George F Walker play to be the first for theatre group.
Brace yourself for a wild therapy session where pizza, contraband, and unexpected connections fuel a battle of wits.
Running from Sept. 6 to 21, Fierce promises 15 performances that will take audiences on an intense ride as two strong-willed women confront their pasts, reveal hidden sides of themselves, and find solace in the most unconventional ways.
This is set to be the inaugural play for the Moss Theatre Collective, which was co-produced with the Alumnae Theatre Company.
Fierce centers on Jayne, an ex-inmate, and Maggie, a psychiatrist, drawn together through court-ordered therapy sessions. What unfolds is far more than a typical treatment plan. As the two women clash and connect, the play delves into themes of healing, redemption, and the sometimes-blurry line between right and wrong.
Written and directed by acclaimed playwright George F. Walker, the play is a unique experience for all involved.
“What I’m going to say is the action of the play takes place during a therapy session between a psychiatrist and someone who’s been recently released from prison, after a an incident of public disruption fueled by alcohol and drugs. But this is a therapy session unlike anyone has ever seen, I think so that’s definitely a pull in. And as George keeps saying throughout this rehearsal process, it’s not a conversation, it’s a confrontation. And I think that leads to this really raw, crackling intensity while you’re watching the play, and I think that will feel very immediate for audiences,” said Lori Delorme, co-producer of Fierce.
The characters in Fierce are deeply flawed and imperfect, yet their journeys are compelling. As Jayne gradually moves past her defense mechanisms, Maggie, while attempting to help her, connects with her on a deeper level that ultimately leads to a mutual saving.
“Underneath it all, this is a play about saving people or rescuing people, or sometimes trying to and failing,” she added. “They both have wonderful and complicated journeys throughout this 84 minute play.”
The play features standout performances by Liz Best as Maggie and Elizabeth Friesen as Jayne, both founding members of the Moss Theatre Collective.
Delorme’s hope for audiences is that they will feel a connection to this play, as she believes it is an experience that needs to be seen.
“I really hope by the end, people are a bit drained and feel like they’ve been put through the ringer. I think this is an experience. You know, we’re hoping [since] this is our first show, so we don’t, have past experience to draw on, but we think we’ve got some good things going for us, and we’re hoping for great crowds. I think this is a play for any of Walker’s fans and beyond. I think this is for fans of what’s going on in theater right now.”
Tickets for Fierce at the Alumnae Theatre are priced at $30, with ‘pay what you can’ performances available.
Theatre goes should note play will be held in the third-floor studio, which is only accessible by stairs, due to the theatre not having an elevator.
For more information, or to get a ticket, visit https://mosstheatrecollective.ca/productions/
