Our Team For FIX:
Leslie Stark:
Producer/Visionary
(Eidola, ESUM, Perepeteia, Embryonic, FIX)
(Leslie Stark, founder of the Elegant Ladies Collective, is a playwright, poet, performer, dancer, mother, high school teacher, and small business owner/hoopmaker (Serenity Hoops). She has a BA in Drama (U of Manitoba) and an MFA in Creative Writing (UBC), as well as a BEd (UBC). Her thesis play, "Joint", was featured at the 2012 Vancouver Fringe Festival. She created The Elegant Ladies Collective in 2014 for the project "Eidola" and continued the work with 2015's "ESUM", 2016's "Peripeteia", and 2017's "Embryonic". She is thrilled to have such an amazing team of artists working with her on this year's project, "FIX". This is her fifth year guiding the Elegant Ladies in interactive, site-specific, experimental performance art at the Vancouver Fringe Festival.
Producer/Visionary
(Eidola, ESUM, Perepeteia, Embryonic, FIX)
(Leslie Stark, founder of the Elegant Ladies Collective, is a playwright, poet, performer, dancer, mother, high school teacher, and small business owner/hoopmaker (Serenity Hoops). She has a BA in Drama (U of Manitoba) and an MFA in Creative Writing (UBC), as well as a BEd (UBC). Her thesis play, "Joint", was featured at the 2012 Vancouver Fringe Festival. She created The Elegant Ladies Collective in 2014 for the project "Eidola" and continued the work with 2015's "ESUM", 2016's "Peripeteia", and 2017's "Embryonic". She is thrilled to have such an amazing team of artists working with her on this year's project, "FIX". This is her fifth year guiding the Elegant Ladies in interactive, site-specific, experimental performance art at the Vancouver Fringe Festival.
K. Lani:
Temptation (FIX)
Dancer (Embryonic)
Crossroads Guide (Peripeteia)
Costumer (ESUM)
K.Lani is an interdisciplinary artist and has been a student of the movement arts her whole life. She danced her way from solo ballet, jazz and contemporary to partner blues, swing and fusion. Also dabbling in everything from gymnastics, stilt-walking and fire spinning along the way. Add to the movement mix, some theatre and a love of costuming to get a performer who’s ready at the drop of a hat. She started organizing blues & fusion dance events in Vancouver in 2010 and now is excitedly teaching as well. K.Lani's goal is to help connect people to their bodies; and their bodies to the environment, the moment and each other through body awareness and movement. Dance your art!
Temptation (FIX)
Dancer (Embryonic)
Crossroads Guide (Peripeteia)
Costumer (ESUM)
K.Lani is an interdisciplinary artist and has been a student of the movement arts her whole life. She danced her way from solo ballet, jazz and contemporary to partner blues, swing and fusion. Also dabbling in everything from gymnastics, stilt-walking and fire spinning along the way. Add to the movement mix, some theatre and a love of costuming to get a performer who’s ready at the drop of a hat. She started organizing blues & fusion dance events in Vancouver in 2010 and now is excitedly teaching as well. K.Lani's goal is to help connect people to their bodies; and their bodies to the environment, the moment and each other through body awareness and movement. Dance your art!
Chloë Arduini:
Performer (FIX)
Muse (ESUM)
Fairy/Witch (Eidola)
Chloë is a graduate of Burnsview Secondary. She is thrilled to be back for her third fringe show with the Elegant Ladies Collective after a two year hiatus while studying at BCIT. She has been involved in several school productions including "The Comedy of Errors" (Luciana), "As You Like It" (Rosalind), and "Legally Blonde the Musical" (Elle Woods). For the past three years, Chloë has been involved in Burnsview's slam poetry club and is a three time competitor in the Hullaballoo youth poetry Festival. She is a member of Kwantlen's slam team, competing in Saskatoon at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word. She is also a passionate and hardcore ukulele player as well as an aspiring special effects makeup artist. Chloë hopes to continue participating in the Fringe for years to come as it has been a wonderful and inspiring experience!
Performer (FIX)
Muse (ESUM)
Fairy/Witch (Eidola)
Chloë is a graduate of Burnsview Secondary. She is thrilled to be back for her third fringe show with the Elegant Ladies Collective after a two year hiatus while studying at BCIT. She has been involved in several school productions including "The Comedy of Errors" (Luciana), "As You Like It" (Rosalind), and "Legally Blonde the Musical" (Elle Woods). For the past three years, Chloë has been involved in Burnsview's slam poetry club and is a three time competitor in the Hullaballoo youth poetry Festival. She is a member of Kwantlen's slam team, competing in Saskatoon at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word. She is also a passionate and hardcore ukulele player as well as an aspiring special effects makeup artist. Chloë hopes to continue participating in the Fringe for years to come as it has been a wonderful and inspiring experience!
Lilija Valis:
Performer (FIX)
Poet (Perepeteia)
is the author of a book of poetry, Freedom on the Fault Line. Her poetry has been published in eight anthologies and various magazines. She has two CDs out, one solo and the other with two musicians. The group performs at various poetry, musical and philosophical events in the Greater Vancouver area. She has also performed in Bellingham, Washington and, as one of the Artists Embassy International poetry winners, at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. in 2017.
Performer (FIX)
Poet (Perepeteia)
is the author of a book of poetry, Freedom on the Fault Line. Her poetry has been published in eight anthologies and various magazines. She has two CDs out, one solo and the other with two musicians. The group performs at various poetry, musical and philosophical events in the Greater Vancouver area. She has also performed in Bellingham, Washington and, as one of the Artists Embassy International poetry winners, at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. in 2017.
Sofia Waqar
Performer (FIX)
Poet (Perepeteia)
is a young slam poet who is excited to be returning with The Elegant Ladies Collective for her second Fringe show! She was previously a part of “Peripeteia” in 2016. Sofia has been in the slam poetry community for five years, starting as part of a highschool that competed at Hullabuloo in 2014, to being her university’s representative at the Canadian Independent Poetry Slam Championship, both events in the Verses Festival of Spoken Word. She is currently working in the fashion industry while completing her business degree, and dreams of becoming a lawyer, to be a voice for those who can’t always speak for theirselves.
Performer (FIX)
Poet (Perepeteia)
is a young slam poet who is excited to be returning with The Elegant Ladies Collective for her second Fringe show! She was previously a part of “Peripeteia” in 2016. Sofia has been in the slam poetry community for five years, starting as part of a highschool that competed at Hullabuloo in 2014, to being her university’s representative at the Canadian Independent Poetry Slam Championship, both events in the Verses Festival of Spoken Word. She is currently working in the fashion industry while completing her business degree, and dreams of becoming a lawyer, to be a voice for those who can’t always speak for theirselves.
Mercedes Deutscher:
Performer (FIX)
is thrilled to be making her first appearance with The Elegant Ladies Collective. Deutscher is a writer and performer extraordinaire. She is also an amateur tap dancer, with FIX being her second tap performance after a year of training with the Vancouver Tap Dance Society.
Deutscher has worked with Mockingbird Media Entertainment since 2016, which has involved her both performing and working behind the scenes for the groups flagship “Walkoff” show, along with writing for “Content Warning: Erotic Fanfiction Deathmatch.”
