by Rhum and Clay Theatre Company and Kit Redstone (UK)

Presented with The Cultch

October 2-13, 2018, York Theatre

“If you’re lucky enough to catch this play at the Cultch, you’re in for a boisterous, slightly surreal, and hilarious evening” Vancouver Weekly

“Testosterone, currently on stage at the York Theatre, may only be 65-minutes long, but it only serves to reinforce the age-old proverb that good remarkable things really do come in small packages” Vancouver Presents

One year after his first injection of testosterone, trans man Kit is perceived completely as a man. However, with this triumph comes a crisis of masculinity; what kind of man is he? Drawing on autobiographical experiences, Testosterone is the true story of Kit Redstone’s first entrance into a male gym changing room at the age of 33. What first appears as a routine ritual of four men changing after a workout, then transforms into an epic coming-of-age quest for a masculine identity in an environment that affords little space to hide.

by Stop The Violence (Denmark)

Curated by Dave Deveau & Jordy Matheson

Produced by Emily Neumann

In partnership with the Vancouver Public Library

A quarterly presentation launching February 2, 2019

VPL Central Branch

Free event

The Human Library initiative is an international phenomenon, started in Copenhagen as a project to fight hate in communities. It is designed to promote dialogue, reduce prejudices and encourage understanding. By connecting people who under normal circumstances might not have had a chance to sit down and talk, the library enables groups to break stereotypes by challenging common prejudices in a positive and humorous manner.

“A paper book exists in the finite space of printed text and internalized reading. A human book, however, exists in the real four-dimensional scope of human experience. The reader can’t skip bits or neglect their book, a human book requires fixed attention and, through that intimate engagement with another’s story, invites empathy through real human engagement”Interface

“A very good read”Jerry Wasserman, Vancouver Province

Human Library was started by a group of five individuals who founded the organization Stop The Violence after a brutal attack on a mutual friend. The first Human Library was held in Denmark in 2000 and the concept has since gained huge popularity and momentum. Over the past twelve years in over sixty-five countries, thousands of “human books” have connected with “readers” of all walks of life.

Six years into the journey of this Vancouver edition of the international sensation, lives are being changed, 20 minutes at a time. Choose one of the titles in our collection of amazing humans and change your point of view.

by Dave Deveau

Directed by Cameron Mackenzie

Developed with Playwrights Theatre Centre

April 17-May 5, 2019, Studio 16

“this touching play has all the makings of a repertory staple”-Vancouver Observer

“smart and heartfelt, funny and devastating… Dead People’s Things tackles life’s biggest, messiest experiences – grief and survival, fear and depression –  and then revels in the quiet moments it carves out for itself in the characters’ personal reckonings.”-Georgia Straight

Phyllis, a Millenial, inherits a house and all of its contents after her estranged hoarder aunt commits suicide. She then must work with the neighbour, Beatrice, a Baby Boomer, who has been named executrix, to try and make some sense of the life and death of a woman she barely knew, through the things she left behind. Based on true events, Dead People’s Things is a heartrending haunting that examines loneliness and the strange contradiction between belongings and belonging.

Performed by Eileen Barrett & Meaghan Chenosky

Set Designed by Jennifer Stewart 

Costume Designed by Hannah Case

Sound Designed & Composed by Mishelle Cuttler

Lighting Designed by Sophie Tang

Stage Managed by Anthony Liam Kearns

by Isolde N. Barron (Cameron Mackenzie) and Peach Cobblah (Dave Deveau)

Commissioned by the Vancouver International Children’s Festival

June 1 & 2, 2019, Studio 1398

Join local drag queens Peach Cobblah & Isolde N. Barron for a drag dress-up spectacular! Add some rainbow to your day at this fun and inclusive event which reminds young ones, their parents, caregivers and everyone in between that it’s never too early (or too late!) to get silly and dress-up! Parents are a Drag celebrates diversity with songs, laughter and play. With opportunities for the audience to become part of the show, be sure to come dressed to impress or ready for some dress-up time. World Premiere!

