Rundell says “We excitedly return with three wonderful productions that bring us back together as a community. Through them we explore stories about family, about our past, about imagination – and where you’ll find joy, laughter, empathy, and the profound happiness of being back together!  And, as always, we aspire to spark meaningful conversation and inspire young people to think critically about the world around them” 

Kaleidoscope’s first full season since 2019-2020 will kick off with Manitoba Theatre for Young People’s critically acclaimed production Frozen River (nîkwatin sîpiy), an exciting new play that explores the ideas of broken promises, reconciliation and connection via a story that spans centuries.

Pablo Felices-Luna, Artistic Director of Manitoba Theatre for Young People says “Victoria holds a very special place in my heart; it’s where I started my training as a director when I first settled in Canada more than 30 years ago. Being able to bring an important work like Frozen River to the community that shaped me as a person and an artist is very meaningful to me. And I think this play will be very meaningful to all the families and students who will get to experience nîkwatin sîpiy in their hometown. We are all so grateful to Kaleidoscope Theatre for inviting us to share this story.”

The two other shows are Kleine Campagnie and Théâtre de la Pire Espèce’s Clementine: A (True) Story, a bright and bubbly table-top puppetry play that tackles a tricky topic with humour, honesty & optimism, and Oz, an imaginative journey to the land of Oz created in partnership with Vancouver’s Carousel Theatre for Young People and directed by Jessie Richardson Theatre Award Winner and Carousel Theatere’s Co-Artistic and Managing Director Jennica Grienke.

Grienke says “Carousel Theatre is ecstatic to partner with Kaleidoscope on this beautiful reimagining of a beloved classic – marking the first time in our organisations mutual histories that we are collaborating! On a more personal note, I am delighted to return to Kaleidoscope as the director of Oz and to collaborate with the wonderful artistic team at Kaleidoscope.”

In addition to these in-person productions, Kaleidoscope has launched a new initiative called Family FUNdays, a recurring series of free drop-in events for children and families of all ages! This recurring program will  feature storytelling, dress-up, crafts, and lots of imagination, while encouraging creativity and play!

Subscriptions and Single Tickets are now on sale for all productions and can be purchased through the Kaleidoscope Box Office by phone at (250-900-8163), online at kaleidoscope.bc.ca, on in-person at the Kaleidoscope Arts Centre located at 613 Pandora Avenue. 

Kaleidoscope Theatre for Young People is Vancouver Island’s resident professional theatre company for young people and families. Established in 1973, Kaleidoscope has a mission to create original, innovative and relevant theatre experiences that stimulate and inspire young people to think critically about the world around them. Under the direction of Pat Rundell, Kaleidoscope presents a full season of plays for young audiences performed by professional adult artists and operates a full-service theatre school for youth offering extra-curricular classes in musical theatre, acting, and voice at the Kaleidoscope Arts Centre located in the heart of Victoria’s old town district. 

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