“Lunchbox Theatre’s The Dark Lady is a triumph”
-Louis B. Hobson, Calgary Herald (see full review)
THE DARK LADY
by Jessica B. Hill
October 10 - 29, 2023
"Write me a woman who fights for what she wants."
The Dark Lady is a witty and sensual duet that reclaims the story of a fascinating woman who was almost lost to history—Emilia Bassano. Through her eyes, this thrilling love story helps us both understand and challenge our love of Shakespeare. Emilia was multiracial and multilingual, and the first Englishwoman to publish her own poetry. And she may also be the answer to a 400-year-old mystery—just who was the “Dark Lady” that Shakespeare spoke of with such passion in his sonnets?
New to the world of playwriting, Jessica B. Hill has been one of the Stratford Festival’s new generation of leading ladies for 7 seasons. In The Dark Lady, she has woven in countless Shakespearean references and even some of his text while also creating characters that feel completely relatable and contemporary for today’s audiences. Lunchbox Theatre is proud to co-produce the second-ever production of this new Canadian play with The Shakespeare Company.
“I am no theatre expert but The Dark Lady was the best theatre I have experienced. The whole experience was remarkable.”
- Paula
Directed by Bronwyn Steinberg
Co-Production with The Shakespeare Company
Poster Artwork by Maezy Reign
Photos: Ben Laird
Show running Time is 72 minutes
Cast and Crew:
Natascha Girgis | Emilia Bassano
Luigi Riscaldino | William Shakespeare
Bronwyn Steinberg |DirectOR
Madeline Blondal | Set Design
Alixandra Cowman | SOUND Design
LISA FLOYD | Lighting Design
Frances MacDonald | Apprentice Stage Manager
Carissa Sams | Stage Manager
Rebecca Toon | Costume Design
Photos by Ben Laird
Show Dates:
TUESDAY OCT 10 – 12PM (PREVIEW)
WEDNESDAY OCT 11 – 12PM (preview)
THURSDAY OCT 12 – 12PM (OPENING)
FRIDAY OCT 13 – 12PM & 7PM
SATURDAy OCT 14 – 12PM & 4PM
SUNDAY OCT 15 – 1:30PM (Relaxed & audio described, SUPER masK FRiENDLY)
TUESDAY OCT 17 – 12PM
WEDNESDAY OCT 18 – 7PM
THURSDAY OCT 19 – 12PM (Talk back)
FRIDAY OCT 20 – 12PM & 7PM
SATURDAy OCT 21 – 12PM & 7PM
SUNDAY OCT 22 – 1:30PM
TUESDAY OCT 24 – 12PM (CELEBRATING WOMENS’ ORGANIZATIONS)
WEDNESDAY OCT 25 – 7PM
THURSDAY OCT 26 – 12PM (Talk back)
FRIDAY OCT 27 – 12PM & 7PM (SINGLES NIGHT OUT)
SATURDAy OCT 28 – 12PM & 7PM (DATE NIGHT)
SUNDAY OCT 29 – 1:30PM (CLOSING)
Location:
Lunchbox Theatre performances take place in the Studio at Vertigo Theatre, at the base of the landmark Calgary Tower.
#161, 115 - 9 Ave. SE
Calgary, AB T2G 0P5
Tickets can’t be purchased online 60 minutes before the show but you can call and book at 403-221-3708 or at the box office window before the show.
Doors open 30 minutes before the show.
You are welcome to pack your lunch or dinner and eat it during the show, the bar will be open before each performance to purchase snacks and drinks but there are no sandwiches/ lunches for sale at the venue.
Note: We aim to have a scent-sensitivity environment. Please avoid wearing scented personal care products such as perfume, cologne, aftershave, scented lotions or creams for the body, face or hands.
We suggest this show for 14+ due to language that some may consider strong and intimate situations.
Note: Video and audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Celebrating Womens' Organizations
To recognize the amazing work that is done to elevate women, change lives, and support communities, we are offering a special ticket rate to those working at women’s organizations for the Tuesday, October 24 show at 12 pm of The Dark Lady. Please feel free to share this rate with your organization’s volunteers in gratitude for their contributions as well. This show is meant to be inclusive, so if you have men working at your organization, they are more than welcome to attend. We also understand that your work can be very busy, so if you'd prefer to send clients instead, please pass on the promotion to them.
Date: Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Time: Doors open at 11:30 am, show begins at 12 pm, networking following show at 1 pm
Location: Vertigo Theatre (115 9 Ave SE—base of the Calgary Tower)
Accessibility: Ground floor, close proximity to LRT stations, nearby street and lot parking (additional parking information can be found here)
Ticket Purchases: Purchase directly from our website or by calling the Box Office at 403-221-3708 and use promo code WOMENSHOW to get $25 tickets. Invoicing is an option available to large groups.
Lunch: You can pack a lunch and eat it during the show! The bar will be open beforehand to purchase snacks and drinks (no entrees, so please plan accordingly).
Draw Prize: All attendees using the discount promo code will be entered into a draw for a gift basket filled with items from women-owned local businesses; let’s support women together!
Organization Recognition: If you would like your organization to be mentioned during the opening remarks and included on our website, please let us know that you will be in attendance.
Questions: Email community@lunchboxtheatre.com
Singles' Night Out
CALLING ALL SINGLES!
Join us for a special singles event on Friday, October 27! Come and watch The Dark Lady at 7 pm. Afterwards, head to One18 Empire (820 Centre St S) for a post-show bite. Make plans to try a special “The Dark Lady” cocktail! Show your Lunchbox ticket for a discount on your bill.
Don't miss out - buy your tickets now!
Relaxed and Audio Described
We are partnering again with Inside Out Theatre with their Good Host program to provide a Relaxed and Audio Described performance of The Dark Lady on Sunday, October 15th at 1:30PM to make this performance more accessible.
Masked Performance
Our priority is providing a safe environment for our patrons, staff, volunteers and artists. In an effort to support the comfort levels of all our guests, Lunchbox Theatre has made the decision to offer select Masked Performances this season. This decision was made to address the accommodations requested by some of our patrons, either for preference or personal health reasons. We hope this option gives reassurance of Lunchbox Theatre's support of all our patrons, and ask that all in attendance respect these special accommodations for these performances.
The Dark Lady
Sunday, October 15th at 1:30 PM
What is a Talk Back?
After the show's performance, most (usually all) of the actors return to the stage to answer your questions and provide insight into the play you have just experienced.