With special guest Fertility Flambé

Hosted by Isolde N. Barron & Peach Cobblah

Part of Transform: A Cabaret Festival

October 12, 2019, 7:30 pm, York Theatre

The Queens of East Van, Peach Cobblah & Isolde N Barron, host a drag spectacular! With special performances from the Cree drag queen known for her outspoken candour Quanah Style, multidisciplinary non-binary drag performance collective The Darlings, as well as local favourites Jaylene Tyme, Coco, and Celestial Seasons. These fearless queens are challenging gender norms while pushing the boundaries of drag, and having a tucking great time doing it!

With Quanah Style, The Darlings, Jaylene Tyme, Celestial Seasons and CoCo

by Dave Deveau

Directed by Cameron Mackenzie

Featuring songs from Elbow Room Café: The Musical by Dave Deveau & Anton Lipovetsky

December 10-29, 2019, The Cultch’s Historic Theatre

They’re back! After their bulldozing debut at the York two seasons ago, the eclectic world of Vancouver’s beloved Elbow Room Café returns for a holiday tribute you won’t soon forget. Join Bryan, Patrick, and their wacky customers as they get snowed in at Vancouver’s most iconic eatery—and can’t escape the mayhem!

“there is an infectious celebratory mood created by this capable cast”Mark Robins, Vancouver Presents

“Playwright Dave Deveau’s spiky and sweet charm is on full display”Andrea Werner, Georgia Straight

“Whether we say Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday, it is a time for indulgence which is – in a good way – Zee Zee Theatre’s middle name”Jo Ledingham

A brand new holiday experience. Leave the kids at home and grab a drink, this one is for adults only!

Featuring David Adams, Emilie Leclerc, Joey Lesperance, Emma Slipp & David Underhill

Musical Direction by Christina Cuglietta

Stage Management by Susan Miyagishima

Set & Costume Design by Marina Szijarto

Lighting Design by Taylor Janzen

Sound Design by Mary Jane Paquette

Choreography by Nathan Kay

Props Design by Carol Macdonald

Assistant Stage Management by Brynna Drummond

Wardrobe Assistance by Megan Leson

by Dave Deveau & Cameron Mackenzie

Commissioned by Vancouver International Children’s Festival

Canadian Tour 2020

February 15: Massey Theatre, New Westminster, 4 pm

February 16: Kids Take Over UBC

In its place Home Is A Drag the adapted digital version of the show will screen during their Virtual Festival through Facebook.

After its overwhelming debut at last year’s Vancouver International Children’s Festival, Parents Are A Drag hits the road, touching down in Vancouver, Ottawa, Toronto, and Saskatoon.

Join local drag queens Peach Cobblah & Isolde N. Barron for a drag dress-up spectacular! Add some rainbow to your day at this fun and inclusive event which reminds young ones, their parents, caregivers and everyone in between that it’s never too early (or too late!) to get silly and dress-up! Parents are a Drag celebrates diversity with songs, laughter and play. With opportunities for the audience to become part of the show, be sure to come dressed to impress or ready for some dress-up time. 

Featuring Isolde N. Barron, Peach Cobblah & Fertility Flambé

by Paul Lucas

Directed by Cameron Mackenzie & Fay Nass

A co-production with the frank theatre company

In association with Firehall Arts Centre

March 12-21, 2020, Firehall Arts Centre

CLOSED DUE TO COVID-19.

Thanks to all who joined us for the streaming Saturday March 21st. We will be keeping the link live for another 24 hours till 11:59pm PST March 22nd.

If you already have a ticket for the live performance at the Firehall please email info@zeezeetheatre.ca for the password or –

DONATE NOW FOR PASSWORD

WATCH

Trans Scripts drags heart and vulnerability into the room with every syllable. This team of badass ladies breathe in the fears, prejudices, pain, and lies surrounding the experience of transitioning and breathe out connection, compassion, humour, and humanity. This show is a salve in a burning world.Vancouver Presents

On a Friday the 13th of travel alerts and social-distancing measures, Trans Scripts, Part I felt—all too fittingly—like an act of resilience. The play’s purpose was to bring people together, opening an entire world of transgender experience by sharing pain, secrets, and laughs.

