Author: walterph

Meet the Team Behind The Penelopiad – Alodie Larochelle

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

As costume designer, I’m working on over 30 costumes! Most are composed of modified items but some we’ll be sewing from scratch!

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

Once they know what they’re in for (it’s a tough play, with a sexual violence), they should definitely come to see powerful women reclaiming their voices in a story that usually silences and erases them.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

The people! The cast and production team are lively, supportive and lots of fun to be around. They’re even better than the Costume Bank, which is essentially a giant walk-in closet, and I love the Costume Bank, so that’s saying a lot.

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Misbehave more.

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

Orpheus and Eurydice. One of my favourite films of all time is Portrait of a Lady on Fire, which really sold me on their story and ill-fated adieu.

Meet the Cast of The Penelopiad – Stephanie Swensrude

What is your name?

Stephanie Swensrude

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

I play Telemachus, the son of the titular Penelope and Odysseus. As a young man, Telemachus leaves his home of Ithaca to search out his father, who he’s never met. He’s bullied by the maids and suitors as he grows up.

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

Audiences will love The Penelopiad because it’s the other side of one of the most famous stories of all time. While Odysseus was out having his mythical adventure, his wife was living her own interesting tale. You know the saying, behind every great man is a great woman? Come see her story.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

A highlight of the show has definitely been working on a cast of all women. It’s such a different vibe and the work is approached in a different way. I feel so safe and confident making choices in a group of women.

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

If I could give my younger self one piece of advice it would be that my wants and desires are valid, my emotions deserve consideration and to not let people trample on me.

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

My favourite character in Greek mythology is Hestia, the goddess of the hearth, home and hospitality. She reminds us that our homes are places of refuge that should be calm, cozy and welcoming.

Meet the Team Behind The Penelopiad – Afrah Collier-Potts

What is your name?

Afrah Collier-Potts 

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

Lighting Operator, I have the opportunity to help bring the creative vision to life, set moods and tones, all while making sure the audience can see the brilliant cast.  

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

There is nothing more brilliantly theatrical then a team of incredible women playing multiple characters and telling an incredible story while doing so 

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

Since I play a role later in the process, I haven’t been involved much to date. But during the casting process, there was a dynamic and diverse group of inspired people wanting to bring a story to life, and that creative energy is so exciting to be a part of. 

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Stressing about things you cannot change is not useful. Find the joy in life. 

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

Aphrodite, primarily because my name sounds similar and it was a nickname growing up. Aphrodite is the goddess of love and beauty and there is nothing more beautiful in this world than love.

Meet the Team Behind The Penelopiad – Logan Sundquist

What is your name?

Logan Sundquist

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

I am a sound booth operator! This means that I am the one clicking buttons in the booth to create sound for the show.

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

The Penelopiad is just a beautiful story. A story that uplifts and empowers women while tackling an ancient Greek classic, it is truly the best of both worlds. The imagery is vivid and the characters are moving. It’s a must-see

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

Watching the story come together has just been exhilarating to see, and because there are many moving parts and roles, both on and off stage, it’s been fantastic to see it all come to fruition.

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would advise my younger self to just be yourself. The world ultimately doesn’t care what you do, so why not be uniquely and authentically you.

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

My absolute favourite figure in Greek mythology is Chrysomallos. A lesser known character in the pantheon, Chrysomallos was the golden fleece before it was skinned. He was this golden furred ram with wings who saved these two orphans from their evil stepmother. A true legend.

Meet the Cast of The Penelopiad – Monica Stewart

What is your name?

Monica Stewart

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

I play one of the four main maids. The story behind the maids are truly remarkable. 

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

Because one who doesn’t love theatre? And there is a powerful message and lessons that can be learned. 

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

Just having a chance to connect and put myself out there. 

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t put yourself down; You are meant for great things.

Meet the Cast of The Penelopiad – Katelyn Arthurs

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

Anticleia/Maid

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

It’s a retelling of another side of a pretty well-known tale, The Odyssey. It takes a look at a lot of issues that are still affecting women today. You also need to come see this cast – they’re all unbelievable!

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

Such a fabulous cast of talented, supportive, creative women! It’s created a lovely space for us to make magic in.

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

You’ll never regret being kind.

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

Artemis – Greek goddess of the moon

Meet the Cast of The Penelopiad – Katy Yachimec-Farries

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

I play Odysseus and a maid. In this story, instead of the returning hero, Odysseus is more complicated; absent husband to Penelope and murderer of her beloved maids.

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

How many times do you get to see an all female cast onstage? With a female director? This play is full of haunting vignettes, a variety of genres and leaves you questioning whose stories are we missing out on.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

Finally stepping on stage with the rest of the cast. In person!

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Take a breath. You don’t have to be perfect. Stop worrying about what other people think and focus on who you want to be.

