19th Annual
Women’s Work Festival (2025)
The 2025 festival brought together artists and audiences for workshops, performances, and conversations centering women, trans, and non-binary creators. Explore highlights from this year’s program below.
Public Readings
Bodies Built Like Ocean Mountains
Synopsis:
Follows three genderless and genderful people navigating the impacts of complex family systems on their intimate relationships as young adults. The play explores the subjectivity of memory and how memory forms the building blocks of our identities.
Follows three genderless and genderful people navigating the impacts of complex family systems on their intimate relationships as young adults. The play explores the subjectivity of memory and how memory forms the building blocks of our identities.
Cast: Hannaa Mekawy, Allison Moira Kelly, Robyn Vivian
Playwright: Mallory Clarke (NL)
Mallory Clarke is an actor, writer, director, and arts educator from Mount Pearl, NL, based in English Harbour, NL. BFA in Musical Theatre Performance (Boston Conservatory), MFA in Theatre Performance Creation (York University), PhD student in English Literature at Memorial University, teaches acting at CNA, and Artistic Director of Rising Tide Theatre. |
Dramaturge: Megan Gail Coles (NL)
Megan Gail Coles is a second-generation Canadian artist and Artistic Director of Poverty Cove Theatre Company. She is a PhD student at Concordia University focused on theatre and neuroscience, with new fiction forthcoming from DoubleDay Canada in 2026. |
Tomilola: The Musical
Synopsis:
Set in 1899 in Ilesha, Nigeria, a 19-year-old princess is sent abroad to counter misinformation spread by missionaries and colonizers and to gain insights into British colonization before ascending the throne. The journey leads her to Canada, where she faces highs, lows, and unexpected relationships in her immigrant experience.
Set in 1899 in Ilesha, Nigeria, a 19-year-old princess is sent abroad to counter misinformation spread by missionaries and colonizers and to gain insights into British colonization before ascending the throne. The journey leads her to Canada, where she faces highs, lows, and unexpected relationships in her immigrant experience.
Cast: Nondu Khumalo, Rahma Mohamed, Arturo Cuevas, Cassondra Murray, Judah Adeniyi
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Playwright: Helena Elueme (NL)
Helena Elueme is a playwright, musician, and communications specialist based in NL. BBA from Memorial University, performer with Sam the Band, and writer of several plays including 'Blank Page' and 'My Universe is me and you'. |
Dramaturge: Leahdawn Helena (NL)
Leahdawn Helena is a L'nu writer, director, and dramaturge from Ktaqmkuk. Her work includes 'Stolen Sisters' and she is the recipient of the John Palmer Award from Playwrights Guild of Canada. |
About Time
Synopsis:
Explores women’s mental health, societal expectations, and self-discovery. The title alludes to time's role in healing and self-acceptance, emphasizing transformation through introspection.
Explores women’s mental health, societal expectations, and self-discovery. The title alludes to time's role in healing and self-acceptance, emphasizing transformation through introspection.
Cast: Melissa Williams, Raianny Queiroz, Lydia Makaga
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Playwright: Vanessa Cardoso Whelan (NL)
Brazilian-born multidisciplinary artist and clown. Active in NL's arts scene since 2014, offering workshops and community performances. Winner of the 2023 Inspiring Immigrant Woman Award. |
Dramaturge: Meghan Greeley (NL)
Writer, performer, and director from Corner Brook, NL. Former Artistic Director of White Rooster Theatre, known for plays like 'Jawbone' and 'The Cut of It'. BFA in Theatre from Grenfell College. |
Work
Synopsis:
A historical fiction about the romance between 19th-century actor Charlotte Cushman and activist Matilda (Max) Hays. The play follows Max’s reflections on their relationship after Charlotte’s death.
A historical fiction about the romance between 19th-century actor Charlotte Cushman and activist Matilda (Max) Hays. The play follows Max’s reflections on their relationship after Charlotte’s death.
Cast: Amy Anthony, A Powell, Nabila Qureshi, Ana Luisa Ramos
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Playwright: Calla Wright (AB)
Playwright based in Edmonton with a BFA from Concordia University. Known for works like 'Binding' and 'The Wright Sisters Present'. Winner of the 2015 Kit Brennan Playwriting Award. |
Dramaturge: Sara Tilley (NL)
Multidisciplinary artist and founder of She Said Yes! theatre company. Playwright of 'Skin Room' and 'DUKE'. Based in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, currently writing her third novel. |
Pianoland
Synopsis:
Elaine, a new student in St. John’s, moves in with two gifted pianists. As a hurricane traps them indoors, unsettling dynamics emerge. A psychological drama examining obsession, ambition, and the personal costs of striving to be “the best.”
