THEATRE PREVIEW

MARCH 2023 | Volume 225

 

Evolution, Feminism and Destiny collide in Sarah Treem's (House of Cards, The Affair) poignant play about science, family, and the difficult choices that women face.   

Why do women menstruate? Modern science has supplied us with the "How", but no one seems to have answered the "Why". Rachel, a young grad student in Evolutionary Biology visits Zelda, a pioneer of the field.  She posits a radical new hypothesis to answer this very question, which just happens to challenge Zelda's own groundbreaking work. As the two brilliant women spar over their contrary views on science, career and generational divides, the ulterior motives surrounding their intense meeting slowly begin to unravel... 

"An evening well spent, indeed, with two superb performances by Bronwen Smith and Annie Arbuckle as the scientists who have more than a passion for biological history to tie them together. Bronwen gives a very nuanced, almost understated but very powerful performance as Zelda."— Monika Forberger, Entertainment Vancouver 

What starts as a discussion about biology between two scientists, becomes a revolutionary debate about differing beliefs, lived experiences, and the evolution of people, both societally and personally. Intellectually vigorous and emotionally resonant, The How and The Why will be a memorable experience for audiences. 

"This finely crafted, two-handed tour de force explores two hypotheses – one on why women menstruate, and the other on the evolutionary reasons behind menopause...But more importantly, The How and the Why unravels the complex nuances of human struggles, relationships and behaviours.  And that's its real strength."– Vancouver Presents 

Aenigma Theatre first premiered The How and The Why in Vancouver in 2018 to rave critical and audience reviews. The production garnered Bronwen Smith a Jessie Richardson Award Nomination for Best Actress (Small Theatre) for the role of Zelda Kahn. After being twice delayed by the pandemic, Aenigma Theatre is remounting this successful production at Evergreen Cultural Centre as part of the 2022/2023 Theatre Season. The original cast, Bronwen Smith and Annie Arbuckle, are back as Zelda and Rachel. Returning Production Members include Chengyan Boon (Lighting Design), two-time Jessie Nominee Scott Zechner (Sound Design), and Aenigma Theatre Founder and Artistic Director Tanya Mathivanan (Director/Producer). New to the team are Jessie Winner Kimira Reddy (Set Design) and Melicia Zaini (Costume Design).  

"The How and the Why was an emotionally powerful experience, with both the writing and the performances deep and riveting." — Theatre Addicts Vancouver 

Evergreen Cultural Centre | 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam | April 11-15 | Adults/Senior/Student $45/$38/$16 | Email aenigmatheatre@gmail.com for more information | www.aenigmatheatre.com | Purchase tickets online at https://evergreenculturalcentre.ca/events/the-how-the-why/ or in person or by calling the Box Office at 604-927-6555

 

 

 

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