By Emma Kunzelmann
Sir Oliver Mowat C.I. had its production of The Penelopiad on December 7, 8 and 9. The play is based on a Margaret Atwood novel of the same name. The show was wildly successful, averaging 180 tickets sold per night, and the cast received a standing ovation at each performance.
Many people returned to see the show multiple times. Audiences praised the cast for addressing issues such as consent, sexual assault and female empowerment in the show.
Issues such as these are very topical and at the forefront after all the allegations against media moguls such as Harvey Weinstein, Charlie Rose, Louis C.K. and countless others.
The cast, which was composed of 18 strong girls ranging from Grades 9-12, handled the script and the content with such maturity that several people said it felt like a professional production, not a high school one. I was on backstage crew as head of props, and at every rehearsal I could see the trust and the bond these girls had formed.
The Penelopiad was a very challenging show to put on technically. It combined lighting, sound and visual projections, which when put together created a visually stunning effect. Much like the cast, the crew also forms a bond when working on a production as a team. I have been a part of Theatre Mowat for four years, and I have always felt a sense of community and family with my fellow crew members.
A lot of amusing things happen when working on a stage production, and The Penelopiad had its fair share of mishaps. One of the funniest things to happen was when a set piece, the bed, splintered and broke while two people were standing on it during rehearsal. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the crew had to rush to make another one in time for the show. This is just one of the many humorous things that happened backstage.
Overall, The Penelopiad was an amazing show that broke boundaries and opened the door for conversations that need to be had. As a member of the company, I want to thank everyone who came out to support Theatre Mowat.