Women of the Fur Trade
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Finalist for the 2023 Indigenous Voices Award for Published Prose in English and Winner of the 2018 Toronto Fringe Best New Play Contest
In eighteen hundred and something something, somewhere upon the banks of a Reddish River in Treaty One Territory, three very different women with a preference for twenty-first century slang sit in a fort sharing their views on life, love, and the hot nerd Louis Riel.
Marie-Angelique, a Metis Taurus, is determined to woo Louis (a Metis Libra)—who will be arriving soon—by sending him boldly flirtatious letters. Eugenia, an Ojibwe Sagittarius, brings news of rebellion back to the fort after trading, but isn’t impressed by Louis’s true mediocre nature. And Cecilia, a pregnant British Virgo, is anxiously waiting on her husband’s return from an expedition, but can’t resist pining over the heartthrob Thomas Scott (Irish Capricorn), who is actually the one secretly responding to Marie-Angelique’s letters. This will all go smoothly, right?
Updated after its sold-out run at the Stratford Festival and with a brand-new study guide, this lively historical satire of survival and cultural inheritance shifts perspectives from the male gaze onto women’s power in the past and present through the lens of the rapidly changing world of the Canadian fur trade. (Description from Playwrights Canada)
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Frances Končan is a Two-Spirit director, playwright, and actor of mixed Anishinaabe and Slovene descent. Originally hailing from Couchiching First Nation, she now lives and works in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Končan is a winner of the REVEAL Indigenous Arts Award and the Winnipeg Arts Council's 2017 RBC On the Rise Award. Women of the Fur Trade won the Toronto Fringe Festival Best New Play award in 2018. Končan is known for her use of humour to tackle the difficult chapters of Indigenous history while also celebrating the wit, the pride, and the power of Indigenous women. (Description from National Arts Centre
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Reconciliation Theatre Society has always strived to uplift and highlight marginalized communities through the power of performance.
By selecting this play created by an Indigenous woman, and selecting our very own talented female leader to be the director, we are practicing what we preach and putting our underserved communities first.
We are so excited to bring this production to various theatres across Vancouver Island, and hope you will help make our Summer 2026 Touring Production one for the books!
Our Incredible Cast & Crew
Lisa Rokeby
How did you get involved in RTS?
My partner and I created Reconciliation Theatre with our group of friends. We began by gathering together in our home to read plays by indigenous writers and directors. Over time, we knew that we wanted to produce these plays on stage and it grew from there.
How long have you been in theatre/performing/on stage?
I loved watching theatre as a child with my mom. Thank you to my music and drama teachers who took a risk and let me play on stage throughout my childhood and teen years. Their encouragement led me to become a music teacher to keep the creativity going.
What is your favorite pre-show habit?
Pacing and brushing my teeth. Its a nervous habit, but it helps!
Why should someone come out and support RTS/Women of the Fur Trade?
Part of my reconciliation challenge is to re-learn history from the voices of those who were silenced. Many of us learned about the fur trade and the Red River Rebellion. But now we can hear stories from the women who were there. We all know Louis Riel. But in this story, he is NOT the main character. Come watch as we uplift women's voices and revive the matriarchy.
Director
Tom Rokeby (he/him)
Producer
How did you get involved in RTS?
I guess I’ve been here from the beginning. I wanted to honour reconciliation in my little part of the world, live theatre, by attempting to decolonize my own practice and hopefully undo some of the legacy of the Indian Act on performing arts and and theatres in Canada.
After twenty years teaching high school drama in Harewood, I knew a bunch of incredibly talented and committed actors and crew, both settler and Indigenous, who were the perfect participants for a play-reading circle focused on Indigenous playwrights.
The circle began in 2018, in response to the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report, persisted through Covid, and when live events returned the community we gathered was ready to produce the scripts we had been reading.
How long have you been in theatre/performing/on stage?
