The Wolves - Photo by Dahlia Katz Starring: Rachel Cairns, Aisha Evelyna, Ruth Goodwin, Annelise Hawrylak, Ula Jurecka, Brittany Kay, Heath V. Salazar, Hallie Seline, Amaka Umeh and Robyn Stevan Set & Lighting Design by Jareth Li (Assistant: Scarlett Larry) Sound Design & Composition by Deanna H. Choi (Assistant: Cosette Pin) Costume Design & Movement Coaching by Sarah Doucet Stage Management by Sam Hale Assistant Stage Management by Hannah MacMillan Assistant Direction by Rebecca Gibian
Last week we closed The Wolves, a co-production between The Howland Company and Crows Theatre. This was by far the largest direction project I have ever taken on, and ranks up there as one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, thanks to the amazing cast and creative team. Here is a round of of links on the piece (compiled by the amazing Hallie Seline):
PROMO:
REVIEWS:
3.5/4 Stars - The Globe and Mail The Wolves is worth cheering on, and loudly. The impressive teamwork does indeed make the dream work.
3.5/4 Stars - Toronto Star The Wolves is a gloriously frank and intense depiction of extraordinary young women.
NNNN - NOW Magazine The Wolves is so riveting it will make you howl.
Mooney On Theatre “Go see The Wolves. Please. It’s moving and howlingly funny and as full of life as the most suspenseful soccer game… This production, by The Howland Company and Crow’s Theatre, brims with vitality, humour, and heart; it’s one of the best shows I’ve seen in some time.”
My Entertainment World “Sarah DeLappe’s The Wolves is one of the finest pieces of theatre I’ve had the pleasure to see. It’s not an exaggeration to say that Howland Company’s production has everything. It’s fresh, witty, heartwarming, moving and tragic. Rarely could I recommend a play so wholeheartedly.”
4/5 Stars – My Gay Toronto “Riveting, fresh and surprising and exhilarating. A lot of that has to do with the ensemble, all of whom are individually powerful but also so tightly interlocked that teamwork is not just a metaphor but a virtuoso demonstration.” – Drew Rowsome
Broadway World Toronto “Sarah DeLappe’s first foray into playwriting is a complete knockout, and is brilliantly directed by Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster and produced by The Howland Company and Crow’s Theatre.”
The Slotkin Letter “The Wolves is a terrific play given a wonderful, compelling production… Beautiful.” - Lynn Slotkin
PREVIEWS AND REFLECTIONS:
The Toronto Star - Post-Show Reflection & Interview – The Wolves, Dry Land and School Girls provide a new platform for teenage girls’ stories” by Carly Maga “I told them that this is your opportunity to retrain your ears to hear voices that we are all collectively, myself included, trained to miss,” Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster, Director.
Dispositio Blog, by Holger Syme “Necessary Wolves” “I got to watch a group of actors – all either female or non-binary – be extraordinarily present physically, irreducibly present, in the moment, as bodies: bodies that spoke and bodies that moved, with total commitment to specific situations”
CBC Radio’s Here and Now Interview – Heath V. Salazar & Hallie Seline
CBC Sports – Post-Show “Women in Sports” Panel Reflection by Signa Butler - “For women in sports, you need to see yourself to believe in yourself… The Wolves show how vital sport can be for the empowerment of young women.” – Signa Butler, CBC Sports & Olympic Broadcaster
She Does The City Interview & Review “THE WOLVES IS AN INTELLIGENT AND FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON THE LIFE OF TEENAGE GIRLS” – SHE DOES THE CITY “We get Mean Girls and things like Clueless, but we rarely get to see a band of young warrior women going through a trial together and coming out the other side.”
In the Greenroom Interview with Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster “What inspires me are brave change-makers and storytellers. And people who listen”
Sesaya Interview with Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster “This show demands so much of its performers – they have to be physically fit, good at soccer, and so agile with their bodies and minds as they race through a script that moves at a very fast pace. It has been a tremendous challenge for all of us,” Courtney explains. “They have met it and exceeded it. I dare anyone to come to the show and not fall in love with each and every one of them.”