Propeller PLAYS vol. 1
new play showcase
THE Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts
36 King Street W, Kitchener, ON
Come get a glimpse of the new plays currently in-development at GLA by attending PROPELLER PLAYS, our inaugural play development showcase.
Join us at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts in the Warnock MacMillan Theatre for an evening of play reading excerpts followed by a reception and a talkback with the artists.
Fri, November 1, 2024: Volume 1 | 7:00 PM
Features performed excerpts from Beyonsea and the Mothers by Teneile Warren and Catchin' Tail by Vanessa Spence. Please Note: Nov 1st is also our season launch party!
PROPELLER PLAYWRIGHTS
TENEILE WARREN (Beyonsea and the Mothers)
VANESSA SPENCE (Catchin' Tail)
Playwrights Vanessa Spence and Teneile Warren with moderator Lily Gyamfi-Kumanini during the PROPELLER talkback
Lily Gyamfi-Kumanini and Ordena Stephens-Thompson with playwright Vanessa Spence in rehearsal for "Catchin' Tail"
Workshop Director ahdri zhina mandiela in rehearsal for "Beyonsea and the Mothers"
Emerjade Simms and workshop Director ahdri zhina mandiela in rehearsal for "Beyonsea and the Mothers"
The cast of "Catchin' Tail" in rehearsal with playwright Vanessa Spence
Jajube Mandiela and Albert Williams in rehearsal for "Beyonsea and the Mothers"
Jajube Mandiela, Albert Williams, and Emerjade Simms in rehearsal for "Beyonsea and the Mothers"
Jillia Cato, Lily Gyamfi-Kumanini, and Ordena Stephens-Thompson in rehearsal for "Catchin' Tail"
Playwright Vanessa Spence and Ordena Stephens-Thompson in rehearsal for "Catchin' Tail"
Playwright Vanessa Spence in rehearsal for "Catchin' Tail"
The playwrights, workshop directors, and performers of PROPELLER: Volume 1
Works Presented
Catchin’ Tail
by VANESSA SPENCE
Catchin' Tail is a poignant play that explores the lives of four Trinidadian sisters living in Canada, navigating the complexities of their twilight years. As they gather to confront their unrealized dreams, each sister reveals her struggles with regret, ambition, and the challenges of aging. Their interactions highlight the intricacies of sisterhood, from deep-seated rivalries to heartfelt support. Through humor and heartfelt moments, Catchin' Tail addresses themes of loss, resilience, and the pursuit of fulfillment, ultimately showcasing the enduring bonds that tie them together as they seek to redefine their identities in the last chapter of their lives.
BEYONSEA AND THE MOTHERS
by TENEILE WARREN
Beyonsea and the Mothers tells the story of young Beyonsea sent to North America to join the mother she only knows through phone calls, barrels, and remittances. Simone, Beyonsea's mother is a busy immigrant working two jobs. Michael, their neighbour, fled a Jamaican community, befriends Beyonsea and eventually introduces her to his alt persona, Melody Knowles. Three Jamaicans brought together by circumstance in a place meant to give them second chances. There are demons here, but there are also brooms to sweep them away.
Artists
ahdri zhina mandiela (workshop Director, Beyonsea and the Mothers)
Jajube Mandiela (Beyonsea in Beyonsea and the Mothers)
Emerjade Simms (Simone in Beyonsea and the Mothers)
Albert Williams (Michael/Melody in Beyonsea and the Mothers)
Donna-Michelle St. Bernard (Director of Catchin' Tail). Headshot by Graham Isador.
Jillia Cato (3rd in Catchin' Tail)
Starr Domingue (4th in Catchin' Tail)
Lily Gyamfi-Kumanini (2nd in Catchin' Tail)
Ordena Stephens-Thompson (1st in Catchin' Tail)
with gratitude to our funders
Propeller Plays initiative is generously funded by the City of Waterloo Arts Fund as well as the Fred and Dora Mae Blayney Fund held by the WRCF.