Deutscher is an alumni of the Arts Club’s LEAP Playwriting Intensive program (2012-2014.) She graduated Burnsview Secondary in 2014 with a Senior Drama Award after performing in numerous productions (notably “Legally Blonde: The Musical” and “The Comedy of Errors”,) and writing and directing three one-act plays. She was also part of the school’s inaugural and third Hullaballo Slam Poetry teams.
Performer (FIX)
is thrilled to be making her first appearance with The Elegant Ladies Collective. Deutscher is a writer and performer extraordinaire. She is also an amateur tap dancer, with FIX being her second tap performance after a year of training with the Vancouver Tap Dance Society.
Deutscher has worked with Mockingbird Media Entertainment since 2016, which has involved her both performing and working behind the scenes for the groups flagship “Walkoff” show, along with writing for “Content Warning: Erotic Fanfiction Deathmatch.”
Deutscher is an alumni of the Arts Club’s LEAP Playwriting Intensive program (2012-2014.) She graduated Burnsview Secondary in 2014 with a Senior Drama Award after performing in numerous productions (notably “Legally Blonde: The Musical” and “The Comedy of Errors”,) and writing and directing three one-act plays. She was also part of the school’s inaugural and third Hullaballo Slam Poetry teams.
Henry Kim Wong, Wong Kwok Jong:
Dancer (FIX)
Clown (Embryonic)
from Jung Kwok, Gwong Dong, Sun Woi, Sek Yuen born on Ts'msyen territory and grew up on Haida Gwaii. I am on a journey of return to the source seeking stillness employing: movement, sound, sight and emotion drawing on: Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism and First Nations traditions. I studied sciences at Simon Fraser University. I have volunteered with: Burnaby Hospice - one on one support, BC Cancer Agency - Relaxation Program, Taoist Tai Chi Society - instructor, New Works - workshop volunteer, Kokoro Dance - at performances, and the Vancouver International Dance Festival - board member for 6 years and have secured a employee grant of $1000 from BMO Bank of Montreal for the Festival. I have performed in over a dozen professional presentations including work with my teachers Barbara Bourget and Jay Hirabayashi of Kokoro Dance and Karen Jamieson of Karen Jamieson Dance. I also performed with Foolish Operations - Julie Label, Mascall Dance, Kate Franklin, The Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada, New (to) Town Collective - Theatre, Poetics - Nature Theatre of Oklahoma, Ben Brown - musician, Fanny Starchild - clown and the Carnival Band. I recently completed "Baby Clown" wth David MacMurray Smith.
Dancer (FIX)
Clown (Embryonic)
from Jung Kwok, Gwong Dong, Sun Woi, Sek Yuen born on Ts'msyen territory and grew up on Haida Gwaii. I am on a journey of return to the source seeking stillness employing: movement, sound, sight and emotion drawing on: Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism and First Nations traditions. I studied sciences at Simon Fraser University. I have volunteered with: Burnaby Hospice - one on one support, BC Cancer Agency - Relaxation Program, Taoist Tai Chi Society - instructor, New Works - workshop volunteer, Kokoro Dance - at performances, and the Vancouver International Dance Festival - board member for 6 years and have secured a employee grant of $1000 from BMO Bank of Montreal for the Festival. I have performed in over a dozen professional presentations including work with my teachers Barbara Bourget and Jay Hirabayashi of Kokoro Dance and Karen Jamieson of Karen Jamieson Dance. I also performed with Foolish Operations - Julie Label, Mascall Dance, Kate Franklin, The Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada, New (to) Town Collective - Theatre, Poetics - Nature Theatre of Oklahoma, Ben Brown - musician, Fanny Starchild - clown and the Carnival Band. I recently completed "Baby Clown" wth David MacMurray Smith.
Griffin Tedeschini:
Performer (FIX)
is a writer of poetry, spoken word, and short fiction. In 2015, they were on the Calgary Slam Poetry Team that participated in the national spoken word festival. The past three years have been an exploration of both the Calgary and Vancouver poetry scenes, and most recently the Vancouver Story Slam where they were a 2017 Championship Finalist. Griffin has been a featured poet at events in Calgary, and has participated locally in the Verses festival. They were a feature poet on Vancouver Co-Op Radio’s Wax Poetic, as well as a feature storyteller in their series Terminal City Tales.
Griffin climbs the stage to liberate the words that have always lived inside of them, oral explorations of love, loss, identity, and transcendence. They explore moments of intimacy and vulnerability, perseverance and triumph, woven with poetry and passion.
Performer (FIX)
is a writer of poetry, spoken word, and short fiction. In 2015, they were on the Calgary Slam Poetry Team that participated in the national spoken word festival. The past three years have been an exploration of both the Calgary and Vancouver poetry scenes, and most recently the Vancouver Story Slam where they were a 2017 Championship Finalist. Griffin has been a featured poet at events in Calgary, and has participated locally in the Verses festival. They were a feature poet on Vancouver Co-Op Radio’s Wax Poetic, as well as a feature storyteller in their series Terminal City Tales.
Griffin climbs the stage to liberate the words that have always lived inside of them, oral explorations of love, loss, identity, and transcendence. They explore moments of intimacy and vulnerability, perseverance and triumph, woven with poetry and passion.
Glenna Wong:
Dancer (FIX)
Artist (Embryonic)
Dancer (Peripeteia)
believes we all have a creative side that is just waiting to be unleashed. She had worked in recreation for many years and was involved in community art projects that encouraged the community to participate in performing and visual art projects. Glenna is also a passionate community dancer and supporter of the Fringe.
Dancer (FIX)
Artist (Embryonic)
Dancer (Peripeteia)
believes we all have a creative side that is just waiting to be unleashed. She had worked in recreation for many years and was involved in community art projects that encouraged the community to participate in performing and visual art projects. Glenna is also a passionate community dancer and supporter of the Fringe.
Linda Lawson:
Performer (FIX)
is a storyteller, writer, performance-art dancer, and comic. She hit the stage young (at 4) and won her first storytelling competition by age 9. After getting her BFA in theatre, she began acting and doing stand-up comedy professionally, then earned her living as a freelance writer and humorist, penning comedy, scripts for Beachcombers, multiple articles, etc. She was then disabled for 20 years. Reborn after quitting 5 prescriptions, she has gone back to everything she ever loved, including writing her first one-woman show, Benzo Oz: A Comedic Drug Withdrawal Romance she hopes to perform in next year's Fringe Festival.
Performer (FIX)
is a storyteller, writer, performance-art dancer, and comic. She hit the stage young (at 4) and won her first storytelling competition by age 9. After getting her BFA in theatre, she began acting and doing stand-up comedy professionally, then earned her living as a freelance writer and humorist, penning comedy, scripts for Beachcombers, multiple articles, etc. She was then disabled for 20 years. Reborn after quitting 5 prescriptions, she has gone back to everything she ever loved, including writing her first one-woman show, Benzo Oz: A Comedic Drug Withdrawal Romance she hopes to perform in next year's Fringe Festival.
Ainslie Glass
Performer (FIX)
Poet.
Badass.
Performer (FIX)
Poet.
Badass.
