A NAC Indigenous Theatre, Great Canadian Theatre Company & Native Earth Production,
in association with Western Canada Theatre & UBC Theatre and Film
WOMEN OF THE FUR TRADE
Written by Frances Končan
Directed by Renae Morriseau
SEPT 24 – OCTOBER 4, 2025
Following a sold-out world premiere in January 2024 at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre, Touchstone Theatre revives this co-production with its first Western Canada stop
In eighteen hundred and something something, somewhere upon the banks of a Reddish River in Treaty One Territory, three very different women with a preference for twenty-first century slang sit in a fort sharing their views on life, love, and the hot nerd Louis Riel.
This lively historical satire of survival and cultural inheritance shifts perspectives from the male gaze onto women’s power in the past and present through the lens of the rapidly changing world of the Canadian fur trade.
Show image by Fred Cattroll.
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WHERE
ADDRESS
6354 Crescent Rd, UBC
Run Time
Approx 110 mins, plus 15 minute intermission
SHOWTIMES: Sept 24 - Oct 4
Wed, Sept 24 @7:30PM – Preview
Thurs, Sept 25 @7:30PM | OPENING
Doors: 6:30PM for Indigenous Market, Sept 25 only
Fri, Sept 26 @7:30PM
Sat, Sept 27@7:30PM
Sun, Sept 28 @2PM
Tues, Sept 30 @4PM, special talkback with director Renae Morriseau
Wed, Oct 1 @7:30PM
Thurs, Oct 2 @7:30PM
Fri, Oct 3 @7:30PM
Sat, Oct 4 @2PM
CONTENT INFO
What is the play about?
Women of the Fur Trade is a funny take on Canadian history. It puts women and Indigenous people at the centre, using relatable language, humour, and pop culture from today.
The play features women as the main characters and the historically important men are shown as heartthrobs and betrayers, not heroes. The play shows real historical events from a fictional female view for a playful and modern look at history.
Who is this play for?
This play is suitable for adults or well-prepared young people aged 13 and above.
Age ratings are a guide, but you know best what’s suitable for you. Feel free to email libby@touchstonetheatre.xyz if you have other questions that are not answered here.
What are the themes in the play?
You may notice themes of:
- Division of labour, rights, and equality.
- Land acknowledgements, reconciliation, and treaties.
- Marriage and religion.
- Astrology, love, and fate.
- Instagram and pop culture.
- Strong language and sexuality.
- Betrayal.
- Racism, the 60s scoop, and white supremacy.
- War, genocide, treason, and death by hanging.
What technical parts are used?
You may hear sounds of:
- Boiling water, howling, and baby cries.
- Gunshots, rope creaking and droning.
You may see:
- Projections of the Northern Lights.
- Thrown objects.
- Staged fighting with sticks as guns.
- A hanging scene with a falling noose.
DETAILED CONTENT NOTES
Download HERE
"It’s a testament to Koncan’s writing that Women of the Fur Trade works so masterfully as a satire: it disarms with its wit, charms with its narratives and provokes with its timeless themes."
CAST + ARTISTS
CREATIVE
Playwright | Frances Končan
Director | Renae Morriseau
Scenic Designer | Lauchlin Johnston
Lighting Designer | Jeff Harrison
Projection Designer | Candelario Andrade
Projection Design Assistant | Melissa Joakim
Sound Designer/Composer | MJ Dandeneau
Sound Design Assistant | Miquelon Rodriguez
Associate Sound Designer | Jack Goodison
Costume Designer | Vanessa Imeson
Production Manager | Kayleigh Sandomirsky
Assistant Production Manager | Matt Oviatt
Technical Director | William Dettclaff
Revival Stage Manager | Melanie Thompson
Revival Assistant Stage Manager | Elsa Orme
Fight Director | John Koensgen
Fight Coaches | Nathania Bernabe & Jackie Hanlin (Affair of Honor)
CAST
Marie-Angelique – Kelsey Kanatan Wavey
Cecilia – Cheri Maracle
Eugenia – Columpa Bobb
Louis Riel – Jonathan Fisher
Thomas Scott – Victor Hunter
Frances Končan (she/they) is an Anishinaabe playwright from Couchiching First Nation. She grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba and studied at the University of Manitoba (BA Psychology) and the City University of New York Brooklyn College (MFA Playwriting). Their work has been presented across Canada at theatres such as the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, the National Arts Centre, and the Stratford Festival. She currently resides in Vancouver, B.C. where she is an Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia. Select plays include: Women of the Fur Trade, Space Girl, and zahgidiwin/love.
