Frances Končan's Women of the Fur Trade puts a female and Indigenous experience at the center of the world. It takes a comedic and playful approach to Canadian history. Despite being set in  'eighteen hundred and something something', Frances fills the world of the play with language, humour and celebrity culture that feels like today. She makes the women the center of the show, and the historically important men are less important. Rather than being our heroes, the men are heartthrobs and betrayers. Their nation-making and nation-breaking activities seem, for a while, to be the backdrop for the women's story. The script deals with actual historical people and events, but from a fictional female perspective. The show is playful and modern, despite its period setting. Throughout the play, there are many jokes at the expense of known historical figures and institutions (e.g. Canada Post).     

From a female worldview, the drama of historical nation-making plays out with real and fatal consequences.

Who is this suitable for?

This show is suitable for adults, or well-prepared young people 13+. 

An age rating is based on a general idea. You are the best judge of what content is a good fit for you as an individual. Feel free to contact the box office if you have questions not answered by this note.

What are some of the themes/references in the play? 

• Betrayal

• Instagram and pop culture

• References to land acknowledgements, reconciliation, treaties

• Racism

• terms used “half-breeds and savages, Indians” within quoting historical figures

• ‘60s scoop and the practice of removing Indigenous children from their parents

• References to white people pretending to be Indigenous

• Questioning race and white supremacy 

• Describing Winnipeg as the Murder Capital of Canada, the Most Racist City in Canada and the Slurpee Capital of Canada

• Astrology, love and fate

• Borders and seizure of land by force 

• Women and men - division of labour, rights (equality)

• Strong language (swearing)

• Sexuality 

• Marriage

• Religion

• War, violence, genocide 

• Treason 

• Death by hanging 

• Canada Post and Fed-Ex

What technical elements does this show include?

• Projections - of northern lights

• Throwing picture frames (noted for sound and movement)

• Fighting - using sticks as guns

• Sounds of Gunshots

• Boiling tea sound effect

• Howling

• A noose will fall from the ceiling while the trap doors on the stage floor will open (indicating a hanging)

• Rope creaking and droning

• Baby cries

• Overlapping sounds