The Phoenix Theatre at the University of Victoria is gearing up for what promises to be a record-breaking 2024-25 season. With subscriptions selling rapidly and additional performance dates added to mainstage shows, theatre enthusiasts are encouraged to act quickly to secure their seats.
The upcoming season boasts a diverse lineup of productions: im:print 2024, a show celebrating diverse voices (Oct. 3-12); The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Nov. 7-23); The Killing Game, an absurdist comedy by Eugène Ionesco (Feb. 13-22, 2025); and Shakespeare's Twelfth Night (March 13-22, 2025)
In addition to these mainstage productions, the theatre has announced a special presentation of "Eyes of the Beast: Climate Disaster Survivor Stories" (Sept. 16-21). This powerful exploration of climate change experiences, produced by Neworld Theatre in association with the University of Victoria's Department of Theatre, promises to be a moving and thought-provoking addition to the season.
Amidst the excitement of the new season, the Theatre Department is undergoing a leadership transition. Dr. Yasmine Kandil will take over as chair from Dr. Anthony Vickery in January 2025. Dr. Kandil, an alumna of UVic with a background in applied theatre and devised community-based theatre, aims to bring fresh perspectives and increased collaboration to the program.
"In my tenure as chair, I hope to contribute to an already thriving and vibrant program and to bring to it more opportunities for collaboration and shared vision," Kandil said. She envisions a future where students will not only create theatre but also explore its intersections with health, sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
The Phoenix Theatre continues to be a breeding ground for talent, with many students and alumni participating in the upcoming Victoria Fringe Festival (Aug. 21–Sept. 1). Notable productions include "Our Lady, Star of the Sea," "Pony and Bologna," and "Cabaret of Murder."
Theatre enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the Phoenix Theatre website for full show details and to purchase subscriptions or individual tickets: https://finearts.uvic.ca/theatre/mainstage/.
