A combination of in-person ambulatory theatre, projection installation and a
digital streaming experience
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: TORONTO, ON (February 1, 2023)…Based on the classic short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, The Yellow Wallpaper follows the story of A Woman – played by Kate McArthur (BWT Award Best Featured Actress, The Rear Window) – who, after showing signs of depression, is subjected to the “rest cure” and pushed into forced isolation by her physician husband. Over time she becomes increasingly consumed with the sickly yellow wallpaper that covers her bedroom walls, rapidly losing her sense of self and her grasp on reality. A biting critique on the treatment of women’s mental health when it was first published in 1892, the story remains unfortunately relevant today when a staggering number of people report a mental health decline since the onset of the pandemic, and the inability to access adequate care.
Directed by Emily Dix (The Birds; BWT Award Best Direction, The Rear Window) and inspired by the negative impact that COVID-19 has had on those who already suffer from mental illness, this original production is set in the historic Campbell House Museum. Animation is provided by digital and VFX artist Steven Dirckze to enhance McArthur’s live performance which is displayed throughout the house via projection design by Media Producer Bria Cole, using projection technology graciously provided by Panasonic. The participation of Kate McArthur is arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance-Opera-Theatre Policy (DOT).
Audience members are invited to wander the house and experience the show from different perspectives as they interact with unique elements found in each room. The order in which they access the rooms, as well as the time spent with various elements will inform their experience of the play, and of The Woman’s madness. Additionally, a live-streaming experience will be available for audience members to watch from home via Zoom, a process which utilizes Blackmagic Design production, broadcasting, and livestreaming technology.
This experimental production, a marked departure from Bygone’s usual chamber dramas, is made possible through funding from the Canada Council’s Digital Now grant.
ABOUT BYGONE THEATRE
Bygone Theatre’s goal is to promote the growth and development of independent theatre in Toronto through production, education, and outreach. We produce character-driven stories that are written or set in the early to mid-twentieth century in an attempt to connect audiences to parts of our past that remain relevant and intriguing today. Through education initiatives such as classroom workshops and student matinees, we connect younger generations to pieces of history they are unlikely to encounter elsewhere, while also fostering youth interest and participation in theatre production. Outreach initiatives connect Bygone with other historically focused groups in Toronto, further strengthening our city’s cultural heritage. Bygone’s commitment to accessible theatre is shown through our use of wheelchair accessible venues; our various ticket discounts for disadvantaged, underserved and minority communities; and inclusion of artists of all skill and experience levels both on and off stage, including training positions for those who are new to a role.
THE YELLOW WALLPAPER
DATES: March 3-18, 2023 | Tues – Sat, 8pm | Sat 11 & 18, 2pm, Sun 5 & 12, 2pm
VENUE: Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen St. W., Toronto
CREATED BY: Emily Dix, Kate McArthur and Bria Cole
PRODUCED BY: Conor Fitzgerald, Emily Dix
Associate Producer Shreya Patel | Media Producer Bria Cole
ANIMATION BY: Steven Dirczke | DESIGNED BY: Emily Dix
ASSISTANT DIRECTED BY: Julia Edda Pape
ACCESSIBILITY: Please visit http://www.campbellhousemuseum.ca/accessibility
RECOMMENDED FOR: Ages 12+ | Mature Themes, Mental Illness
TICKETS: www.bygonetheatre.com/tickets | SOCIAL MEDIA: @BygoneTheatre
MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Dix | 647-343-5965 | emily@bygonetheatre.com
Bygone Theatre 