My first theatre experience was in grade 11 thanks to the local theatre icon Roger Desprez. He was a science teacher at NDSS who happened to be directing MacBeth, and I was a grade 12 kid in the hall with long hair. I was cast as “Messenger” and “Murderer #3” in NTG’s production and never looked back. He gave a young fellow more than a couple of parts. He gave me direction, a passion and a purpose. Eternally grateful.
What is your favourite pre-show habit?
Stretching and script-reading. I never stop reading my script until closing night. However, I worry that my fellow-actors think I’m still trying to get off-book. lol
Why should someone come out and support RTS/Women of the Fur Trade?
People should come see “Women of the Fur Trade” because it is hilarious! Frances Koncan may be recentring women’s story, but she does it with a sass and satirical sense of humour that will keep you laughing.
It is a talented and energetic young cast, all of whom have performed at this level before with a variety of Mid-Island theatre companies. I’m the old guy around here...the overwhelming majority of our board of directors, artists, and crew are under the age of 35. Perhaps its the high school teacher in me, but I find it inspiring to watch the next generation of theatre artists come of age on Vancouver Island’s stages, and that alone is a great reason to support Reconciliation Theatre Society.
Actor - Louis RielDaniel Kingshott (he/him)
Daniel Kingshott started stage work with one of the directors of (RTS) in highschool playing Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, and Rooster in Annie. He has a passion for people and a caring heart with a sense of humor which led him into the healing arts.....Robin Williams and Jim Carey, I'm your biggest fan!
He made appearances in Fiddler on the roof, Rent, La Cage Aux Folles, and The Little Mermaid.He also played Porthos in The Three Musketeers (NTG). Daniel is very excited to play Louis Riel, a Metis catholic, which he shares some similarities. Daniel is from Metlakatla-- Gispudwada (also spelled Gisbutwada or Gispewudwade) is the Killer Whale (Blackfish) clan (father side) and British/Irish/Italian (mother side). Come see the Woman of the Fur Trade if you ar into handsome men with a great moustache!! Au revoir!! Xoxo
Kelly Rowlands (she/her)
How did you get involved with RTS?
After a long break from performing and and several moves I was hoping to reconnect with theatre in a new community. I researched every opportunity available to pursue that goal and came across RTS. Their initiatives and projects over the past few years have strongly resonated with me and when I saw the call for Women of the Fur Trade I knew it was time to finally reach out and see if there might be an opportunity for me to participate in bringing this show to the stage.
How long have you been in theatre/performing/on stage?
If directing and starring in renditions of musicals for my family in our living room counts then pretty much as long as I can remember.
What is your favorite pre-show habit?
I love a good playlist and usually build one inspired by the show for pre-show listening.
Why should someone come see WofFT?
This script had me from the very first read. I loved it and felt an immediate connection to the material. I laughed and cried just reading through it, even the stage directions are compelling. I know you will leave the theatre with something meaningful as well, whether it be some much needed laughter or deeper questioning, learning and understanding.
Actor - Cecilia
Talela Manson
Actor - Eugenia Uy Skweyul My traditional name is Xulsimalt’tanaut and my given name is Talela Manson. I come from the Snuneymuxw and Tsleil Watuth territories. I’ve been part of the local theatre scene really lightly. My last production was Berlin blues by Drew Hayden Taylor produced by Reconciliation Theatre. Outside of theatre I am passionate about soccer and paddling!
Actor - Marie-AngéliqueAutumn Olenick (she/her)
Autumn is delighted to be a part of Women of the Fur Trade, where she takes on the role of Marie-Angélique. This marks her debut with Reconciliation Theatre, and she has greatly enjoyed collaborating with such a supportive and talented cast and crew. Autumn is heading into her third year in the Education program at Vancouver Island University, working toward her goal of becoming a teacher.
As a member of the Nlaka’pamux First Nation, Autumn is passionate about continuing to learn and deepen her understanding of Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and ways of being. She is grateful to be part of a production that creates space for Indigenous stories and voices, and she hopes to carry these learnings forward into both her artistic and future teaching practice.