Courtney Belgiorgio:
Dancer (FIX)
is a contemporary dancer and avid nature lover. Currently a member of the Polymer Dance troupe she has been an active member of Vancouver Community dance since 2016. When she isn't dancing you can find Courtney scrapbooking, making handmade cards, hiking, at the beach or at her job where she works in environmental education.
Dancer (FIX)
is a contemporary dancer and avid nature lover. Currently a member of the Polymer Dance troupe she has been an active member of Vancouver Community dance since 2016. When she isn't dancing you can find Courtney scrapbooking, making handmade cards, hiking, at the beach or at her job where she works in environmental education.
Patricia L. Morris
Dancer (FIX)
lives in the Downtown Eastside. Her writing takes readers on a stroll through the real and imagined Vancouver streets filled with wonderful and challenged humans. A walking tour is not everyone's idea of fun, but it is Patricia's, for the way it shows how imagination and landscape combine to become art. Art like coffee fixes everything.
Dancer (FIX)
lives in the Downtown Eastside. Her writing takes readers on a stroll through the real and imagined Vancouver streets filled with wonderful and challenged humans. A walking tour is not everyone's idea of fun, but it is Patricia's, for the way it shows how imagination and landscape combine to become art. Art like coffee fixes everything.
Julie Martz
Dancer (FIX)
has enjoyed many years as a community dancer, most recently with Polymer Dance,.
On the side, she is a health care professional. In that role she has had many encounters with addiction.
She feels privileged to participate in this performance and join the Fringe family.
Dancer (FIX)
has enjoyed many years as a community dancer, most recently with Polymer Dance,.
On the side, she is a health care professional. In that role she has had many encounters with addiction.
She feels privileged to participate in this performance and join the Fringe family.
Previous collaborators: Embryonic
Laurie-Ann Goodwin:
Storyteller (Embryonic)
Poet (Peripeteia)
has been at the helm of initiatives in theatre, music and film, and has strong and eclectic experience in project management and arts advocacy. She's the daughter of a drama teacher and excited to "make" some magic with you in this show!
Storyteller (Embryonic)
Poet (Peripeteia)
has been at the helm of initiatives in theatre, music and film, and has strong and eclectic experience in project management and arts advocacy. She's the daughter of a drama teacher and excited to "make" some magic with you in this show!
Chilko Tivy:
Actor (Embryonic)
Juliet (Eidola)
is born and raised in Vancouver, and studied acting at the National Theatre School in Montreal. Recent roles include Isobel in Lion in the Streets, and Sarah in Harold Pinter's The Lover; she played the fallen Queen of the Universe in her original one woman musical called "Gravity: A Tragedy" which debuted at the Montreal Fringe this summer.
Actor (Embryonic)
Juliet (Eidola)
is born and raised in Vancouver, and studied acting at the National Theatre School in Montreal. Recent roles include Isobel in Lion in the Streets, and Sarah in Harold Pinter's The Lover; she played the fallen Queen of the Universe in her original one woman musical called "Gravity: A Tragedy" which debuted at the Montreal Fringe this summer.
Eddie Lam:
Musician (Embryonic)
is a local multi-instrumentalist with one of the most versatile musical tastes and abilities. Most notably known for being one of the founders of live karaoke experience "Rockaoke Live" and frontman for local Asian rock band "Cry of Silence", Eddie enjoys engaging with the audience and entertaining them with a positive attitude and a sense of humour. On February 2017, Eddie won a Whammy Award, being the first Chinese Canadian to receive this achievement.
Musician (Embryonic)
is a local multi-instrumentalist with one of the most versatile musical tastes and abilities. Most notably known for being one of the founders of live karaoke experience "Rockaoke Live" and frontman for local Asian rock band "Cry of Silence", Eddie enjoys engaging with the audience and entertaining them with a positive attitude and a sense of humour. On February 2017, Eddie won a Whammy Award, being the first Chinese Canadian to receive this achievement.
Chronfused: (Julie B)
Poet (Embryonic)
is a poet, vocal looper, performance artist and, odd ball of the highest caliber. Having grown up in community theatre, improv classes and in hazy jam rooms of the far north her natural inclination is to play with the inspiration of those around her. This has taken her from private events, to cabarets and festivals around western Canada, most notably “Astral Harvest festival" "vancouver pride" and “The parade of lost souls” though no matter where it materializes, a Chronfused experience is always as silly as it is stirring.
Poet (Embryonic)
is a poet, vocal looper, performance artist and, odd ball of the highest caliber. Having grown up in community theatre, improv classes and in hazy jam rooms of the far north her natural inclination is to play with the inspiration of those around her. This has taken her from private events, to cabarets and festivals around western Canada, most notably “Astral Harvest festival" "vancouver pride" and “The parade of lost souls” though no matter where it materializes, a Chronfused experience is always as silly as it is stirring.
Abigail Feresten:
Clown (Embryonic)
is a PhD student at SFU, studying neuroscience. They have been opportunistically clowning and miming since 2008 and performing slam poetry at varying levels of professionalism since 2011. This is their first Fringe Festival show. They would like to thank their partners and friends for the continued unconditional support that facilitates such perfectly impulsive acts of creation.
Clown (Embryonic)
is a PhD student at SFU, studying neuroscience. They have been opportunistically clowning and miming since 2008 and performing slam poetry at varying levels of professionalism since 2011. This is their first Fringe Festival show. They would like to thank their partners and friends for the continued unconditional support that facilitates such perfectly impulsive acts of creation.
Silvi Wool:
Weaver (Embryonic)
is a local queer femme who has engaged in many creative pursuits over the years including theatre production, burlesque, puppetry, writing, choral music and many many different kinds of crafts. She is currently part of Polymer Dance, a contemporary dance collective, and Leelo, a female vocal ensemble that sings mostly a capella Estonian folk music. Textiles have always held a special place in her heart and she is a long time knitter who has begun to learn about weaving and spinning yarn as well. She works with textiles in her professional life, helping people who want to get their design printed or sewn into fabric products. She is a huge fan of the Vancouver Fringe Festival and is thrilled to be here!
Weaver (Embryonic)
is a local queer femme who has engaged in many creative pursuits over the years including theatre production, burlesque, puppetry, writing, choral music and many many different kinds of crafts. She is currently part of Polymer Dance, a contemporary dance collective, and Leelo, a female vocal ensemble that sings mostly a capella Estonian folk music. Textiles have always held a special place in her heart and she is a long time knitter who has begun to learn about weaving and spinning yarn as well. She works with textiles in her professional life, helping people who want to get their design printed or sewn into fabric products. She is a huge fan of the Vancouver Fringe Festival and is thrilled to be here!
Previous collaborators: Peripetiea
Leah Ringwald:
Guide (Peripeteia)
Musician (ESUM)
Fairy/Witch (Eidola)
Leah is thrilled to work again this year with the Elegant Ladies Collective, playing a Fairy two years ago "Eidola" and returning to inspire us last year with her musicianship in ESUM. She is returning to Fringe for yet another on-site show following the 2013 My Hole Life (Nu-Bon Works). Leah recently performed in "Company" at the Jericho Arts Centre, and was previously seen as crying bride Judy in There Goes the Bride (Metro Theatre), Logainne in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Broadway Edge/Nu-Bon Works), and Fairy Soap in Mother Goose (Metro Theatre). Leah also performed in 2011's Aim Chai, a Toronto-based musical theatre revue which raised $30,000 for charity, and a project she will always remember fondly. Looking forward to raising more money for worthy charities -- thank you for supporting The Elegant Ladies Collective!
