Gateway Theatre, with co-producers Alberta Theatre Projects (ATP), bring the Western Canada premiere of Wildwoman, to the MainStage March 26 to April 4.
Directed by Jamie King, the daring and wickedly funny new play by acclaimed Canadian playwright Kat Sandler (Yaga) is inspired by real events and figures from a reimagined slice of 16th-century French history.
Costume Design Alaia Hamer, Photo: David Cooper
Based on the true story that helped shape the legend of Beauty and the Beast, Wildwoman centres on a young Catherine de Medici, played by Synthia Yusuf, the new wife of King Henry II of France (Nathan Kay). Catherine is eager to be on the King’s council, but she quickly learns that her political aspirations matter far less than her ability to produce an heir. Scheming courtiers, a royal mistress and a patriarchal court, unwilling to relinquish any power, all work to keep Catherine under thumb and away from influence. Something stirs in Catherine when she meets Pete, a hairy, handsome Wildman played by Connor Stuart, kept in the dungeon as one of the king’s collection of caged oddities, awakening her own wild side.
Kat Sandler’s brings her trademark rapid-fire wit to the saga of an infamous bad girl who could not be tamed. By blending historical drama with contemporary urgency, Sandler uses bold language and razor-sharp humour to explore power, fertility, and gender—challenging audiences to reconsider the stories we think we know and asking: who gets to shape history, and at what cost?
“Wildwoman is a story that celebrates women who refuse to be silenced and reminds us that theatre can be funny, wild, fearless and alive. With such an amazing cast and design team, we are thrilled to bring this sumptuous, theatrical production to life on our stage.” says Barbara Tomasic, Executive Artistic Director of Gateway Theatre.
“When I first read this play, it was like my body was filled with bees; I felt inspired, furious, and delighted,” said Jamie King, Wildwoman Director. “The play looks at power, at fertility, at legacy, all unflinching and full of humour. It’s inspiring to find new plays that are able to speak about both our human history and contemporary issues with such insight and still make it feel alive and fun. This is an urgent play that needs to be seen.”
Kat Sandler’s Wildwoman, plays March 26 to April 4, 2026 on the MainStage at Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond. Visit gatewaytheatre.com for tickets and show times including pay-what-you-can preview March 26, Opening Night March 27, Relaxed Performance March 29, Tea Matinee & Talkback April 1, Thirsty Thursday April 2 and Vocal-Eye Audio Description April 4.