…]the production boasts one, two, three terrific performances.” – Denis Armstrong, Ottawa Sun

Dramaturge Laurie Steven
Set & Costume Designer Roy Hansen Robitschek
Mask Design & Construction Karen Rodd
Music Composer John Armstrong
Lighting Designer Ron Ward
Stage Manager  Samira Rose
Cast Ben Clost, Kelly Rigole, Andy Cockburn, Emma Hunter, Charlotte Gowdy, Matt O’Connor

Written and directed by Laurie Steven

An original contemporary social satire, and Odyssey’s first indoor production co-produced with Gladstone Theatre.

“The storyline develops in a most unexpected and very amusing way. People who can’t pay their rent, poor people harassed by the police, victims of civil injustice, corrupt capitalism ­and that’s exactly what Laurie Steven’s vision is here[…]she’s created a multitude of exciting stage figures to tell her story[…]Pierre-Paul Savoie’s choreography, linked to Laurie Steven’s staging, created the most exciting moments. [The cast] worked like a perfect acrobatic team[…]they do almost like a dance with words. Everything works together beautifully.” — Alvina Ruprecht, CBC Radio

“[A Guy Named Joe is a] resonant comedy…written and directed with a highly focused vision by the company’s artistic director. The masks and stylized movement of Commedia, heightened by Davidson’s lighting, underscore these powerful tensions between Joe’s interior and exterior action, just as they do in other characters.” — Patrick Langston, The Ottawa Citizen

Nominations:

Prix Rideau Award for Outstanding Costume Design – Jennifer Triemstra, Karen Rodd

Assistant Dramaturge Laurie Fyffe
Set & Lighting Designer Glenn Davidson
Costume Designer Jennifer Triemstra
Design & Construction of Masks, Puppets,
Puppet Costumes, & Special Effects Karen Rodd
Choreographer Pierre-Paul Savoie
Fight Choreographer Mark Huisman
Composer & Musical Director John Armstrong
Stage Manager Wendy Rockburn
Cast Nicholas Di Gaetano, Scott McCulloch, Cory Doran, Scott Florence, Mark Huisman, Alex Guard, Thea Nikolic

By Carlo Goldoni
Directed by Paul Griffin

Even the best laid plans are thwarted. A whirlwind of comic misunderstandings of P.G. Wodehousian proportions!

“Andy Massingham, as the father, Philibert, and Sideris as his daughter, Giannina, seem at home here. They give excellent physical performances that range from frantic to nuanced. Thea Nikolic does solid work as the servant Marianna, who is never shy about pressing her own agenda[…]Thanks to the 1920s setting and the design work of Art Penson, A Curious Mishap looks splendid. The flapper-style dresses, Philibert’s rich brocade smoking jacket and Cotterie’s golf togs are fancifully elegant. The pretty set is a model of economy, with two doors and three swinging panels to accommodate the action.”
–Catherine Lawson, Ottawa Citizen

“It is not just Griffin who should be lauded for the success of the show, but his cast as well, who tap into the world of clowning to draw out zany characters. Andy Massingham’s interpretation of a wealthy, stubborn (but soft-hearted) father is perfect.”
–Kat Fournier, Ottawa XPress

Set & Costume Designer Art Penson
Mask Design & Construction Karen Rodd
Lighting Designer Lynn Cox
Stage Manager Samira Rose
Cast Alix Sideris, Andy Massingham, Scott Florence, Madeleine Donohue, Dylan Anthony Jukes, Thea Nikolic

By Lib Spry
Directed by Diana Fajrajsl

Based on a scenario by Lib Spry and material created collaboratively by the ensemble.