Guide (Peripeteia)
Musician (ESUM)
Fairy/Witch (Eidola)
Leah is thrilled to work again this year with the Elegant Ladies Collective, playing a Fairy two years ago "Eidola" and returning to inspire us last year with her musicianship in ESUM. She is returning to Fringe for yet another on-site show following the 2013 My Hole Life (Nu-Bon Works). Leah recently performed in "Company" at the Jericho Arts Centre, and was previously seen as crying bride Judy in There Goes the Bride (Metro Theatre), Logainne in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Broadway Edge/Nu-Bon Works), and Fairy Soap in Mother Goose (Metro Theatre). Leah also performed in 2011's Aim Chai, a Toronto-based musical theatre revue which raised $30,000 for charity, and a project she will always remember fondly. Looking forward to raising more money for worthy charities -- thank you for supporting The Elegant Ladies Collective!
Alexa Carriere:
Actor (Perepeteia)
(BFA, RYT200,) is thrilled to be a part of Peripeteia! After moving back to Vancouver from the island, Alexa has taken the last year off from theatre to focus on accruing other skills. At this turning point in her own life, Peripeteia is the perfect project to reintegrate in the Vancouver theatre scene. Past credits include Hedda Gabler, Savage in Limbo, and the Victoria Fringe Festival in 2015 with workingclasstheatre; as well as Comedy of Errors, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Romeo & Juliet with The Greater Victoria Shakespeare Society.
Actor (Perepeteia)
(BFA, RYT200,) is thrilled to be a part of Peripeteia! After moving back to Vancouver from the island, Alexa has taken the last year off from theatre to focus on accruing other skills. At this turning point in her own life, Peripeteia is the perfect project to reintegrate in the Vancouver theatre scene. Past credits include Hedda Gabler, Savage in Limbo, and the Victoria Fringe Festival in 2015 with workingclasstheatre; as well as Comedy of Errors, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Romeo & Juliet with The Greater Victoria Shakespeare Society.
Sho Ray Wiley:
Poet (Perepeteia)
is a spoken word performer. The Poet Laureate of New Westminster, Candice James, said, Sho “draws deeply from the pool of human emotions…passion and grief…profound, clear and cutting edge.”
Turning points in her life that she remembers well are the birth of her first child, being offered the first job she actually wanted, and the first time she led a Celebration of Life memorial service.
Poet (Perepeteia)
is a spoken word performer. The Poet Laureate of New Westminster, Candice James, said, Sho “draws deeply from the pool of human emotions…passion and grief…profound, clear and cutting edge.”
Turning points in her life that she remembers well are the birth of her first child, being offered the first job she actually wanted, and the first time she led a Celebration of Life memorial service.
Sonya Littlejohn:
Poet (Perepeteia)
is a Vancouver based poet and language arts facilitator. She discovered a passion for multiple forms of performative artistic expression early in life. Her spoken word expression began as a sacrificial poet for semi-finals at CFSW 2008 (Calgary). Andrea Thompson published Sonya’s second poem “Grey: a Biracial Poem” in Other Tongues: Mixed Race Women Speak Out an anthology of poetry about cultural identity, by Inanna Press in 2010. Sonya went on to self-publish a chapbook of her poems in 2011, on the same day that she learned of her best friend’s suicide. She works with the Vancouver Poetry House’s Word Play Poetry in Schools and is inspired sharing ideas with younger generations. This year, Sonya released a spoken word album about the apocalypse, called “Lemonade in January,” which is available for download on Bandcamp.
Poet (Perepeteia)
is a Vancouver based poet and language arts facilitator. She discovered a passion for multiple forms of performative artistic expression early in life. Her spoken word expression began as a sacrificial poet for semi-finals at CFSW 2008 (Calgary). Andrea Thompson published Sonya’s second poem “Grey: a Biracial Poem” in Other Tongues: Mixed Race Women Speak Out an anthology of poetry about cultural identity, by Inanna Press in 2010. Sonya went on to self-publish a chapbook of her poems in 2011, on the same day that she learned of her best friend’s suicide. She works with the Vancouver Poetry House’s Word Play Poetry in Schools and is inspired sharing ideas with younger generations. This year, Sonya released a spoken word album about the apocalypse, called “Lemonade in January,” which is available for download on Bandcamp.
Miriam Esquitín:
Dancer (Perepeteia)
is a contemporary dance artist, teacher and leader who has danced in Mexico, France, Edmonton and now Vancouver. Since 2012, she co-leads Polymer Dance, a community-based dance troupe (polymerdance.com). She is a Certified Contemporary Dance Teacher and also holds an MA in Social Anthropology.
Dancer (Perepeteia)
is a contemporary dance artist, teacher and leader who has danced in Mexico, France, Edmonton and now Vancouver. Since 2012, she co-leads Polymer Dance, a community-based dance troupe (polymerdance.com). She is a Certified Contemporary Dance Teacher and also holds an MA in Social Anthropology.
Meara Lay:
Poet (Perepeteia)
is 16 years old and has been a part of many productions. Some include school musicals, Shakespeare productions and traditional English Pantos.
She was also the youngest member of her schools slam poetry team which placed 3rd at Hullabaloo 2016. One of the things she's proudest of is the fact that she has a short story published in an anthology.
Poet (Perepeteia)
is 16 years old and has been a part of many productions. Some include school musicals, Shakespeare productions and traditional English Pantos.
She was also the youngest member of her schools slam poetry team which placed 3rd at Hullabaloo 2016. One of the things she's proudest of is the fact that she has a short story published in an anthology.
Samantha Beaudoin:
Singer (Perepeteia)
Is a third year psychology student at Douglas college who is working hard to become a grief counsellor.
She loves cats, art, games, people, cartoons, and books.
Singer (Perepeteia)
Is a third year psychology student at Douglas college who is working hard to become a grief counsellor.
She loves cats, art, games, people, cartoons, and books.
Kristen Frier:
Poet (Perepeteia)
is a slam poet, art student at KPU, and bassist of up and coming band "The Kevins" www.thekevinsbc.ca. She is excited to be a part of one of the few plays in Fringe this year that sends all proceeds to local charities. The Elegant Ladies Collective has been welcoming and wonderful to her, for that - and for Leslie Stark, her slam coach/ high school drama teacher - she is truly grateful.
Poet (Perepeteia)
is a slam poet, art student at KPU, and bassist of up and coming band "The Kevins" www.thekevinsbc.ca. She is excited to be a part of one of the few plays in Fringe this year that sends all proceeds to local charities. The Elegant Ladies Collective has been welcoming and wonderful to her, for that - and for Leslie Stark, her slam coach/ high school drama teacher - she is truly grateful.