Perhaps the most amazing thing is the way the performers—almost all of them nonactors—own the stories they tell….By the time the show ended, they felt like friends, confidantes, and probably the bravest people you’ve ever met. And not just because they chose to leave the house last Friday.The Georgia Straight

Trans Scripts centres on the lives of seven transgender women. These true stories, compiled from over 70 interviews from around the world, are honest, funny, moving, insightful and inspiring. But most of all, they are human, shedding light not on our differences, but on what all people share.

Featuring Josie Boyce, Carolynn Dimmer, Amy Fox, Quanah Style, Morgane Oger, Sabrina Symington & Julie Vu

Set Designed by Jessica Keenan

Costume Designed by CS Fergusson-Vaux

Lighting Designed by Keagan Elrick

Sound Designed by Sara Vickruck

Stage Managed by Jenny Kim

A Workshop Presentation

by Jan Derbyshire & Dave Deveau

Originally scheduled for March 16, 2020, Firehall Arts Centre

Be part of the first glimpse of Zee Zee’s latest commission, delving into the complicated world of trans-exclusionary radical feminism, unpacking the question “what is a woman”? Part new play reading, part community conversation.

Created in consultation with Jessie Anderson & Morgane Oger

POSTPONED DUE TO COVID-19

by Dave Deveau

Inspired by Elbow Room Café: The Musical by Dave Deveau & Anton Lipovetsky

Presented in association with The Cultch

December 12, 2020 at 7pm via Zoom

Pay What It’s Worth after the show

COVID can’t keep a good “Queen-Bitch-Diva” down!  They’re back…again! After appearing last season in the Cultch’s Historic Theatre for the Jessie award-nominated holiday spectacular Holiday at the Elbow Room Café, the eclectic world of Vancouver’s beloved and iconic eatery The Elbow Room Café returns for a very COVID holiday tribute written only for Zoom. Join Bryan, Patrick and Tabby along with some new and some old faces as they navigate the holidays without being able to gather in the café.

Read all about it in Stir’s preview article!

Directed by Cameron Mackenzie

Featuring David Adams, Steven Greenfield, Joey Lesperance, Emma Slipp & Deborah Williams

Designed by Marina Szijarto

Zoom Coordination by June Fukumura

by JD Derbyshire & Dave Deveau

In consultation with Jessie Anderson & Morgane Oger

Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 3pm via Zoom (Reading)

April 2021 (Workshop)

TERF Wars & Transgressions is Zee Zee’s latest commission by JD Derbyshire (Certified, Turkey in the Woods) and Dave Deveau (Elbow Room Café, My Funny Valentine) and delves into the complex and polarized world of trans-exclusionary radical feminism, which has divided Vancouver’s queer and feminist communities. Set during an open mic night at an East Van dive bar where anything is possible, catch this first glimpse of a work in progress.

Featuring Morgan Brayton, Andrew McIlroy, Julie Vu, Deborah Williams

Dramaturgy by Joanna Garfinkel 

Join us in a live digital experience presented by Kaleidoscope Theatre (Victoria), May 8 & 9, 2021

Past performances:

April 7, 9 & 10, 2021: Persephone Theatre (Saskatoon)

August 24, 2020: BC Teacher’s Federation Digital Conference

August 13-31, 2020: Nutrien Children’s Festival (Saskatoon)

August 8, 2020: Pender Island Pride

July 25, 2020: Burnaby Pride

July 20, 2020: Campbell River Pride

May 25-31, 2020: Vancouver International Children’s Festival (Premiere)

Join real-life husbands and drag queen dads Isolde N. Barron & Peach Cobblah from their suburban home while in lockdown with their 2 year old.  Home is a Drag is a 15 minute video exploring the challenges of being a drag parent in these “unprecedented times”.