Jesse Wilson (he/him)
Actor - Thomas ScottHow did you get involved in RTS?
I joined Berlin Blues by Drew Hayden Taylor back in 2023, and have been a part of the summer tour ever since
How long have you been in theatre/performing/on stage?
I started performing in high school, continued while at VIU taking theatre and creative writing, and have been performing all over the island since 2016.
What is your favorite pre-show habit?
Slight personal warm ups, tongue twisters, water
Why should someone come out and support RTS?
RTS is a great supporter of all the arts in general, and I love putting a spotlight on voices and cultures that don't necessarily get the representation they deserve
Bonus question: Why should someone come out and see Women of the Fur Trade?
While it tells the real history of Canada through a highly satirical lens, it also gives a lot of power to women, our talented artists and the women of Colonial Canada
Brittany Gueulette (she/her)
How did you get involved with RTS?
I had the wonderful fortune of being hired on as the Stage Manager for this past October's Halloween Spooktacular and simply fell in love with RTS and the wonderful community here!
How long have you been in theatre/performing/onstage?
I have been involved in local theatre both back stage and on stage for over 13 years now, primarily with Nanaimo Theatre Group, but also Nanaimo Fringe, RTS and even behind the scenes on my fair share of film sets.
What is your favorite pre-show habit? (i.e. hype music, drink lots of water, yodeling, etc.)
As an SM I have 2 very important things to do before showtime, read through my notes and make sure I have a sufficient supply of booth-candy on hand.
Why should someone come out and see WofTFT?
Aside from the INCREDIBLE cast, the talented designers, hardworking crew and amazing stage direction? This show is powerful, funny and tells an important story about the untold women of Canada's history, it's simply a must-see production.
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage ManagerDamon Mitchell (he/him)
How did you get involved in RTS?
In the early days of RTS, I attended it's play reading circles. When we eventually became a society, I became one of it's directors.
How long have you been in theatre/performing/on stage?
Creeping into 10 years, now. I grew interested in theatre during highschool, but I didn't act on that interest until my grade 12 year, and have not stopped since.
What is your favorite pre-show habit?
Goofing off with whichever of my friends is apart of a show. (Within reason, of course.)
Why should someone come out and support RTS?
RTS is a great supporter of all the arts in general, and I love putting a spotlight on voices and cultures that don't necessarily get the representation they deserve
Bonus question: Why should someone come out and see Women of the Fur Trade?
2 reasons.
1. It's such a fun play. Even during readings, I can't help but snicker at some of the dialogue.
2. Many folks in this production are working hard to put this show on the figurative and literal road, i'd love nothing more than to see people come and support that hard work.
Nathan Rokeby
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Running CrewSam Caul
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Costumes
PropsSierra Clark (she/her)
How did you get involved in RTS?
Tom Rokeby- the current artistic director is a dear friend and previously my drama/theatre teacher in highschool. A few years ago he bumped into my mom at the store and told her about what RTS was and what they were doing followed by telling her that I should get involved.
The rest is history.
How long have you been in theatre/performing/on stage?
Roughly 12 years.
What is your favorite pre-show habit?
I adore pre-show antics and goofing around especially when it is followed by a quick 180 into being serious on stage.
Why should someone come out and support RTS?
You aren’t just supporting a group of random people when you come to our events. You are supporting your own community, and therefore yourself. The worst thing you can do in life is nothing- so take the time to come be with us so we are all not doing nothing together.
Franklin Rokeby
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LightingWilliam Mahoney (he/him)
How did you get involved in RTS?
Through Autumn.
How long have you been in theatre/performing/on stage?
Since 8th grade. I took theatre and have now continued that habit of trying be involved in it.
What is your favorite pre-show habit?
Hitting the gritty
Why should someone come out and support RTS?
Because it is funny, relevant to this day, and made by local artists.
Sound