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 Cast of A Fitting Confusion – Christoff Lundgren

What is your name?

Christoff Lundgren

What is your role in this play, or on this production team?

Dr. Balthasar Moulineux – The Philandering Husband 

This show includes a number of preposterous lies. Tell us two unbelievable truths and a preposterous lie about yourself.  (Or two preposterous truths and a believable lie?)  

I can and often do kick myself in the face.

I have worked as a performer in World Wrestling Entertainment.

I have skydived dressed as Elvis

Which one was a lie? 

Even in a fancy, bedazzled jumpsuit, I am still too afraid to throw myself out of an airplane. 

Why should audiences come see this show?

Because it is timeless humour being performed by my absolutely hilarious colleagues and supported by an amazing local crew. 

Meet the Cast of A Fitting Confusion – Lauren Tamke

What is your name?

Lauren Tamke

What is your role in this play, or on this production team?

Suzanne, the other woman

This show includes a number of preposterous lies. Tell us two unbelievable truths and a preposterous lie about yourself.  (Or two preposterous truths and a believable lie?)  

To stay on brand with the show:

I have been to Paris, France

I have lived in an apartment number 1B

I once rode an ostrich with black plumes

Which one was a lie? 

I have never lived in apartment “1B”.

You’ll have to ask me in-person about the ostrich if you want more details 😉 But don’t worry, no ostriches were harmed!

Why should audiences come see this show?

This show is fast and silly and full of hilarious physical comedy and laughter!

Meet the Cast of A Fitting Confusion – Wendy Shobe

What is your name?

Wendy Shobe

What is your role in this play, or on this production team?

Mimi LaFlamme – a mystery woman with a past

This show includes a number of preposterous lies. Tell us two unbelievable truths and a preposterous lie about yourself.  (Or two preposterous truths and a believable lie?)  

I’ve travelled to all 7 continents; I believe in ghosts, fairies, Santa Claus, and all the other good things; I can’t stand coffee or anything coffee-related

Which one was a lie? 

I haven’t hit all 7 continents – I’m still missing South America and Antarctica but I will get there one day!

Why should audiences come see this show?

It’s exactly what people need at a stressful time of year – lighthearted with lots of laughs!

Meet the Cast of A Fitting Confusion – Murriel Mapa

What is your name?

Murriel Mapa

What is your role in this play, or on this production team?

Lily, the unsatisfied customer.

This show includes a number of preposterous lies. Tell us two unbelievable truths and a preposterous lie about yourself.  (Or two preposterous truths and a believable lie?)  

1. I have made an entire dress out of yellow pages.

2. I am named after my grandma’s favourite cat.

3. I have gone skydiving 5 times.

Which one was a lie? 

I am not actually named after my grandma’s cat. Sadly.

Why should audiences come see this show?

Because it’s fun and sexy and sexy and fun!

Meet the Cast of A Fitting Confusion – Dan Fessenden

What is your name?

Dan Fessenden

What is your role in this play, or on this production team?

I play Etienne, Dr. Moulineaux’s loyal butler. That dedication might be more self-preservation than anything else.

This show includes a number of preposterous lies. Tell us two unbelievable truths and a preposterous lie about yourself.  (Or two preposterous truths and a believable lie?)  

1. I was hit by a car in Peru.

2. I’ve shaken hands with Queen Elizabeth.

3. Two women once cast a curse upon me.

Which one was a lie? 

#2 was the lie, I’ve never shaken the Queen’s hand.

Why should audiences come see this show?

Audiences should come and see A Fitting Confusion because laughter is the best way to relieve stress. What’s more stressful than December in Edmonton?!