A Zee Zee Theatre Production

Inspired the Human Library created by Stop The Violence (Copenhagen)

Saturdays & Sundays in March, 12 pm – 3pm via Zoom

Virtual Humanity is a new Zee Zee Theatre initiative, which pivots Human Library, our community-based storytelling event into a new digital platform. Zee Zee has produced Human Library over the past eight seasons, and is keen to reimagine the project for this new era, curated by Bunny (Daisy Joe) and Sam Chimes. 

In Virtual Humanity audience members select a title from the collection of 30+ “Virtual Humans” in the collection – something that intrigues them, confuses them. They will then proceed into a one-one-one digital face to face conversation with their “Virtual Human”, a person who will share the true personal story that is reflected in their title, over the course of 20 minutes. This is a project designed to shatter preconceived notions about otherhood, to challenge our biases and misunderstandings and put a human face to difference as a means to foster empathy.

Human connection has never been more important.

Part of Urban Ink and The Cultch’s Transform Cabaret Festival
September 26 & October 2, 2021, following the livestreams of Le Gateau Chocolat’s DUCKIE

They’re back to shake shake shake, whirl and twirl along to incredible music by DJ Kookum as we broadcast to you live from The Cultch for some family friendly dancing! Co-hosted by Isolde N. Barron and Peach Cobblah, with special guest Thanks Jem plus appearances by Fertility Flambé.

curated by Alysha Collie, Raven John, Deborah Williams & Dallas Yellowfly
produced by Jordy Matheson

November 27, 28, December 4, 5, 2021, 1 pm – 4 pm

Inspired by Human Library created by Stop the Violence (Copenhagen)

After 9 years of curating and producing the Human Library, Zee Zee introduced Virtual Humanity, a new digital one-on-one platform for creating meaningful connections, twenty minutes at a time. Get a glimpse of the beauty and complexity of Two Spirit and Indigiqueer storytelling in this intimate and often life-changing exchange. One-on-one, even if we’re miles away.

By Sunny Drake
Firehall Arts Centre, 280 E Cordova St
March 18-April 3, 2022

Tuesday-Saturday, 7:30 pm

Saturday & Sunday, 3:00 pm

ASL Interpreted Performance: March 24, 7:30 pm

Relaxed Performance: March 26, 3:00 pm

Visual Story

A comedy about culture, hockey, relationships and sex. Two dads and their sons are sentenced to stay in the hockey dressing room until they’ve talked through their feelings about a heated scuffle. In 90 hilarious minutes, these guys get to know each other and themselves a whole lot better, while redefining what it means to WIN. Men Express Their Feelings enriches, instigates, and empowers questions of gender, sexuality, identity and the cultural impact on all of these. 

“I’ve found comedy is the best way to talk about some difficult things, but while having a laugh and a really fun night out as well.“-Sunny Drake, Playwright

Starring Thanks Jem
ONE NIGHT ONLY: April 14, 2022, 8 pm

The Cultch’s Historic Theatre, 1885 Venables Street

Join us for an outrageous one-Queen drag show and get to know Zee Zee’s newest playwright-in-residence, Queen of the Rodeo Thanks Jem. Experience this local icon doing what she does best with select scenes from her new show in development exploring her obsession with being the ultimate host and cool mom. From baking pies for the audience to hosting dinners Martha would envy, Jem is always striving to build community. Come meet this icon in an all-new Cherstravaganza, as part of her ongoing development of Cool Moms, the latest Zee Zee commission, a drag show-theatre hybrid that dives into her childhood in the foster system as a two-spirit, indigenous kid. She’ll laugh, you’ll cry, but you’ll give Thanks to Jem as they make you confront your white privilege.

