The challenging piece is about the arrival of a proselytizing Christian noblewoman to Rome, where she must face the Emperor’s command to worship the pagan gods or have her daughters, Faith, Hope and Charity put to torture. Its uniquely bizarre narrative about the clash of religions introduces us to the formidable Sapientia pitted against a paternalistic and buffoonish Hadrian. The result of their conflict is a display of lurid onstage violence toward children who, through divine intervention, become immune to physical pain and even undergo bodily transformations. Inspired by Terence’s comedies, and the lives of the saints, Hroswitha’s text conveys a tone of uneasy humor, at times resembling what would today be described as a body horror comedy.

To stage this story, director Mia van Leeuwen uses object theatre, a form of puppetry where performers animate found, everyday objects to tell a story, e.g., a mirror, an espresso maker and tea cups. Sapientia is a rare production from the first female playwright, 10th-century writer Hroswitha of Gandersheim and was adapted by Joseph Shragge from a literal translation from Latin text by Lynn Kozak.

Performance dates:
August 11 at 6pm
Saturday, August 12 at 8pm
Sunday, August 13 at 3pm

The subject matter deals with material that some audience members may find triggering including religious extremism, and violence against women and children. Suggested for ages 12+ (with parental guidance).

The cast features Adam Capriolo*, Alex Petrachuk*, Anana Rydvald, Paul Van Dyck* and musical accompaniment by Gitanjali Jain*.

*The participation of these artists is arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance, Opera, Theatre Policy (DOT).