Katrina Goh
Opera Singer (Perepeteia)
is a young soprano whose love for music began before she could speak. Her stage debut was at the age of two (an impromptu performance of The Itsy Bitsy Spider). Since then, Katrina has been gracing stages throughout the Lower Mainland developing great presence and effortless comfort in such operatic roles as Serpina (La Serva Padrona), Hanna (Die lustige Witwe), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro), among others.
Opera Singer (Perepeteia)
is a young soprano whose love for music began before she could speak. Her stage debut was at the age of two (an impromptu performance of The Itsy Bitsy Spider). Since then, Katrina has been gracing stages throughout the Lower Mainland developing great presence and effortless comfort in such operatic roles as Serpina (La Serva Padrona), Hanna (Die lustige Witwe), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro), among others.
Dave McKenzie
Musician (Perepeteia)
has been playing guitar for most of his life and has developed his own style and voice through his instrument. He also is a photographer who specializes in capturing the beauty in the details of small things. Leslie's partner in life and art, he is thrilled to be a part of this year's show as a performer, heart maker, photographer, and doer of all the things that need to get done (including picking up tea, feeding and watering the producer, and ensuring the producer's heart is never left hanging). He was a recreation programmer for 34 years but is now enjoying the quiet life, making great hoops for Serenity Hoops.
Musician (Perepeteia)
has been playing guitar for most of his life and has developed his own style and voice through his instrument. He also is a photographer who specializes in capturing the beauty in the details of small things. Leslie's partner in life and art, he is thrilled to be a part of this year's show as a performer, heart maker, photographer, and doer of all the things that need to get done (including picking up tea, feeding and watering the producer, and ensuring the producer's heart is never left hanging). He was a recreation programmer for 34 years but is now enjoying the quiet life, making great hoops for Serenity Hoops.
Enrico Renz:
Musician (Perepeteia)
is a poet, singer/songwriter and teacher. He is the lead singer and writer with the brilliant Vancouver art rock band, Red Herring. He does solo and ensemble shows and plays regularly with country singer/songwriter Patsy Thompson. He currently plays with the Glenn Chatten Band. He has featured at Poetic Justice, Renaissance Books, Surrey Muse, The Act, Taking Turns, Joyfest, World Poetry Reading Series and Wax Poetic. He co-hosts the Royal City Literary Arts Society Songwriters Open Mic. He often works with spoken word artist Lilija Valis and they have been performing together for several years at various literary, musical and philosophical events in the greater Vancouver area. With another guitarist, Lawren Nemeth, they have a CD out, SkyTrain.
Musician (Perepeteia)
is a poet, singer/songwriter and teacher. He is the lead singer and writer with the brilliant Vancouver art rock band, Red Herring. He does solo and ensemble shows and plays regularly with country singer/songwriter Patsy Thompson. He currently plays with the Glenn Chatten Band. He has featured at Poetic Justice, Renaissance Books, Surrey Muse, The Act, Taking Turns, Joyfest, World Poetry Reading Series and Wax Poetic. He co-hosts the Royal City Literary Arts Society Songwriters Open Mic. He often works with spoken word artist Lilija Valis and they have been performing together for several years at various literary, musical and philosophical events in the greater Vancouver area. With another guitarist, Lawren Nemeth, they have a CD out, SkyTrain.
Previous Collaborators: ESUM
Nemo Waxx:
Dancer (ESUM)
Titania (Eidola)
Tasha is proud to be working with the Elegant Ladies again this year, after dancing as Titania in Eidola. and as dancer in ESUM. Tasha is a multi-faceted dance artist who has studied Contemporary, Jazz, Blues and Butoh dance to name a few. They have also performed with "Endangered" from Harbour Dance and choreographed a group piece at last year's Elegant Ladies Cabaret.
Dancer (ESUM)
Titania (Eidola)
Tasha is proud to be working with the Elegant Ladies again this year, after dancing as Titania in Eidola. and as dancer in ESUM. Tasha is a multi-faceted dance artist who has studied Contemporary, Jazz, Blues and Butoh dance to name a few. They have also performed with "Endangered" from Harbour Dance and choreographed a group piece at last year's Elegant Ladies Cabaret.
Malcolm Van Delst:
Writer (ESUM)
Lady Macbeth (Eidola)
Malcolm hates writing bios. Like a true actor, she prefers experimenting with identity to nailing it down. When she's not acting, she writes stories and plays, makes videos and codes web sites. You can read her play-novel hybrid, Low Self-Esteem Reading Room, in progress at
http://authonomy.com/books/56626.
Writer (ESUM)
Lady Macbeth (Eidola)
Malcolm hates writing bios. Like a true actor, she prefers experimenting with identity to nailing it down. When she's not acting, she writes stories and plays, makes videos and codes web sites. You can read her play-novel hybrid, Low Self-Esteem Reading Room, in progress at
http://authonomy.com/books/56626.
Jacqueline Ko:
Opera Singer (ESUM)
With performances hailed as “powerful” (Hello Vancity), “moving” (The Voice) and “passionate and passionately sung” (Review Vancouver), multi-award-winning singer Jacqueline Ko is a versatile artist who enjoys performing everything from opera to musical theatre to jazz. Recent role highlights include the title role in Puccini’s Suor Angelica, where critics described her as “flawless” (Review Vancouver); Norina in Donizetti’s Don Pasquale; The Witch in Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel; Madame Herz in Mozart’s The Impresario; Lauretta in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi; and Queen of the Night cover in Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Also an acclaimed concert performer, critics have declared that “Ko knows exactly what to do with an absolutely gorgeous voice, and her acting…can send chills up the spine” (Review Vancouver). Since 2009, Jacqueline’s well-known benefit shows have raised over $33,000 for a variety of charities. She has demonstrated “definite aptitude” (Opera Canada) as the founding artistic director of Opera Mariposa, an acclaimed Vancouver company for emerging artists. In February, Jacqueline will perform the role of Sharon in the Tony Award-winning play Master Class by Terrence McNally – a production that will mark the official launch of the Mariposa Theatre Wing. You can learn more about Jacqueline at operamariposa.com
Opera Singer (ESUM)
With performances hailed as “powerful” (Hello Vancity), “moving” (The Voice) and “passionate and passionately sung” (Review Vancouver), multi-award-winning singer Jacqueline Ko is a versatile artist who enjoys performing everything from opera to musical theatre to jazz. Recent role highlights include the title role in Puccini’s Suor Angelica, where critics described her as “flawless” (Review Vancouver); Norina in Donizetti’s Don Pasquale; The Witch in Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel; Madame Herz in Mozart’s The Impresario; Lauretta in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi; and Queen of the Night cover in Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Also an acclaimed concert performer, critics have declared that “Ko knows exactly what to do with an absolutely gorgeous voice, and her acting…can send chills up the spine” (Review Vancouver). Since 2009, Jacqueline’s well-known benefit shows have raised over $33,000 for a variety of charities. She has demonstrated “definite aptitude” (Opera Canada) as the founding artistic director of Opera Mariposa, an acclaimed Vancouver company for emerging artists. In February, Jacqueline will perform the role of Sharon in the Tony Award-winning play Master Class by Terrence McNally – a production that will mark the official launch of the Mariposa Theatre Wing. You can learn more about Jacqueline at operamariposa.com
Stephanie Mile:
Opera Singer (ESUM)
A graduate from the University of Victoria’s Music Education program with a major in Education and Voice, Stephanie teaches music at Lynn Valley Elementary school when she is not performing on stage. Stephanie’s true love is both opera and musical theatre. In the last few years she has truly grown as a coloratura soprano under the guidance of the talented soprano Kelly Nobles, and thus has many exciting opportunities to perform both opera and musical theatre around BC. Recent highlights include: Gilda in Rigoletto, Oskar in Ballo in maschera, Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro, Casilda in The Gondoliers and Mabel in Pirates of Penzance.