June 3-5, 2022

Re-Commissioned as part of the Vancouver International Children’s Festival

Buy Tickets

After its overwhelming debut at the 2019 Vancouver International Children’s Festival, Parents Are A Drag is reborn with a much bigger kid.

Join local drag queens Peach Cobblah & Isolde N. Barron for a drag dress-up spectacular! Add some rainbow to your day at this fun and inclusive event which reminds young ones, their parents, caregivers and everyone in between that it’s never too early (or too late!) to get silly and dress-up! Parents are Still a Drag celebrates diversity with songs, laughter and play. With opportunities for the audience to become part of the show, be sure to come dressed to impress or ready for some dress-up time.

By Briefs Factory
Presented with The Cultch

Turn your cycle to HOT as you watch these boys tumble dry!

After 10 years of selling out festivals worldwide, the Briefs boys are back and ready to air their Dirty Laundry in this brand-new party cabaret you don’t want to miss out on.

Led by Fez Faanana, aka Shivanana, featuring a line-up of classic Briefs boys and some shiny new boys and toys. 

With more glitter stains and ballsy attitude than ever before, your favourite Briefs misfits give you a night of intoxifying physicality, gob-smacking comedy, unapologetic truths, and ridiculous showmanship.

by Rick Tae

The Cultch Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables Street

Co-produced with Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre

In association with Rice & Beans Theatre

Presented by the Cultch

March 9-19, 2023

In this surreal rom-com, Keaton Chu, Chinese-Canadian kindergarten teacher inherits a farm from his deceased parents and vows to continue the business to honor his family name. Unlucky in love in real life, he begins to pour his heart out into every fruit and vegetable, believing that every life form has a purpose even when they’re deformed. 

When Japanese-Irish-Canadian produce wholesaler and bar-star Joe McKinley unwittingly falls for Keaton, they struggle to deal with historical familial, cultural and relationship issues while proving love is possible even when dirty rotten tomatoes squeeze in on the fun.

by Bronwyn Carradine

Married couple Annie & Josephine have been trying to start a family for the past 5 years. As their patience and pennies have dried up, and they start to second-guess themselves, their chance at a baby literally bursts through their front door. Unexpecting explores marriage, friendship and modern motherhood.

Directed by Cameron Mackenzie

Featuring Elizabeth Barrett, Jessica Heafey, Melissa Oei, & Rahat Saini

by Rick Waines

Cultch Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables Street

Presented by The Cultch

December 2-11, 2022

In My Day is a verbatim work of contemporary drama that exists at the cross section of disability and memorial arts. Centred around HIV’s impact on Vancouver, it is a story of a pandemic response with extraordinary victories and heartbreaking failures. This work is inspired by a community-based oral history research project in 2017, titled HIV In My Day, which was initiated at the University of Victoria interviewing long-term survivors and caregivers who lived through the first 15 years of the HIV pandemic in British Columbia. The collected stories and reflections would honour the voices of women, people of colour, Indigenous folks, trans, people who use[d] injection drugs, and others, alongside those of cis-gender gay men.

Featuring Patti Allan*, Nick Miami Benz, Scott Button*, Ivy Charles*, Allan Morgan*, Alen Dominguez*, Cameron Peal, Sabrina Symington, Jackson Wai Chung Tse, Kelsey Kanatan Wavey, and Braiden Houle*

