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Yaga: A Dark and Suspenseful Tale comes to Gateway’s main stage.

Photo courtesy Gateway Theatre

Gateway Theatre presents a Spine-Tingling Tale this Halloween season

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 2:27 PDT, Mon September 23, 2024

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Gateway Theatre is thrilled to present Yaga, a spine-tingling production by Touchstone Theatre, running from Oct. 24 to Nov. 2, 2024. Yaga is a darkly suspenseful tale that will have audiences on the edge of their seats. With its blend of mystery, folklore, and psychological drama, Yaga promises to be an unforgettable theatrical experience. Part thriller, part comedy, part nightmare fairy-tale, this witty play leads us into an unforgettable world of trickery and revenge– just in time for Halloween.

Written by Canadian playwright Kat Sandler, Yaga is a contemporary reimagining of the infamous Slavic folk tale of Baba Yaga, the witch known for her wisdom, wickedness, and intrigue. But in Sandler's version, the lines between predator and prey, truth and myth, are cunningly blurred. In a small town where the disappearance of a young man sparks an investigation, three women are drawn into a web of secrets, lies, and dark magic. As the mystery unfolds, the audience is taken on a gripping journey where old legends meet modern crime, creating an eerie, provocative, and thought-provoking atmosphere. Yaga is not only a whodunit but also a deeper exploration of power, gender, and the narratives that shape our perceptions of morality.

"Yaga is the perfect show for Halloween—a mix of suspense, wit, and supernatural elements that will captivate and challenge our audience," said Barbara Tomasic, executive artistic director at Gateway Theatre. "Starring some of Vancouver's best actors, they deliver performances that promise chilling intensity and unexpected humor."

Yaga is brought to life under the direction of Roy Surette, known for his innovative approach to storytelling and recipient of several Jessie Awards. Jessie Award winning Genevieve Fleming and Aidan Correia reprise their roles as a small-town sheriff and private eye who collaborate to find a killer and Colleen Wheeler, multiple Jessie Award winner, returns as Katherine Yazov, the professor who's seductive intelligence and shadowy past lands her at the top of the suspect list.

The partnership between Gateway and Touchstone highlights both theatres' commitment to bringing daring, thought-provoking works to the stage and creating opportunities for artistic collaboration. YAGA was commissioned and first produced by Tarragon Theatre, Richard Rose artistic director, in September 2019.

Adds Tomasic, "We have long admired the work of Touchstone Theatre and are delighted to present this unique production. Yaga is a show that will resonate deeply with anyone who loves the thrill of a good mystery or the darkness of folk tales, making it an ideal experience for the Halloween season."

For additional fun, patrons can attend a Pierogi dinner on Oct. 30 before the show to celebrate Ukrainian culture and heritage. Gateway is partnering with Old Country Pierogi who are bringing their food truck to Gateway Theatre. Patrons can pre-order their delicious food, while we gather for an evening of conversation before the mystery unfolds onstage. Studio A will be open as a gathering space for the evening's community dinner – and you can still join us for dinner even if you aren't staying for Yaga. Come hungry for both food and conversation and leave with a sense of belonging and community. Pre-purchase your meal today, along with your tickets to Yaga.

Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased online or by calling the Gateway Theatre box office. Performances are from Oct. 24 to Nov. 2 with Opening Night on Friday, Oct. 25.