Elaine, a new student in St. John’s, moves in with two gifted pianists. As a hurricane traps them indoors, unsettling dynamics emerge. A psychological drama examining obsession, ambition, and the personal costs of striving to be “the best.”
Cast: Andrew Starkey, Michaela Sheldon, Manaar Shahabuddin
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Playwright: Sally Cunningham (QC)
Writer based in Montréal, originally from British Columbia. MA in English from Memorial University. Her work appears in literary journals like Riddle Fence and Accenti Magazine. |
Dramaturge: Bernardine Stapleton (NL)
Playwright and actor from Labrador. Artistic Director of Girl Power Inc. and writer-in-residence at Memorial University in 2019. Author of 'Love, Life' and numerous theatrical works. |
Workshops
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Grant Writing with Arts NLA workshop with Ashley Lewis and Laura Bruijns from Arts NL, providing tips and guidance on applying for Arts NL Professional Project Grants.
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Connecting with Your Community: Outreach and Engagement for Arts Leaders and ArtistsA workshop with Laura Caswell focused on strategies for arts leaders and artists to build stronger connections with their communities.
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Beyond the Page: Workshops, Production, and Publishing
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Special Events
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Connecting with Your Community:
Outreach and Engagement for Arts Leaders and Artists
with Laura Caswell
Thursday, March 6 - 12 pm - 2:30 pm
Second Space - The LSPU Hall
Admission by Donation
Sponsored by Stephenville Theatre Festival
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Join Laura Caswell, new Artistic Director of Stephenville Theatre Festival, and gain the tools and inspiration you need to make a lasting impact in your community.
Laura brings over 25 years of experience in the performing arts to the table, including eight years as the Director of Education at Neptune Theatre, where she honed her skills in developing and leading youth and outreach programs. This workshop is designed for arts leaders and artists who are passionate about building stronger connections with their communities. Whether you're looking to expand your audience base, foster meaningful partnerships, or simply deepen your understanding of community-centered arts practices, Laura will share valuable insights and practical strategies. This is a valuable opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional and connect with fellow arts leaders and artists who share your commitment to community engagement. |
Grant Writing
with Arts NL
Friday, March 7 - 10 am - 12:30 pm
Second Space - LSPU Hall
Free Admission
Offered by Arts NL
Thinking of applying for the next Arts NL Professional Project Grants Program? The next deadline is March 17 and you can join Ashley Lewis and Laura Bruijns, Program Officers at Arts NL, and chat with them about your project!
First time applying? Great! Come to set up your SmartSimple profile and have your questions answered. They'll share essential tips to help you craft a winning application.
Come also to have a coffee and chat with other artists about your ideas and receive great insights from your peers.
First time applying? Great! Come to set up your SmartSimple profile and have your questions answered. They'll share essential tips to help you craft a winning application.
Come also to have a coffee and chat with other artists about your ideas and receive great insights from your peers.
Online Workshops
From Page to Production: The Business of Playwriting
with Santiago Guzmán
Wednesday, March 5 - 11:30 am - 1 pm
Online - Via Zoom
Admission by Donation
Sponsored by Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre.
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Dreaming of seeing your play come to life on stage? Navigating the world of professional playwriting can feel daunting, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can turn your creative passion into a sustainable career. Join award-winning playwright, dramaturge, and Artistic Director of TODOS Productions and Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre, Santiago Guzmán, for an insightful workshop on The Business of Playwriting.
Santiago's work has graced stages across Canada and internationally. From his acclaimed one-person show ALTAR to his recent award-winning play Seis Grados en Mayo, Santiago has a deep understanding of the playwright's journey, from initial spark to published script. Now, he's sharing his expertise with you. This comprehensive workshop will cover essential aspects of the business side of playwriting, including: - Working with a Dramaturge - Resources for New Play Development - Funding Your Play - Grant Writing (with a practical exercise) - Getting Published Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your playwriting career to the next level, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed. Don't miss this chance to learn from a leading voice in Canadian theatre. |
Theatre as a Medium for Sharing Language Teachings
with Yvonne Wallace
Saturday & Sunday, March 8 & 9, 2025
1-3:30 pm EST | 2-4:30 pm AST | 2:30-5 pm NST
Online via Zoom
1-3:30 pm EST | 2-4:30 pm AST | 2:30-5 pm NST
Online via Zoom
Join playwright Yvonne Wallace to discuss theatre’s power to reclaim and impart knowledge about ancestral language. The workshop will focus on using Indigenous language to influence the world of story-making. Yvonne will touch on how Indigenous language holds information related to cultural identity and ways of governing. This workshop will allow participants to explore how to integrate bilingual works and hold space for the first languages of origin.
PARC - Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre - is offering this workshop for free to WWF participants.
PARC - Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre - is offering this workshop for free to WWF participants.