“Girouard’s lovable, spunky Bungsu is a special delight, but the whole cast is outstanding, achieving acting magic even while wearing masks (an Odyssey regular feature). While the masks add to the fairytale enchantment, they prevent the actors from relying on full facial expressions. Not an easy task, but they pull it off without exception.” — Jennifer Hartley, Ottawa XPress

“…the play is[…]alive with magic and fun. In typical Odyssey fashion, ornate costumes, music and a commedia dell’arte flair give the show vibrant life.” — Kim Mannix Vermette, Metro

“The stage is greatly enlivened by Alix Sideris, an Odyssey regular, as the Monkey Goddess. Sideris keeps the audience in stitches with her hilarious performance of a goddess trapped inside a monkey’s body.”
—Paul Gessell, The Ottawa Citizen

Nominations: Capital Critics Circle Awards for Best Actor – Alix Sideris

Dramaturge Laurie Steven
Set Designer Katka Hubacek
Costume Designer Stephanie Carter
Mask Design & Construction Karen Rodd
Sound Design Luc Martin
Lighting Design Lynn Cox
Stage Manager Tina Goralski
Cast Alix Sideris, Beverley Wolfe, Jesse Aaron Dwyre, Michelle Girouard, Terry Judd, Claire Frances Muir, David Shelley

By Molière
Translated and adapted by Joanne Miller and Laurie Steven
Directed by Laurie Steven

An original contemporary adaptation of this comic tale of the machinations of a rogue.

“Scapin takes the best of both French farce and Italian Commedia and rolls it into a riotous satire of contemporary mores and politics. The effect is breathtaking[…]5 stars!”
—Denis Armstrong, Ottawa Sun

“It’s very smart, it’s energetic, it’s entertaining[…]the performances are impressive[…]Laurie Steven’s direction, it’s sure footed and it’s imaginative and the result is really a marvellous evening of theatre.”
—Tom McSorley, CBC Radio

“A post-modern urban Commedia dealing with contemporary issues: illegal immigration, drugs, gangs, assassins[…]a non-stop whirlwind of breathless energy[…]excellent performances[…]you’ve got to go and see it.”
—Alvina Ruprecht, CBC Radio

“Joy is evident in every facet of Odyssey’s Scapin”
—Bruce Deachman, Ottawa Citizen

Set Designer Louise Lapointe
Costume Designer Pascale Matheron
Mask Design & Construction Karen Rodd
Fight Choreographer Mark Huisman
Movement Coach Pierre-Paul Savoie
Composer & Music Director John Armstrong
Lighting Designer Ron Ward
Stage Manager Heather Landon
Cast Jesse Buck, Alix Sideris, Kurt Spenrath, Sarah Joy Bennett, Mark Huisman, Kevin Kincaid, Dykan Jukes, Thea Nikolic, Adrienne Rogers, Fraser Mackay, Cynthia Bernstein

Adapted and directed by Laurie Steven

Adapted from an Indonesian shadow puppet play translated by James R. Brandon, Pandam Guritno Siswoharsojo, and Stephen R. Alkire.

“[The Wedding‘s] transposition on a stage with human actors worked magnificently, thanks mainly to director Laurie Steven. Very clearly, she has reached the pinnacle of her art[…]Laurie has done something extraordinary by creating a hybrid corporeal performance. She has fused commedia techniques with the gestures and movements of the Indonesian shadow puppets and the result is a fascinating style of movement, which fuses the vulgar commedia with the delicate hand gestures and ways of walking and talking of those lacy refined puppet creatures. The Wedding is a must!”
—Alvina Ruprecht, CBC Radio One

“The Wedding [is] a production that combines elements of Commedia dell’Arte, Indonesian shadow puppetry and even a little martial arts into an original theatrical experience that goes from the ridiculous to the sublime[…]Rated 5 stars out of 5.”
—Denis Armstrong, The Ottawa Sun

Awards:

Capital Theatre Critics Award for Best Director – Laurie Steven

Set & Costume Designer Art Penson
Mask Design & Construction Karen Rodd
Choreographer Peter Chin
Fight Choreographer Mark Huisman
Composer & Music Director John Armstrong
Musical Collaborator & Musician Robert Graves
Lighting Designer Rebecca Miller
Prop Design & Construction Almut Ellinghaus
Stage Manager Heather Landon
Cast Alix Sideris, Pierre Simpson, Scott Maudsley, Marc Bendavid, Nathalie Baroud, Terry Judd, David Langlois, Mark Huisman, Craig Burnatowski