Propeller PLAYS

Come get a glimpse of the new plays currently in-development at GLA by attending PROPELLER PLAYS, our inaugural play development showcase.

Join us at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts in the Warnock MacMillan Theatre for an evening of play reading excerpts followed by a reception and a talkback with the artists.

Friday, November 1, 2024: Volume 1 | 7:00 PM

Features performed excerpts from Beyonsea and the Mothers by Teneile Warren and Catchin' Tail by Vanessa Spence. Please Note: Nov 1st is also our season launch party!

Saturday, May 10, 2025: Volume 2 | 7:00 PM

Features performed excerpts from Poppies for Bukkam by Steven Elliott Jackson and more.

Tickets: FREE (though donations are very welcome!)

PROPELLER PLAYWRIGHTS

TENEILE WARREN (Beyonsea and the Mothers)

VANESSA SPENCE (Catchin' Tail)

STEVEN ELLIOTT JACKSON (Poppies for Bukkan)

Playwrights Vanessa Spence and Teneile Warren with moderator Lily Gyamfi-Kumanini during the PROPELLER talkback

Lily Gyamfi-Kumanini and Ordena Stephens-Thompson with playwright Vanessa Spence in rehearsal for "Catchin' Tail"

Director ahdri zhina mandiela in rehearsal for "Beyonsea and the Mothers"

Emerjade Simms and director ahdri zhina mandiela in rehearsal for "Beyonsea and the Mothers"

The cast of "Catchin' Tail" in rehearsal with playwright Vanessa Spence

Jajube Mandiela and Albert Williams in rehearsal for "Beyonsea and the Mothers"

Jajube Mandiela, Albert Williams, and Emerjade Simms in rehearsal for "Beyonsea and the Mothers"

Jillia Cato, Lily Gyamfi-Kumanini, and Ordena Stephens-Thompson in rehearsal for "Catchin' Tail"

Playwright Vanessa Spence and Ordena Stephens-Thompson in rehearsal for "Catchin' Tail"

Playwright Vanessa Spence in rehearsal for "Catchin' Tail"

VOLUME 1

Catchin’ Tail

by VANESSA SPENCE

Catchin' Tail is a poignant play that explores the lives of four Trinidadian sisters living in Canada, navigating the complexities of their twilight years. As they gather to confront their unrealized dreams, each sister reveals her struggles with regret, ambition, and the challenges of aging. Their interactions highlight the intricacies of sisterhood, from deep-seated rivalries to heartfelt support. Through humor and heartfelt moments, Catchin' Tail addresses themes of loss, resilience, and the pursuit of fulfillment, ultimately showcasing the enduring bonds that tie them together as they seek to redefine their identities in the last chapter of their lives.

BEYONSEA AND THE MOTHERS

by TENEILE WARREN

Beyonsea and the Mothers tells the story of young Beyonsea sent to North America to join the mother she only knows through phone calls, barrels, and remittances. Simone, Beyonsea's mother is a busy immigrant working two jobs. Michael, their neighbour, fled a Jamaican community, befriends Beyonsea and eventually introduces her to his alt persona, Melody Knowles. Three Jamaicans brought together by circumstance in a place meant to give them second chances. There are demons here, but there are also brooms to sweep them away.

VOLUME 2

POPPIES FOR BUKKAN

BY STEVEN ELLIOTT JACKSON

Set in a World War One military hospital, award-winning playwright Steven Elliot Jackson’s Poppies for Bukkan reveals the cultural clash between Private Buckam Singh and head physician Lieutenant John McCrae (who wrote In Flanders Fields). The show delves into critical issues like imperialism, identity, racism and the profound impact of war on humanity.

Plus stay tuned for more programming announcements soon!