Despite the ongoing challenges of creating art during a pandemic, students at Brandon University (BU) have persevered to present She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms – an online performance where adventure and mayhem can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home.
In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and five-headed dragons, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek within us all. Two years after the death of her teenage sister Tilly, Agnes Evans discovers a mysterious notebook containing her sister’s home-brewed Dungeons and Dragons campaign. Newly born hero, Agnes the Ass-hatted, undertakes an epic quest to save Tilly’s soul and to learn about her sister’s hidden life. ***This production contains mature content and language. Viewer discretion is advised.
In response to the global pandemic and the subsequent closing of theaters worldwide, playwright Qui Nguyen released a new adaptation of his play She Kills Monsters intended for online performances.
“Dungeons and Dragons is a game often played online, so this story translates to a virtual platform quite easily” says BU theatre professor and director Jacqueline Russell. “I chose this wildly fun piece because I knew we would be able to make it happen no matter what. Flexibility and adaptability are two of the greatest skills theatre teaches us — if you know how to improvise, you can find ways to have fun even during times of great struggle”.
Filmed from a variety of bedrooms and living rooms around Brandon, She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms will be available for online viewing from March 24 to April 2, 2022. Tickets are free; however, donations are welcome and go toward future productions at Brandon University Theatre. Tickets can be acquired at BrandonU.ca/english/drama-program.
The performance also includes a virtual post-show talk back with audiences on March 26, at 3 p.m., featuring cast members and guest speakers from the Brandon community. This discussion panel is presented in partnership with SERC (Sexuality Education Resource Centre) and is supported by Brandon University, BU Student Services, and the Gender and Women’s Studies Committee.
In addition to the performance, students and community members are invited to join Fight Choreographer Jacquie Loewan for a free, two-day workshop to learn the basics of stage combat. The workshop takes place March 26 and 27, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Evans Theatre (located in the George T. Richardson Centre at BU). To register, please visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/stage-combat-workshop-with-jacquie-loewan-tickets-293142315557. *Please note: Participants must show proof of double vaccination and wear masks for this in-person workshop as per Brandon University policy.
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