to a flame

* currently in development * 

To A Flame is an innovative, feminist reinterpretation of Edgar Allan Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher by one of Canada's most celebrated playwrights, Erin Shields. In her dark and evocative narrative, three sisters - one Deaf, one Black, and one white - have been abandoned in a derelict house for 25 years. From this eerie confinement, the drama unfolds, compelling us to confront the forces that shape identity, grant power, and imperil survival.

A dynamic work, fusing movement with American Sign Language (ASL), music, and visual projections To a Flame creates a hauntingly authentic exploration of race, gender, and ability. By addressing intersectionality, historical erasure, and societal transformation, the piece fosters empathy, deepens understanding, and inspires action toward a more inclusive and equitable society. The inclusion of Madeline, a Deaf character played by Dawn Jani Birley, further bridges cultural divides, enriching the story's exploration of madness and basic human rights for Deaf people.

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