Have you ever wondered what would happen if four princesses went on a heroic journey of self-discovery and independence? What if they got themselves out of tricky situations and “saved” each other from the mythical dangers that lay ahead?
Wonder no more!
The Nose Creek Players production, The Epic Quest of the Damsels in Distress, follows four women as they make their way through a fairy-tale land. They must navigate past gladiators, monsters and angry villagers before they end up slaying a stereotype (as well as a dragon).
Written by Kenneth Wasermann and presented in partnership with Nose Creek Players and Bert Church Theatre, this fast-paced comedy is chock full of tongue-in-cheek humour, fairy-tale magic and self-reliance.
“The four lead characters all have amazing growth throughout the show, and, by the end, are more comfortable with who they have discovered they are during their adventure!” says stage manager Karalee Braun.
“Each one comes to meet the others through varying circumstances, and, even though they are so different, they find common ground and build up this amazing circle of support.”
There are more than 25 cast and crew members working on the show to bring the magic to life. We asked a few of them to give us a glimpse into this inspiring and whimsical tale:
- Without giving too much away, what’s your favourite part of the play and why?
“We want the audience to feel as they have been pulled into the imagination of a child and see the fairy-tale world they have created around them! The most powerful part would be the reminder that it’s okay to not fit a stereotype. The best you is the real you. Be true to yourself while appreciating your inner child.” – Izzy Jones, co-director
- Which character has the most intriguing story?
“An intriguing character would be the dragon, who ultimately subverts expectations in an entertaining way. That said, the interactions between the heroines and the male ‘heroes’ are my favourite part. I love the way that traditional fairy-tale gender roles are turned on their heads in a comedic way.”- Garry Buzzard, co-director
- How does the set lend itself to the story?
“Take a step back into your childhood, imagine you are in the backyard with friends with a huge treasure trove of props and costumes… The set will be designed to support in this kind of storytelling. The magic of imagination can lead to endless fun, especially as children.” – Haley Day, co-producer
- Who will enjoy the play?
“Families will love this play! There are great jokes for the parents, and the kids will love the colourful costume, and the swordfights, and, of course, the girls will love the strong female characters.” – Karalee Braun, stage manager
- What message do you hope the audience walks away with after the play?
“We want people to slay stereotypes! We hope that people feel empowered after experiencing this show. We want individuals to feel provoked to have conversations around preconceived notions. We want folks to challenge and dismantle their biases and predetermined societal expectations.” – Robin McKittrick, president, Nose Creek Players
Day has no doubt this show will entertain and delight anyone who dares to tag along on the inspiring adventure.
“A dragon? Swordfighting? An arrogant prince or two? You name it, we got it!” she says.
The Epic Quest of the Damsels in Distress runs at Bert Church Theatre from April 25 to 27. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nosecreekplayers.com.
