- The Belfry Theatre's 2022 - 2023 Season.
Simple. Moving. Human.
Four extraordinary plays for you.
September 20 – October 16, 2022
Intimate Apparel
Lynn Nottage
“a rich, vivid portrait of turn-of-the-last-century New York; a feminist lament of intelligent, talented women defined and controlled by men; a soft-focus glimpse into the beating hearts behind the archives of African American life a century ago.”
In 1905 New York, Esther specializes in creating exquisite corsets for society ladies on Fifth Avenue and prostitutes
in the Tenderloin. Tired of watching other women in Mrs. Dickson’s boarding house marry and move on, illiterate
Esther, with the help of one of her wealthy clients, enters into a romantic correspondence with George, a labourer
working on the Panama Canal.
Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage was inspired by her real-life great grandmother, who made lingerie in turn-of-the-century New York. Intimate Apparel was listed among the forty best plays ever written (Independent UK).
This is such a beautiful and moving story! Pulitzer Prizewinning playwright Lynn Nottage looked at a photograph
of an anonymous Black woman and decided to give her a history. This play is full of yearning, friendship, and
romance—and is listed by The Independent UK as one of the 40 best plays ever written! —MICHAEL SHAMATA
November 15 – December 11, 2022
Vigil
Morris Panych
"an achingly funny black comedy.”
“a small masterpiece.”
When Kemp, an unassuming banker, receives a phone call from an elderly aunt on her deathbed, he rushes across the
country to tend to her, anticipating an imminent funeral. But as the seasons change and the weather turns, she defies his expectations in this deliciously absurd, wickedly funny, and surprisingly tender play. “I’m worried about your health… it seems to be improving.”
Vigil premiered at the Belfry in September 1995 and has since been translated into two dozen languages and played half the world over!
I’ve always loved Morris’s writing—and I particularly love this play! It’s ultimately irresistible. Only Morris could put such
a grim misanthrope onstage and make us fall in love with him. I also love that it first came to life on this stage—and
is returning to the Belfry for the first time in over 25 years! Welcome back, Morris and his longtime artistic partner, Ken— you’ll always be part of the Belfry family.
February 7 – March 5, 2023
The Unplugging
Yvette Nolan
“…a gentle, emotional, immediate morality tale…timely, fascinating, and necessary.”
When all the world’s technology ceases to function, it is time to find a new way of surviving—or an old way. Two women— one Indigenous and one white, exiled from their village for being too old to bear children, trudge across the desolate,
post-apocalyptic ruin, relying on traditional wisdom for survival. When a charismatic stranger appears, seeking their
aid, they must choose whether to use their knowledge of the past to provide hope for the future to the community that
branded them “useless.”
Yvette was inspired to write The Unplugging after the death of her mother, and the realization that she had not learned
enough about her Anishinaabe heritage.
Yvette Nolan suggests that the day technology fails us, we will no longer know how to survive. This beautiful play
imagines that day, and how—if we are lucky—and wise! —we will embrace Indigenous knowledge of the land and ways of being; and truly discover a new way of living—and living together. —MS
April 18 – May 14, 2023
Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story
A musical by Ben Caplan, Christian Barry, and Hannah Moscovitch
“Darkly funny and moving…it’s hard to imagine a more apt time for a production with such a clear moral centre.”
“★★★★★ a thing of raw and unmissable beauty.”
Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story is a tender and delicate tale woven inside a high-energy concert led by the boisterous international Klezmer sensation, Ben Caplan. This musical played for one week during our 2019 SPARK Festival—and that was simply not enough for a show as astounding as this!
A truly original, captivating, wise and glorious exploration of human resilience and survival. Inspired by the true story of
Hannah Moscovitch’s great-grandparents, this triumphant musical has toured internationally, garnering awards across
Canada, Australia, and the UK.
This musical is simply a miracle! Juxtaposing Ben Caplan’s larger-than-life performance against Hannah’s gentle,
minimal, heartfelt love scenes, creates a moving celebration of humanity that overflows off the Belfry stage! I can’t wait
to have this show—and Christian and 2b theatre—back in the building. —MS
Season Tickets
This season we are trying something new. We have three price options and each gets you into our four productions.
($100 per person)
Our standard subscription price for this season ($15 less than the average price in 2019!)
($150 per person)
For those patrons who wish to help offset the cost of offering pay-what-you-can tickets this season; the Belfry invites you to choose this Pay It Forward option and open the door for others.
For those patrons who are not in a financial position to afford the regular subscription price, the Belfry is pleased to be able to offer this Pay-What-You-Can option.
While we suggest a minimum of $50.00 (per person), we will accept any amount affordable for your circumstances.
The Belfry Futures Fund is a fee for capital improvements and ongoing stability. This fee is $4.00 per subscription, regardless of the price you choose to pay. Your subscription and the BFF are also subject to 5% GST.
* Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. GST / Order fees are not included. All ticket sales are non-refundable.
Audience Engagement
We offer a wide range of in-person events and digital activities that can deepen your experience with each play in our season.
We will send you a print version or a link to the digital version, whichever you prefer. Upstage Magazine provides insights into and information about the upcoming production.
Our live talk show, hosted by CBC Radio’s Gregor Craigie, returns for its 10th season! Attend in-person,
watch it live on Facebook, or catch it later on Vimeo or YouTube. B4Play features artists
from the upcoming show, along with experts from the community, who illuminate themes in the play.
Join the actors following the 3rd Thursday performance in the run of each play, for a casual and informative Q & A session. You’re bound to find out some interesting secrets about the creation of the production.
You can listen and download the full audio interviews from each B4Play at belfry.bc.ca/podcasts.
FAQ
Single tickets for all of our productions will go on sale September 6.
The Belfry is a contemporary theatre for an adult audience. Our plays may contain strong language and mature content. If you have any concerns before or when you book your tickets, please speak to our Box Office – they can guide you through each play beforehand.
Tickets may be exchanged for another performance (within the current season / subject to availability) provided they are being held at the Box Office or returned to us (in person, by mail, or by email) prior to the performance for which they were issued.
Contact
250-385-6815
1291 Gladstone Avenue, Victoria, BC
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