Audiences return in record numbers to drama production at ΐΦΣγΜεΣύΒ
In 2020, due to the pandemic, all drama productions at ΐΦΣγΜεΣύ were moved online. While some shows began happening in person in 2021-22, others were postponed or performed online β and audiences were limited. With the first production of the 2022-23 season The Wolves by Sarah Delappe just wrapping, it was clear actors and audiences alike had missed live theatre at ΐΦΣγΜεΣύ.
Part-time lecturer and The Wolves director Valmai Goggin (β06) says while there is a place for digital theatre in the artistic landscape, gathering together is an essential piece of the performing arts.
βThere is no replacement for a live audience,β says Goggin. βAnd while we continue to navigate risk, we have found ways to safely share space again in theatres. It was hugely meaningful to see our theatre full again β on stage and in the audience. Theatre has always represented community and this is particularly true with the Drama Program at ΐΦΣγΜεΣύ.β
Goggin graduated from ΐΦΣγΜεΣύ in 2006 with a degree in English and Drama and after living in Iqaluit, NU for a few years, completed her MFA in Directing at the University of Calgary. She then worked in professional theatre and live events for more than a decade and returned to ΐΦΣγΜεΣύ last year as the 2021 J.E.A. Crake Fellow in Drama. This year, she moved to a position as part-time lecturer and The Wolves director.
βWhen I was a student I took every chance to get involved on stage and off. I had the opportunity to act, direct, work as stage crew, and even create my own work as a playwright, β says Goggin. βComing back to ΐΦΣγΜεΣύ has been somewhat of a full circle moment.β

The Wolves had originally been planned for last theatre season, but was postponed due to the highly physical nature of the show with close contact between actors. This year performers remained masked in rehearsals until just a few days before the show opened. The entire production team was vaccinated and all audience members were masked while in the theatre.
Goggin says the show was one of the best-selling productions in recent history at the Motyer-Fancy Theatre.
βWe were so pleased to start the 2022-23 season with this timely and impactful show,β she says.
Read more about the upcoming shows in the Motyer-Fancey Theatre: mta.ca/current-students/drama-studies-program/motyer-fancy-theatre/motyer-fancy-theatre-current-season
Please note that masks remain mandatory in University buildings for this academic year.