CONFESSIONS OF A FAIRY'S DAUGHTER Comes to Theatre Collingwood

The term “fairy” either conjures up a vision of a well-loved, winged, Tinkerbell-like, character or an unspoken derogatory term for a man from the gay community.  There is no middle ground.  It is black or white.  But in the 1980's times were different. Perhaps some people even took ownership of the title.  This was a time when the words “gay” and “father” were never used together, and a time when no one yet knew if that might, someday, become possible.

Alison Wearing has taken ownership of all three words in her play Confessions of a Fairy's Daughter, which Theatre Collingwood is presenting at the Simcoe Street Theatre September 19th-23rd.  Woven through music and imagery, this comic monologue tells the story of growing up with a gay father in the 1980s.  This is Alison's memoir.  Balancing intimacy, history and uproarious humour, this is not just a story of one family's challenge and quest for liberation. It is a moving and celebratory tale of family life: deliciously imperfect, riotously challenging, and full of life's great lessons in love.

“Every once in a very long while you might be lucky enough to witness a play, brilliantly portrayed by an incredible story teller that then grabs your heart and won't let go.  You can't forget it.  This is Confessions of a Fairy's Daughter”, said Erica Angus, Executive Director at Theatre Collingwood.  “Alison is so captivating and generous in this play, and by the end you have fallen completely in love with her and her entire family, and especially with the messages beautifully portrayed.”

Alison Wearing comes to us with a wealth of experience.  She was born in Peterborough, Ontario, studied French, music and political science across Canada and Germany. She began her writing career in Prague, publishing articles, stories, and winning awards for her travel writing. Her first book, Honeymoon in Purdah, received international acclaim. After relocating to Mexico, she ventured into performing arts, winning awards for her solo play Giving Into Light. Confessions of a Fairy's Daughter was initially her award-winning book before it became a play. In 2020 she wrote Moments of Glad Grace, which explores the relationship between her and her aging father while exploring their roots. Wearing has held various literary positions, including writer-in-residence and distinguished visiting fellow.

“Confessions” has played to sold-out theatres across Canada, off-Broadway, and from Mexico to Sri Lanka, earning ovations and top honours at virtually every festival in which it has appeared. Its awards include four Fringe Festival “Best of Fest” awards, the CBC's Outstanding Solo Show award, and Best Dramatic Script at NYC's United Solo, the largest festival of solo theatre in the world.

Confessions of a Fairy's Daughter is the 5th play in Theatre Collingwood's Season of Great Story-Tellers.  It was written by and stars Alison Wearing and was directed by Stuart Cox.  The Production Sponsor for the Theatre Collingwood production is Dr John Miller & Dr Sam Goodman, Dentists.