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.
World premiere - coming in 2026!


Photography by Elana Emer

Photography by Elana Emer

Photography by Elana Emer

Photography by Elana Emer
To A Flame
To A Flame


To A Flame Trailer

To A Flame — A Prelude to Confronting Oppression
CAST & CREATIVE
A 1s1 Theatre Production, co-presented by Why Not Theatre
written by
English to ASL adaption
director
associate director and dramaturge
Madeline
Harriet
Fanny
cellist
stage manager
assistant stage manager
sound design and composition
set/costume/props design
lighting design
projection design
head carpenter
production manager
production supervisor
ASL instructor
ASL-English interpreter
rehearsal photographer
show photographer
rehearsal videography
videographer
1s1 Theatre
Artistic Director
Producer
Erin Shields
Dawn Jani Birley
Josette Bushell-Mingo
Birgit Schreyer Duarte
Dawn Jani Birley
Alicia Plummer
Miranda Calderon
Beth Silver
Sally Roberts
Sparrow Valentine
Deanna H. Choi
Jung-Hye Kim
André Du Toit
Laura Warren
Dale Sharp, Jr.
Aaheli Mukherjee
Patrick Lynn
Hands on ASL! Merico Tesolin
Kate Lewis, Sheila Johnston, Gloria Brifoglio and Peggy Zehr
Dahlia Katz and Alice Lo
Elana Emer
Alice Lo
Mallory Brown
Dawn Jani Birley
Meredith Potter
This project is part of Why Not’s SHARE stream of activities.
SHARE projects are partnerships with other independent artists
and companies to help produce, present or tour their work.
PARTNERS
To A Flame is a 1s1 Production and co-presented by Why Not Theatre. Production support gratefully received from Nightwood Theatre and Factory Theatre. 1s1 Theatre gratefully acknowledges support for To A Flame from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council.
download program book