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

I’ve loved Greek mythology since I was a kid. I’ve always been drawn to the goddess Athena, but those Olympians are so petty. After reading Circe, by Madeline Miller, I’d have to go with her. I love that she was not a victim and learned to develop her power through hard work.

Meet the Production Team of The Realistic Joneses – John Anderson

John Anderson is the Director!

Hi John, tell us about your role on The Realistic Joneses:

The Director does a lot of work on a show that they don’t get any credit for. However, the Director also gets a lot of credit for the hard work done by others. In this show, the credit is all due to the strong team around me, so I would suggest you read all the other bios, if you want to read about the real talent and hard work behind this show. This is my first time Directing and my Mentor, Production team, cast, and Artistic Director have all made it a wonderful and satisfying experience through their knowledge, talents, and collaborative spirits.

What is your background in theatre?

Most of my theatre experience comes from Walterdale. All the mentors and peers that have taught me the tricks of the trade are either past or current members of this important theatre. My first show at Walterdale was about eight years ago, and I have been behind the scenes in many Walterdale productions between then and now.

What brought you out for The Realistic Joneses?

As the one that pitched the show for the season, I’m just so pleased that this script was able to convince all the talented people on this team to join the production. One of the hardest parts of this process was sending out the rejection letters after Auditions, because so many talented actors came out to be in this show. Some day, I hope to work with all of the ones that didn’t make it, this time.

What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?

Everyone on this team is open to taking chances, so the collaboration process has been a blast. We’ve been able to make unique discoveries, because of how willing the cast and crew have been to suggestion and adaptation. An inspiring group.

Why do you think people should come see The Realistic Joneses at the Walterdale?

The talent on and offstage is tremendous. The script is I think one of the best modern plays from the last couple decades, because of how clear the psychology of the characters is, how realistic the dialogue is, and how funny the characters can be. Furthermore, the story explores modern and relatable issues in relationship dynamics, such as how we can hide behind humour to avoid honest and difficult conversations.

Who’s your favourite Celebrity Jones and why? 

Spike Jonze, if that counts (that pesky Z). One of the best current film directors. If he’s disqualified, then probably Tommy Lee Jones. However, Quincy Jones is a major film composer, and Daisy Edgar-Jones was fantastic in Normal People. Tough question!

Theatre in Isolation


By Michael Kryton

Over centuries, performance art has survived plagues, wars and social upheaval. This story is a snapshot of an amateur theatre company, Walterdale Theatre Associates, commonly known as Waterdale Theatre established in the late 50s in Edmonton; it is a story of resilience, perseverance and relentless dedication to theatre driven by volunteers.

Eric Rice, Walterdale’s current administrator (and Production Manager for the current production of ‘The Mask’) summarizes Walterdale’s current position within a COVID world. “Walterdale has the advantage of a strong volunteer core and ethic. Delays and cancellations don’t have the same financial impact as they do on professional theatres that have to buy out contracts. What’s important for Walterdale is to keep their volunteer base engaged and supportive.”

Richard Hatfield, the veteran Technical Director for Walterdale, echoes Rice’s perspective. “Many of our volunteers have been out of the theatre for 10+ months. I certainly wish to get as many people back into the fold as quickly as we can safely do so. Without our volunteers, we are nothing.”

Indeed, Walterdale’s volunteers, the backbone of the theatre, are unabashed in their commitment. Kahen Oosterveld is the Stage Manager for ‘The Mask’, a play in production and hanging in suspension in the face of a moving target: COVID and its ugly variant cousins. “The pandemic took a huge toll on theatre everywhere, including the Walterdale. It was a time of confusion and worry for everyone. This being said, everyone involved here has been doing an amazing job of keeping things under control and making sure safety is the top priority for everyone.”

Thanks to Board Members, such as Anne Marie Szucs, the author of Walterdale’s COVID program, Walterdale has established a robust COVID program. It is an important document. Bailey Ferchoff, a recent graduate from the University of Alberta’s BFA Theatre Design Program, is on the team designing sets and props for the Walterdale’s production of ‘The Mask’. “This pandemic has effectively turned what would have been the intimate and tight-knit process of designing a local show, into an experience equivalent to having design a production in another province, or even another country. It feels incredibly alien to have to be so distant with people you have worked so closely with in the past, when it feels like you should be able to be nothing more than an arms-reach away.”

Ferchoff’s perspective focuses the light on something that theatre, music and other performance arts entities are grasping as a reality. Adam Luijix, the Audio Director for ‘The Mask’ summarizes this context. “I believe it is important going forward to embrace the technologies and strategies used to keep theatre going without a physical audience, so we can continue to tell stories and give audiences something to experience.”

So, this begs the question: where does Walterdale go from here? Well, the answer lies in the legacy of art over time. If one is to take the perspective of those who have a long history with Walterdale, the answer is simple: theatre prevails. It continues, because, as truly defined by the tradition of Walterdale, the show must go on.