“...part thriller, part revenge play and lots of comedy.” Toronto Star
The Belfry opens the new season with Kat Sandler’s Yaga. This production is a one-of-a-kind collaboration between Indigenous and Ukrainian artists—a celebration of two unique worlds and cultures.
Victoria, BC...From September 12 - October 8, 2023, the Belfry Theatre will present Kat Sandler’s dark comedy, Yaga. Directed by Jani Lauzon, Yaga stars Tracey Nepinak (Yaga and others), Anastasiia Ziurkalova (Detective Carson and others), and Nicholas Nahwegahbow (Rapp and Henry).
“Sandler has triumphantly reclaimed the evil-woman myth. Move over, Wicked and Maleficent, and welcome Yaga to the sisterhood.”
THE GLOBE AND MAIL
A gruesome murder in a small town leads a female sheriff, a cocky young detective, and a university professor with a taste for younger men, into a labyrinth of secret lives, ancient magic, and multiple suspects.
The exceptional Kat Sandler uses the Slavic folktale of Baba Yaga, the witch who lives in a magical hut that sits on chicken legs, as a launching pad for an exploration of female power in its many forms – wisdom, rage, motherhood, and sex.
Yaga races along and draws you into a world where nothing is quite what it seems.
“A dark and devious comedy…her plot is a cunning labyrinth...”
THE GLOBE & MAIL
.jpg "Anastasiia Ziurkalova")
.jpg "Jani Lauzon - Director")
Nicholas Nahwegahbow (Rapp) and Anastasiia Ziurkalova (Detective Carson) in Yaga by Kat Sandler / Photo by David Cooper / Stephanie Bahniuk – Set Designer / Jeff Chief – Costume Designer / Ksenia Broda-Milian – Lighting Designer
Tracey Nepinak (Yaga) in Yaga by Kat Sandler / Photo by David Cooper / Stephanie Bahniuk – Set Designer / Jeff Chief – Costume Designer / Ksenia Broda-Milian – Lighting DesignerWhy I Chose This Play
I love Kat Sandler’s writing—she is a playwright of fierce intelligence and wicked humour. In her hands, the cannibalistic Yaga is incredibly good company—wry, self-aware, and very funny. Yaga the play is a comedy, a mystery, and a celebration of women—the mothers, the lovers, and the jokers. It’s a dazzling theatrical treat. Michael Shamata
Creative Team
Kat Sandler - Playwright
Jani Lauzon - Director
Stephanie Bahniuk - Set Designer
Jeff Chief - Costume Designer
Ksenia Broda-Milian - Lighting Designer
Wayne Kelso - Sound Designer & Composer
Bradley Dunn - Stage Manager
Grace Carmichael - Apprentice Stage Manager
Treena Stubel - Intimacy Director
Simon Fon - Fight Director
Adrienne Smook - Dialect Coach
Diana Budiachenko - Cultural Advisor and Directing Intern
Audience Engagement Events
B4PLAY (In-person + Online)
Saturday, September 9 at 11 am
BMO Studio, 1291 Gladstone Avenue
Our live talk show hosted by CBC Radio’s Gregor Craigie and featuring artists from the upcoming show, along with experts from the community, has been designed to provide insight into each Mainstage production.
Panelists include members of the cast and creative team of Yaga and community experts Megan Swift (Professor of Russian Studies at the University of Victoria), and Nicole Mandrik (A multidisciplinary artist of Anishinaabe Irish and Ukrainian descent).
Each event is held the Saturday before Opening, is free to attend, live-streamed on Facebook, and is available as a podcast on our website.
B4Play is ASL Interpreted.
To reserve your free tickets, please call our Box Office at 250-385-6815
TALKBACK THURSDAY
Thursday, September 28 following the performance.
On the third Thursday performance during the run of each show, most (usually all) of the actors return to the stage to answer your questions and provide insight into the play you have just experienced. These Q & A sessions last approximately 20 minutes.
VOCALEYE - Yaga
Sunday, October 1 at 2 pm (in-person event with Touch Tour & Social After)
For patrons with low or no vision, we offer one VocalEye performance during most Mainstage productions. Trained Audio Describers provide descriptions of the visual elements of the show, allowing people with low vision to enjoy the theatrical experience without missing any of the details. More information at the Box Office.
Ticket Information
We are offering Pay What You Want tickets for all performances this season. Tickets are available at 250-385-6815 or online at tickets.belfry.bc.ca.
Show Sponsors
Yaga is generously sponsored by Odlum Brown and Used.ca.
Season Sponsors
The Belfry is generously supported by The Times Colonist, Helijet, and Splashes Bath & Kitchen.
Public Funders
The Belfry is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, the Province of BC, BC Arts Council, CRD Arts Development, and the City of Victoria.
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Mark Dusseault