Direction and Dramaturgy by Shawn Macdonald*

November 5-6 & 12-13, 2022

1pm-4pm

Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch

350 West Georgia Street, Third Floor Atrium

ASL Interpretation November 5th

A Free First Come, First Served Event

Produced by Jordy Matheson

Curated by Alysha Collie, Allan Morgan, Melanie Ray & Dallas Yellowfly

In partnership with the Vancouver Public Library

This year’s theme revolves around stories of 2SLGBTQI+ elders whose histories have led to the advancements of Vancouver’s queer history, and future. The Rainbow Elders & Allies Collection is Zee Zee’s 12th edition of this community engagement project, providing the opportunity for event-goers to speak one-on-one with a Rainbow Elder to break down their ideas of difference, twenty minutes at a time.
“The stories of our Rainbow Elders come from the perspective of a singular experience in the history of the world. Many of us navigated through a time where being homosexual was diagnosed as a mental illness, and societal disdain rampant and dangerous” says co-curator, Allan Morgan. “The changes we have witnessed and advocated for have changed the landscape immensely. Through these simple tales from our elders shared one-on-one with another human, we can help weave the tapestry of our rainbow cloth.”
As an audience participant you get the chance to sit across from one of these storytellers in a 20 minute one-on-one experience. Perhaps you will find out the lengths a lesbian couple went to to adopt a child in the 1990s – or what it was like to be an out gay Canadian immigrant in the 1960s?

Written and Performed by Johnnie McNamara Walker
Jan 27 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Massey Theatre | 735 Eighth Avenue, New Westminster

Zee Zee Theatre is proud to be a presenting partner in this one night only event!

Tickets
Tour-de-force writer/performer Johnnie McNamara Walker presents his newest, most personal, and most provocative solo show to date: a deep-dive into the shocking world of Heterosexuality!

THEY WALK AMONG US! But where did they come from? And what do they think they’re wearing? Find out in this explosive solo show based on undercover research gathered while posing as one of their own! Combining elements of storytelling, satire, comedy, and deep personal humiliation, The Heterosexuals is here to spill the T on what The Queers really think about The Straights.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! After intermission, the party continues with the West Coast debut of “HEY GIRL HEY with DJ Orange Pekoe”. Originating as one of Toronto’s most beloved Queer nightlife events since 2016, HEY GIRL HEY earned a nomination for “Best Party Series” in NOW Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards. Johnnie Walker aka DJ Orange Pekoe will be serving up a dance-friendly set of hip-hop, r&b, and pop, with a unique twist – each track MUST feature a woman and/or non-binary artist. Don’t miss this inclusive and fun dance-party experience that has taken Toronto by storm, now making waves on the West Coast!

“★★★★★… Comic genius… rarely have I enjoyed such a well written piece of theatre… an experience not to be missed.” The Irish Times

“★★★★★… Walker has an electric stage presence… a real joy to watch… priceless, playful, perfection.” The Reviews Hub

“Walker is a bonafide charmer onstage.” The Toronto Star

November 18, 19, 25, 26 | 1PM – 4PM

Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch

350 West Georgia Street, Third Floor Atrium

A Free First Come, First Serve Event

Produced by Jordy Matheson

Curated by Jaylon Han, Yanting Qiu, and Shay Dior. Presented with the Vancouver Public Library.

Storytelling at a human scale.

Following the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes during the pandemic, Zee Zee Theatre has chosen to focus our 2023 Collections Series on the Queer Asian experience. Come listen to our community of storytellers share each of their unique and memorable life experiences, as we work to break down assumptions and build understanding, 20 minutes at a time. 

Generously supported by the Parachute Fund.

By Dave Deveau

 In association with Carousel Theatre for Young People. Co-commissioned by Carousel Theatre for Young People and the Vancouver International Children’s Festival.

May 17 – June 2, 2024

​​Penguins Peaches and Izzy are the Zoo’s main attraction: two male penguins who put on daily shows to visitors’ delight. But when other penguin couples lay eggs and go on to have a chick, these two pine for parenting life. With the help from the Zoo Keeper, dreams do come true. The Papa Penguin Play welcomes audiences of all ages to a penguin chick first birthday party, a celebration like you’ve never seen.

Recommended for All Ages!

A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT MODEL & VIRTUAL READING SERIES.

October 21 & 28,
November 4, 12, & 18, 2023

3:00 PM PT | 5:00 PM CT | 7:00 PM AT

Streaming Online and In-Person Across Canada

Facilitated conversation to follow each reading.

Project Lead | Cameron Mackenzie
Reading Producer | Bronwyn Carradine
Lead Dramaturg | Joanna Garfinkel