Soulpepper Theatre proudly presents the world premiere of WILDWOMAN, a viciously bold and sexy comedy based on the shocking true story that inspired Beauty and the Beast. Written and directed by Kat Sandler, WILDWOMAN features Rosemary Dunsmore, Dan Mousseau, Rose Napoli, Tony Ofori and Gabriella Sundar Singh, and runs from October 5 to 29, 2023 at the Baillie Theatre, Young Centre for the Performing Arts.

WILDWOMAN asks what happens when we break from expectations and let the monster out. Named one of the Top Theatre Productions of the Fall by the Toronto Star, the piece features awe-inspiring set design by Nick Blais and stunningly elaborate costume design by Michelle Tracey.

An exploration of cyclical notions of gender, class and power, WILDWOMAN examines the lives of three very different 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, as she struggles to give the kingdom what it needs most: an heir. But it’s Pete, the King’s pet wildman, a caged-oddity kept for amusement, who has the most surprising impact on their lives.

“When building out the lineup for our Six Women Writing Commissioning Program we had to invite Kat Sandler. Her fierce and funny writing always takes me on a thrilling ride where I laugh, reflect, and hold onto my seat!

In WILDWOMAN she takes the historical source material which inspired Beauty and the Beast and sees it through a new perspective that asks us to consider how we became who we are, and who controls our narratives." Weyni Mengesha, Soulpepper Artistic Director

WILDWOMAN is part of the Her Words Festival, a festival of new works and works-in-progress from Canada's most exciting female playwrights and emerging voices, as well as candid community conversations with industry leaders. In addition to three eclectic and electric mainstage productions - WILDWOMAN, The Guide to Being Fabulous by trans icon Sandra Caldwell, and Sympathy for the Devil by Raha Javanfar - Her Words will feature exciting ancillary programming with notable creators such as Falen Johnson and Meredith MacNeil. Her Words is supported by Soulpepper Women Centre Stage. It is also an initiative within Soulpepper’s New Play Development program which is supported by BMO Financial Group and Kevin and Roger Garland.

“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. It’s been incredible to be surrounded and supported by the other bold and brilliant female artists of 'Her Words' and Soulpepper 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,” says Sandler.

Kat Sandler is a playwright, director, and screenwriter. She has staged nineteen of her original plays in the last eight years. Her plays Mustard and BANG BANG won the Dora Mavor Moore Awards for Best New Play. Kat has also written and directed multiple podcasts such as The Artists (Factory Theatre), Blue Rare (PlayMe/CBC), and How to Build A Fire (Koffler Centre for the Arts; winner of the 2018 Best Fiction Podcast at the Austin Film Festival).

WILDWOMAN

When: October 5 to 29, 2023 at 7:30pm (Mondays are dark). Weekend and Wednesday matinees at 1:30 pm and Pay What You Choose Tuesdays

Previews: October 5 to 11, 2023 at 7:30pm

Opening Night: October 12, 2023 at 7:30pm

Where: Baillie Theatre, Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane

Approx. Runtime: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including 20-minute intermission)

Price: Tickets range from $25.00 to $65.00

To purchase tickets: www.soulpepper.ca.