Opera Singer (ESUM)
A graduate from the University of Victoria’s Music Education program with a major in Education and Voice, Stephanie teaches music at Lynn Valley Elementary school when she is not performing on stage. Stephanie’s true love is both opera and musical theatre. In the last few years she has truly grown as a coloratura soprano under the guidance of the talented soprano Kelly Nobles, and thus has many exciting opportunities to perform both opera and musical theatre around BC. Recent highlights include: Gilda in Rigoletto, Oskar in Ballo in maschera, Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro, Casilda in The Gondoliers and Mabel in Pirates of Penzance.
Nyla Carpentier:
Performing Artist (ESUM)
(Tahltan/Kaska/French/Scottish) is a multifaceted performing artist currently residing in Vancouver, BC. Since the age of three, Nyla has been powwow dancing, now with over 29 years of experience she also teaches the various powwow styles. In 2011, in partnership with Raven Spirit Dance Company, Nyla started the popular Powwow Bootcamp class in Vancouver, BC. In 2014 she created a powwow based dance piece, Equating Echoes with musician David Newberry for Brief Encounters 21. Nyla is also an actor; she’s toured in the TYA show, Raven meets the Monkey King with Axis Theatre and wrote her first play 21st Century Trickster.
Performing Artist (ESUM)
(Tahltan/Kaska/French/Scottish) is a multifaceted performing artist currently residing in Vancouver, BC. Since the age of three, Nyla has been powwow dancing, now with over 29 years of experience she also teaches the various powwow styles. In 2011, in partnership with Raven Spirit Dance Company, Nyla started the popular Powwow Bootcamp class in Vancouver, BC. In 2014 she created a powwow based dance piece, Equating Echoes with musician David Newberry for Brief Encounters 21. Nyla is also an actor; she’s toured in the TYA show, Raven meets the Monkey King with Axis Theatre and wrote her first play 21st Century Trickster.
Sadie Henschel:
Actor (ESUM)
This is Sadie’s first Fringe Festival and she’s so excited to be a part of it, and to be involved with such a talented and inspirational cast. In her past, Sadie has studied musical and contemporary theatre, but has taken some time off over the last year. She is so happy to be back “on stage” and can’t wait to share our creation with you.
Actor (ESUM)
This is Sadie’s first Fringe Festival and she’s so excited to be a part of it, and to be involved with such a talented and inspirational cast. In her past, Sadie has studied musical and contemporary theatre, but has taken some time off over the last year. She is so happy to be back “on stage” and can’t wait to share our creation with you.
Lucia Misch:
Poet (ESUM)
Lucia Misch grew up at an astronomical observatory near San Jose, California, and began writing and performing at fifteen. She placed second at the Canadian Individual Poetry Slam (2011), was a member of the Vancouver Slam Team (2012), and continues to perform and teach poetry across North America. Lucia has written and presented spoken word pieces for organizations including Human Rights Watch and the United Food Workers Union Women's Network, regularly facilitates writing workshops with the Vancouver Poetry House's WordPlay progam, was a ArtStarts project poet in residence (2015), and the featured performer at BC's youth poetry festival, Hullabaloo (2015).
Poet (ESUM)
Lucia Misch grew up at an astronomical observatory near San Jose, California, and began writing and performing at fifteen. She placed second at the Canadian Individual Poetry Slam (2011), was a member of the Vancouver Slam Team (2012), and continues to perform and teach poetry across North America. Lucia has written and presented spoken word pieces for organizations including Human Rights Watch and the United Food Workers Union Women's Network, regularly facilitates writing workshops with the Vancouver Poetry House's WordPlay progam, was a ArtStarts project poet in residence (2015), and the featured performer at BC's youth poetry festival, Hullabaloo (2015).
Christina Gonzalez:
Dancer (ESUM)
Christina Gonzalez is a social dancer with years of experience in salsa, swing, blues, ballroom, Argentine tango, and fusion. She also has taken a bit of ballet, Indian, belly, and African dance. This is Christina's first performance that is not just dance, as well as her first Fringe Festival and she is excited to be a part of Esum with such an amazing cast!
Dancer (ESUM)
Christina Gonzalez is a social dancer with years of experience in salsa, swing, blues, ballroom, Argentine tango, and fusion. She also has taken a bit of ballet, Indian, belly, and African dance. This is Christina's first performance that is not just dance, as well as her first Fringe Festival and she is excited to be a part of Esum with such an amazing cast!
Natasha Feuchuk:
Esum (ESUM)
Natasha Feuchuk is an eighteen year old aspiring author, playwright and actress planning on joining the musical theatre program at Capilano University. She graduated last year from Burnsview Secondary and is also a poet and was the team captain of the Burnsview Slam team, FRANK, last year. She participated in theatre and musicals at the high school level and wishes to continue. Her dream role is Peter Pan.
Esum (ESUM)
Natasha Feuchuk is an eighteen year old aspiring author, playwright and actress planning on joining the musical theatre program at Capilano University. She graduated last year from Burnsview Secondary and is also a poet and was the team captain of the Burnsview Slam team, FRANK, last year. She participated in theatre and musicals at the high school level and wishes to continue. Her dream role is Peter Pan.
Previous collaborators: Eidola
Amira-lee Ali:
Stage Manager (Eidola)
"Having recently graduated high school with a passion for theatre, Amira is excited to expand her horizons with Eidola. In school, she acted in several productions, including Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors as Adrianna, The Laramie Project as Reggie Fluty, and Legally Blonde: The Musical as Margot. Two weeks before Legally Blonde went onstage, she also took over the role of Paulette. As well as acting, Amira was given the opportunity to direct a few one act plays, including one that she wrote as part of The Arts Club Theatre's LEAP program. Being stage manager is a whole new experience for Amira, and she plans to do it well. She thanks the cast, and Leslie, for this wonderful opportunity! "
Stage Manager (Eidola)
"Having recently graduated high school with a passion for theatre, Amira is excited to expand her horizons with Eidola. In school, she acted in several productions, including Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors as Adrianna, The Laramie Project as Reggie Fluty, and Legally Blonde: The Musical as Margot. Two weeks before Legally Blonde went onstage, she also took over the role of Paulette. As well as acting, Amira was given the opportunity to direct a few one act plays, including one that she wrote as part of The Arts Club Theatre's LEAP program. Being stage manager is a whole new experience for Amira, and she plans to do it well. She thanks the cast, and Leslie, for this wonderful opportunity! "
Avery Burrow:
ASM (Eidola)
Avery Burrow is honoured to be joining the Elegant Ladies Collective for their production of Eidola. She is a current student of Lord Byng Secondary's Dramatic Arts Program, but is happy to be doing more acting outside of school. This is her second time acting as one of the lovers in A Midsummer Night's Dream, though last time, she was wearing an awkward mustache. Selected theater credits include multiple collective creations with Arts Umbrella's Laboratory Theater Troupe, as well as Sister James in Doubt: A Parable with Dapper Jumpsuit Productions.
