A Fierce and Funny Reimagining of French History
by Acclaimed Playwright Kat Sandler
Gateway Theatre, in co-production with Alberta Theatre Projects (ATP), is proud to present the Western Canada premiere of Wildwoman, a daring and wickedly funny new play by acclaimed Canadian playwright Kat Sandler (Yaga). Directed by Jamie King, this bold production is inspired by real events and figures, reimagining 16th-century French history with irreverence and bite. Running March 26 to April 4 on Gateway Theatre’s MainStage.
Based on the shocking true story that helped shape the legend of Beauty and the Beast, Wildwoman centres on a young Catherine de Medici, the new wife of King Henry II of France. Catherine is eager to be on the King’s council, but she quickly learns that her political aspirations matter far less than her ability to produce an heir. Surrounded by scheming courtiers, a powerful royal mistress and a male-dominant court obsessed with legacy and control, Catherine feels trapped inside this patriarchal world. That is, until she meets Pete, a hairy, handsome wildman, kept in the dungeon as one of the king’s collection of caged oddities, who awakens her wild side.
Kat Sandler brings her trademark rapid-fire wit to this salacious saga of an infamous bad girl who could not be tamed. What unfolds is a fiercely imaginative and sexy thrill ride spanning decades of Catherine’s life, as three women navigate survival within a brutal patriarchal system. By blending historical drama with contemporary urgency, Sandler uses bold language and razor-sharp humour to explore power, fertility, and gender—challenging audiences to reconsider the stories we think we know and asking: who gets to shape history, and at what cost?
“Wildwoman is a story that celebrates women who refuse to be silenced and reminds us that theatre can be funny, wild, fearless and alive. With such an amazing cast and design team, we are thrilled to bring this sumptuous, theatrical production to life on our stage.” says Barbara Tomasic, Executive Artistic Director of Gateway Theatre.
“When I first read this play, it was like my body was filled with bees; I felt inspired, furious, and delighted,” said Jamie King, Wildwoman Director. “The play looks at power, at fertility, at legacy, all unflinching and full of humour. It’s inspiring to find new plays that are able to speak about both our human history and contemporary issues with such insight and still make it feel alive and fun. This is an urgent play that needs to be seen.”
Synthia Yusuf takes on the role of Catherine (Cathy) de Medici; Nathan Kay plays Henry II of France. Elizabeth Barrett is Kitty, N Girgis is Diane (Didi) de Poitiers, and Connor Stuart is Pete.
The production is directed by Jamie King, with Set Designer Narda McCarroll, Costume Designer Alaia Hamer, Lighting Designer Gerald King, and Sound Designer Nancy Tam. They are joined by Stage Manager Victoria Snashall, with Lester Lee as Assistant Stage Manager.
Tickets start at $37, with a Pay-What-You-Will option available. They can be purchased online or by calling the Gateway Theatre box office. Performances are from March 26 to April 4, 2026.
Gateway Theatre’s 2025/26 season is built around the theme “Find Yourself Here”—stories that mirror the many facets of our lives: identity, place, freedom, and change. The theatre strives to create a space where everyone feels seen—on stage, in design, in casting, and in community. Gateway Theatre
About Gateway Theatre
Gateway Theatre is “A Stage for Richmond”, providing a platform for the whole community to contribute to, and benefit from, the performing arts. It’s a place where we can all learn from each other, see ourselves represented, and take pride in the rich cultural landscape that Richmond has to offer.
Gateway provides entry points for audiences and performers in three key areas: Artistic Offerings, Education, and Community Rentals. Through our Artistic Offerings, we produce a breadth of stories that tackle the ideas, values, and issues which reflect the diverse people of this city. We bring people together through shared artistic experiences that encourage dialogue and exchange. Our Education programming connects youth to the performing arts, including offering classes in acting, singing, and dancing. Where it is most transformative is beyond the stage, building confidence, self-awareness, and a sense of belonging in young people. Our Community Rentals program allows Richmond to celebrate its achievements, with thousands of people coming through our doors each year to participate in events put on by the public. We are excited to be bringing Richmond together through the performing arts.
Feature image: Synthia Yusuf, Costume Design: Alaia Hamer, Photo by David Cooper