THEATRE PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 2024 | Volume 243

 

Production image

Yaga
by Kat Sandler
Touchstone Theatre
Gateway Theatre, Richmond
Oct. 24-Nov. 2
From $35
www.gatewaytheatre.com or 604-270-1812
 BUY TICKETS

Yaga: A Dark and Suspenseful Tale Comes to Gateway's Mainstage

Gateway Theatre is thrilled to present Yaga, a spine-tingling production by Touchstone Theatre, running from October 24 to November 2, 2024. Yaga is a darkly suspenseful tale that will have audiences on the edge of their seats. With its blend of mystery, folklore, and psychological drama, Yaga promises to be an unforgettable theatrical experience. Part thriller, part comedy, part nightmare fairy-tale, this witty play leads us into an unforgettable world of trickery and revenge– just in time for Halloween! 

Written by Canadian playwright Kat Sandler, Yaga is a contemporary reimagining of the infamous Slavic folk tale of Baba Yaga, the witch known for her wisdom, wickedness, and intrigue. But in Sandler's version, the lines between predator and prey, truth and myth, are cunningly blurred. In a small town where the disappearance of a young man sparks an investigation, three women are drawn into a web of secrets, lies, and dark magic. As the mystery unfolds, the audience is taken on a gripping journey where old legends meet modern crime, creating an eerie, provocative, and thought-provoking atmosphere. Yaga is not only a whodunit but also a deeper exploration of power, gender, and the narratives that shape our perceptions of morality.

 "Yaga is the perfect show for Halloween – a mix of suspense, wit, and supernatural elements that will captivate and challenge our audience," said Barbara Tomasic, Executive Artistic Director at Gateway Theatre. "Starring some of Vancouver's best actors, they deliver performances that promise chilling intensity and unexpected humor."

Yaga is brought to life under the direction of Roy Surette, known for his innovative approach to storytelling and recipient of several Jessie Awards. Jessie Award winning Genevieve Fleming and Aidan Correia reprise their roles as a small-town sheriff and private eye who collaborate to find a killer and Colleen Wheeler, multiple Jessie Award winner, returns as Katherine Yazov, the professor who's seductive intelligence and shadowy past lands her at the top of the suspect list.

The partnership between Gateway and Touchstone highlights both theatres' commitment to bringing daring, thought-provoking works to the stage and creating opportunities for artistic collaboration. YAGA was commissioned and first produced by Tarragon Theatre, Richard Rose Artistic Director, in September 2019.

Adds Tomasic, "We have long admired the work of Touchstone Theatre and are delighted to present this unique production. Yaga is a show that will resonate deeply with anyone who loves the thrill of a good mystery or the darkness of folk tales, making it an ideal experience for the Halloween season."

For additional fun, patrons can attend a Pierogi dinner on October 30th before the show to celebrate Ukrainian culture and heritage.  Gateway is partnering with Old Country Pierogi who are bringing their food truck to Gateway Theatre. Patrons can pre-order their delicious food, while we gather for an evening of conversation before the mystery unfolds onstage. Studio A Will be open as a gathering space for the evening's community dinner – and you can still join us for dinner even if you aren't staying for Yaga! Come hungry for both food and conversation and leave with a sense of belonging and community. Pre-purchase your meal today, along with your tickets to Yaga!

Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased online or by calling the Gateway Theatre box office. Performances are from October 24 to November 2 with Opening Night on Friday, October 25.

 About Gateway Theatre
Gateway Theatre is "A Stage for Richmond", providing a platform for the whole community to contribute to, and benefit from, the performing arts. It's a place where we can all learn from each other, see ourselves represented, and take pride in the rich cultural landscape that Richmond has to offer.

Gateway provides entry points for audiences and performers in three key areas: Artistic Offerings, Education, and Community Rentals. Through our Artistic Offerings, we produce a breadth of stories that tackle the ideas, values, and issues which reflect the diverse people of this city. We bring people together through shared artistic experiences that encourage dialogue and exchange. Our Education programming connects youth to the performing arts, including offering classes in acting, singing, and dancing. Where it is most transformative is beyond the stage, building confidence, self-awareness, and a sense of belonging in young people. Our Community Rentals program allows Richmond to celebrate its achievements, with thousands of people coming through our doors each year to participate in events put on by the public.  We are excited to be bringing Richmond together through the performing arts.

Performance Dates

October 24 to November 2, 2024

Venue, Address

Gateway Theatre, Mainstage, 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond BC

Performance Times

Thurs. October 24 – 7:30PM (Pay-What-You-Will Preview)
Fri. October 25 – 7:30PM (Opening Night)
Sat. October 26 – 1PM (Open Experience)
Sat. October 26 – 7:30PM
Sun. October 27 – 1PM
Tues. October 29 – 7:30PM
(2 for 1 Tickets! Use promo code YAGABOGO)
Wed. October 30 – 7:30PM (Community Dinner– 5:30 pm Add-On)
Thurs. October 31 – 7:30PM
Fri. November 1 – 7:30PM
Sat. November 2 – 1PM
(VocalEye Live Audio Description option available)
Sat. November 2 – 7:30PM

Ticket price

Starting at $35

Box Office Phone

604-270-1812

Online Info & Tickets

https://www.gatewaytheatre.com/events/yaga-2024/

 

 

 

 

 

 

get in touch with vancouverplays:

Vancouverplays: Vancouver's arts and culture website providing theatre news, previews and reviews

vancouverplays

Vancouver's arts and culture website providing theatre news, previews and reviews