ASM (Eidola)
Avery Burrow is honoured to be joining the Elegant Ladies Collective for their production of Eidola. She is a current student of Lord Byng Secondary's Dramatic Arts Program, but is happy to be doing more acting outside of school. This is her second time acting as one of the lovers in A Midsummer Night's Dream, though last time, she was wearing an awkward mustache. Selected theater credits include multiple collective creations with Arts Umbrella's Laboratory Theater Troupe, as well as Sister James in Doubt: A Parable with Dapper Jumpsuit Productions.
Victoria Fraser:
Fairy/Witch (Eidola)
Victoria Fraser used to want to be a mime when she grew up. When she realized mimes can't talk, she gave up that dream to pursue something that involved talking, a lot of it. She performs on stage and off, always trying to make people laugh. When she isn't writing or performing, she is making preparations to save the world from an invasion of rainbow astro-lemurs with burrito guns.
Fairy/Witch (Eidola)
Victoria Fraser used to want to be a mime when she grew up. When she realized mimes can't talk, she gave up that dream to pursue something that involved talking, a lot of it. She performs on stage and off, always trying to make people laugh. When she isn't writing or performing, she is making preparations to save the world from an invasion of rainbow astro-lemurs with burrito guns.
Bon Dos Remedios:
Cleopatra (Eidola)
Bon is thankful to Leslie for the opportunity to perform with such a talented cast/crew and for such a worthy cause. His credits this year include producing and directing “A Magical Evening of Song and Dance” (Nu-Bon Works) featuring a cast of 40+ members for the 2014 Theatre BC Festival, performing in The Mikado (Metro Theatre) and Into The Woods (co-produced with BE Studio) and submitting his original compositions for cabaret adjudication in Toronto and New York. Love to his awesome wife, Jennifer
Cleopatra (Eidola)
Bon is thankful to Leslie for the opportunity to perform with such a talented cast/crew and for such a worthy cause. His credits this year include producing and directing “A Magical Evening of Song and Dance” (Nu-Bon Works) featuring a cast of 40+ members for the 2014 Theatre BC Festival, performing in The Mikado (Metro Theatre) and Into The Woods (co-produced with BE Studio) and submitting his original compositions for cabaret adjudication in Toronto and New York. Love to his awesome wife, Jennifer
Sarah Smith:
Katerina (Eidola)
Sarah Smith is excited to take on an acting role for the first time after spending many years as both a musician and a hoopdancer. She was recently seen on stage hooping at Madskillz Vancouver's Emerging Artists Showcase, as part of the duo, HoopsyDaisy. Sarah has trained for hula hoop performance through the Performance Series Workshop Levels 1 and 2, as well as a Fire Performance Safety class, with Alley'Oop. She has also been seen at various events and festivals in the Tri-Cities area as a Hoop Facilitator. By day, Sarah is the general manager at a children's activity and party center.
Katerina (Eidola)
Sarah Smith is excited to take on an acting role for the first time after spending many years as both a musician and a hoopdancer. She was recently seen on stage hooping at Madskillz Vancouver's Emerging Artists Showcase, as part of the duo, HoopsyDaisy. Sarah has trained for hula hoop performance through the Performance Series Workshop Levels 1 and 2, as well as a Fire Performance Safety class, with Alley'Oop. She has also been seen at various events and festivals in the Tri-Cities area as a Hoop Facilitator. By day, Sarah is the general manager at a children's activity and party center.
Mary Littlejohn:
Cordelia (Eidola)
Mary is thrilled to be doing Fringe again after last year's succesful site-specific My Hole Life. A Shakespeare junkie, Mary was most recently seen in Classic Chic's all-female production of The Winter's Tale. Mary is a graduate of Capilano University's Musical Theatre program and has performed in many musicals, including Jane Eyre, Charlotte's Web, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Avenue Q and Sweeney Todd. Thanks to Pat for the love and support, and thank you Leslie for the opportunity to play my favourite Shakespeare princess.
Cordelia (Eidola)
Mary is thrilled to be doing Fringe again after last year's succesful site-specific My Hole Life. A Shakespeare junkie, Mary was most recently seen in Classic Chic's all-female production of The Winter's Tale. Mary is a graduate of Capilano University's Musical Theatre program and has performed in many musicals, including Jane Eyre, Charlotte's Web, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Avenue Q and Sweeney Todd. Thanks to Pat for the love and support, and thank you Leslie for the opportunity to play my favourite Shakespeare princess.
Robin Eder-Warren:
Ophelia (Eidola)
Praised as “a talent beyond words” (Life in the ‘burbs), operatic soprano Robin Eder-Warren has sung on stages across the globe, from Germany to New York to Disneyworld. Recent appearances include Lucy in The Telephone; Nella and Ciesca in Gianni Schicchi; Laurey in Oklahoma!; Gretel in Hansel and Gretel; Norina in Don Pasquale, where she was “priceless” (Opera Canada magazine) and “stole the show” (The Voice); and Cunegonde in Candide, where she was “superb” and “effortless” (Hilary Clark, Opera Canada reviewer). Past roles include Musetta (La bohème), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), Despina (Cosi fan tutte), Young Heidi (Follies) and Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro). Robin is also a director, with credits like La serva padrona (“a masterpiece of controlled mayhem”, Review Vancouver) and Don Pasquale (“well-honed”, “delightful” and “an excellent harbinger of more well-cast and well-directed operas to come”, Opera Canada). She will direct Opera Mariposa's Hansel and Gretel this Christmas. Robin Eder-Warren Managing Director, Opera Mariposa www.operamariposa.com
Ophelia (Eidola)
Praised as “a talent beyond words” (Life in the ‘burbs), operatic soprano Robin Eder-Warren has sung on stages across the globe, from Germany to New York to Disneyworld. Recent appearances include Lucy in The Telephone; Nella and Ciesca in Gianni Schicchi; Laurey in Oklahoma!; Gretel in Hansel and Gretel; Norina in Don Pasquale, where she was “priceless” (Opera Canada magazine) and “stole the show” (The Voice); and Cunegonde in Candide, where she was “superb” and “effortless” (Hilary Clark, Opera Canada reviewer). Past roles include Musetta (La bohème), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), Despina (Cosi fan tutte), Young Heidi (Follies) and Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro). Robin is also a director, with credits like La serva padrona (“a masterpiece of controlled mayhem”, Review Vancouver) and Don Pasquale (“well-honed”, “delightful” and “an excellent harbinger of more well-cast and well-directed operas to come”, Opera Canada). She will direct Opera Mariposa's Hansel and Gretel this Christmas. Robin Eder-Warren Managing Director, Opera Mariposa www.operamariposa.com
Julie Parrell:
Viola (Eidola)
Julie Parrell is a Queer Metis artist from Winnipeg Manitoba who has been performing words often called poetry for over a decade. She uses the natural rhythms of language to set the tone of her pieces. She has a special knack for mesmerizing her audience by reveling a little too much of herself. She invokes the magic of performance to make her audiences laugh, feel and think.
