Rock concert. Musical. Unfairytale. WYRD has it all, without even a hint of a handsome prince. Think Alice in Wonderland or The Wizard of Oz – just add eviscerating social satire and a lot more mud.
Once upon a (pick a time in history), a woman escapes her abusive lover and finds herself in a dingy motel in the middle of nowhere. Mysteriously drawn into the woods, she wanders off the beaten path and discovers an ancient bog. There she encounters three mythical hags at their annual reunion (they’re not scary, they’re just misunderstood). Among the flatulating mushrooms, horny herons, a random game show, punk rocking crones, an egocentric King from a Shakespearean tragedy, and a visiting hag from 'down south', the woman navigates the bewildering darkness, trying to find the path home.
WYRD hilariously deconstructs everyday patriarchal norms and holds a mirror up for us to yank out our internalized misogyny and take a hearty gander at it.
Presented in association with Atomic Vaudeville.
Original Concept: Angela Drainville and Katherine McCallum
Written by: (In alphabetical order) Meg Braem, Angela Drainville, Jane Gaudet, Jenny Hamilton, Selina Heyligers-Hare, Becky Johnson, Katherine McCallum, Jacqueline McLaughlin, Melaina Sheldon, Ashley Robyn, and Britt Small
Musical Composition: Shirley Gnome, Ashley Robyn and Selina Heyligers-Hare
Directed: Britt Small
Musical direction: Ashley Robyn
Dramaturgy and Script Editing: Meg Braem
This show contains adult themes, coarse language, and references to relationship abuse/gender-based violence. Ensure that supports are in place for anyone who is triggered by these themes. Please use parental discretion when booking tickets for youth under the age of 15.
Yukon Arts Centre, Whitehorse
March 16 - 19
Klondike Institute of Arts and Culture (KIAC), Dawson City
March 31 - April 1
St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction
April 7
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WRYD: A Musical Unfairytale balances fantastical comedy and real-life horror.
"Storks copulate madly, witches cavort gladly, billionaires behave badly and a toad is crushed (sadly)." - Adrian Chamberlain, Time Colonist
WYRD wields positive message through heavy themes
"Weaving humour and wit through a tale of swamps and hags and sketchy motels, the experiences of everyone involved have been deftly spun into this musical comedy and satire, a wickedly funny show for everyone to enjoy." - Storm Blakely, Yukon News
“There are so many musical genres in this show, and I am excited to put people on the auditory roller coaster and see how loud they scream,.” - Ashley Robyn, Musical Director.
Listen to Brit Small, Director and Ashley Robyn, Musical Director talking with Elyn Jones on CBC's Yukon Morning.
Listen to Katherine McCallum, Artistic Executive Director, Erin Pettifor, "Woman", and Yasmin D'Oshun, "Lake Erie Storm Hag" talking with Patrick Vis on CKRW's Morning Mess
Artistic Executive Producer / Co-Creator / Co-Writer
Co-Creator / Co-Writer
Director / Co-Creator / Co-Writer
Musical Director / Co-Writer / Co-Composer / Ensemble
Co-Composer / Co-Writer / Musician / Ensemble
Co-Composer
Dramaturgy / Co-Writer / Story Editor
Co-Writer
Co-Writer / Stage Manager
Co-Writer
Co-Writer
Co-Writer
Lake Erie Storm Hag
* The participation of these Artists are arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance•Opera•Theatre Policy.
Louise Yellow Snatch
Black Annis
Musician / Ensemble
The Woman
Nellie Long Arms
* The participation of these Artists are arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance•Opera•Theatre Policy.
Musician / Ensemble
Production Manager / ASM
Tour Coordinator
Costume Design
Lighting Design
Set/Props Design
Set/Props Design
Set/Props Design
Co-Technical Director Lighting
Co-Technical Director Sound
Spotlight Operator
Northern Vision Development, Yukon Hotels, Sternwheeler Hotel, Manu Keggenhoff Photography, Bearbait Design, Patrick Matheson, K&K Truck Rentals, Wykes Independent Grocer, Air North, Whitehorse Motors, Budget Car Rental, Omni Productions.