Viola (Eidola)
Julie Parrell is a Queer Metis artist from Winnipeg Manitoba who has been performing words often called poetry for over a decade. She uses the natural rhythms of language to set the tone of her pieces. She has a special knack for mesmerizing her audience by reveling a little too much of herself. She invokes the magic of performance to make her audiences laugh, feel and think.
Kelly Shackleford:
Lavinia (Eidola)
I’m excited to be involved for the first time with the Fringe Festival. I feel honoured to be able to play a role that leads to such a great message. I have recently reintroduced myself to theatre this past year with Oklahoma (Fraser Valley Stage) and in the finale of Opera Mariposa’s second season. While I have danced in the past I am thrilled to be bringing it back to the stage (or in this case, playground) once again!
Lavinia (Eidola)
I’m excited to be involved for the first time with the Fringe Festival. I feel honoured to be able to play a role that leads to such a great message. I have recently reintroduced myself to theatre this past year with Oklahoma (Fraser Valley Stage) and in the finale of Opera Mariposa’s second season. While I have danced in the past I am thrilled to be bringing it back to the stage (or in this case, playground) once again!
DIamond Minx:
Gertrude (Eidola)
Best known in Vancouver as a Burlesque artist, Diamond also sings, acts, emcees, stiltwalks, models, firebreathes, and is an award winning costume designer. She has performed all over North America, most notably in New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, LA, Toronto, and Montreal. She is thrilled to be part of such a multi talented cast in “Eidola”.
Gertrude (Eidola)
Best known in Vancouver as a Burlesque artist, Diamond also sings, acts, emcees, stiltwalks, models, firebreathes, and is an award winning costume designer. She has performed all over North America, most notably in New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, LA, Toronto, and Montreal. She is thrilled to be part of such a multi talented cast in “Eidola”.
Georgia Freedman:
Hermione (Eidola)
After a hiatus crawling through Asia and Europe exploring the wonders of the world, Georgia Freedman has returned to once more perform in the Vancouver Fringe Festival. The various productions she has been in include “Coram Boy” with the United Players, “Hep and Jem’s Heroic Journey” at the Blue Mountain Music Festival, “The Man Who Came to Dinner” at the Deep Cove Shaw Theatre, and “Dream of Geronteus” at the Frederic Wood Theatre. She is a graduate of the University of British Columbia, where she studied theatre, music and comedia dell'arte; she has continued to hone her skills overseas studying and performing opera in Tokyo, most notably in Menotti's “The Telephone”.
Hermione (Eidola)
After a hiatus crawling through Asia and Europe exploring the wonders of the world, Georgia Freedman has returned to once more perform in the Vancouver Fringe Festival. The various productions she has been in include “Coram Boy” with the United Players, “Hep and Jem’s Heroic Journey” at the Blue Mountain Music Festival, “The Man Who Came to Dinner” at the Deep Cove Shaw Theatre, and “Dream of Geronteus” at the Frederic Wood Theatre. She is a graduate of the University of British Columbia, where she studied theatre, music and comedia dell'arte; she has continued to hone her skills overseas studying and performing opera in Tokyo, most notably in Menotti's “The Telephone”.
Juliet Butler:
Lady MacDuff (Eidola)
Juliet has been a child actor in movies and commercials, studied Musical Theatre and Costume Design and currently takes part in a wide variety of disciplines within the ever expanding local Performing Arts Communities in Vancouver. This will be her first experience performing a Shakespearean character, and in addition to really enjoying the concept of Eidola, the evolving script and character development has been unique and collaborative process for her.
Lady MacDuff (Eidola)
Juliet has been a child actor in movies and commercials, studied Musical Theatre and Costume Design and currently takes part in a wide variety of disciplines within the ever expanding local Performing Arts Communities in Vancouver. This will be her first experience performing a Shakespearean character, and in addition to really enjoying the concept of Eidola, the evolving script and character development has been unique and collaborative process for her.
Diana Maureen Sandberg:
Nurse (Eidola)
Diana is looking forward to the craziness of Fringe, working with some old friends and some new ones. Recently seen in Applause! Musicals’s “Gay’s The Word” and in the farce “There Goes The Bride” at the Metro Theatre, some of Diana’s other favourite roles include Ruth (Pirates of Penzance, NSLOS), Frances (Waste, United Players), Sheep (Candide, Dragon Diva), and Gloucester (King Lear, Shakespeare Centre). As always, warmest gratitude to her dear husband, daughters and friends for their support and forebearance.
Nurse (Eidola)
Diana is looking forward to the craziness of Fringe, working with some old friends and some new ones. Recently seen in Applause! Musicals’s “Gay’s The Word” and in the farce “There Goes The Bride” at the Metro Theatre, some of Diana’s other favourite roles include Ruth (Pirates of Penzance, NSLOS), Frances (Waste, United Players), Sheep (Candide, Dragon Diva), and Gloucester (King Lear, Shakespeare Centre). As always, warmest gratitude to her dear husband, daughters and friends for their support and forebearance.
Wendy DeMos/Jai Gopal:
Ariel (Eidola)
Jai Gopal (Wendy DeMos) loves to chant mantras, teach Kundalini Yoga and dance: sometimes all at the same time! To bring kirtan, sacred songs and mantras to Vancouver and outlying areas regularly, she founded ChantYourHeartOpen.com, and is delighted to be part of Eidola.
Ariel (Eidola)
Jai Gopal (Wendy DeMos) loves to chant mantras, teach Kundalini Yoga and dance: sometimes all at the same time! To bring kirtan, sacred songs and mantras to Vancouver and outlying areas regularly, she founded ChantYourHeartOpen.com, and is delighted to be part of Eidola.
Myles Lapen: Costume Design for Cleopatra, Hair and Makeup
George Ellis: Titania's Bottom
Carolyn Ehman: Katerina's Drums
Additional Credits:
Costume Coordinator: Juliet Butler
Music/Guitar: You Are Free: Wendy DeMos Jai Gopal
See Us in Every Face: Bon Dos Remedios
Viola Accompany: Tasha Coote
George Ellis: Titania's Bottom
Carolyn Ehman: Katerina's Drums
Additional Credits:
Costume Coordinator: Juliet Butler
Music/Guitar: You Are Free: Wendy DeMos Jai Gopal
See Us in Every Face: Bon Dos Remedios
Viola Accompany: Tasha Coote
Emily Elliot:
Helena (Eidola)
A young actress from Vancouver, Emily is very excited to be acting in her first fringe play. She loves the stage and is delighted to be playing Helena from her favourite Shakespeare play , "A Midsummer Night's Dream". She loves being in this production with such talented people, and she hopes to go into a career in the theatre. She currently attends the Lord Byng Secondary Fine Arts Program for Drama.
Helena (Eidola)
A young actress from Vancouver, Emily is very excited to be acting in her first fringe play. She loves the stage and is delighted to be playing Helena from her favourite Shakespeare play , "A Midsummer Night's Dream". She loves being in this production with such talented people, and she hopes to go into a career in the theatre. She currently attends the Lord Byng Secondary Fine Arts Program for Drama.