APOTHECARY Comes to Toronto Fringe Festival

Creators of the award-winning Canadian musical, “Every Silver Lining”, Laura Piccinin and Allison Wither present their newest musical work, 'Apothecary', the story of a magical and timeless sanctuary for all women in need, no matter when they're from.

Keeper of the Apothecary, Lady, and her apprentice, Tilly, work tirelessly and secretly to support women in need as they appear at their door. Imperfect themselves, they discover what it means to do good in a world of complicated nuance, and to relieve themselves of the burdens placed upon them by time and circumstance.

When a woman (Eleanor) arrives at their door, who shares an abusive past not unlike her own, Tilly succumbs to her sense of indignation and allows her to leave the Apothecary with a bottle of poison. After all, if this is what comes at the hand of a man, what might they be able to do with the hand of a woman?

As we wade into uncertainty in our own timeline, the "Elbows Up" era of Canadian history, 'Apothecary' reminds audiences that in a world that demands our attention and action in a way that can seem paralyzing in the desire to do good, we have the option to be flawed; to help imperfectly. If our smallest inaction can be harmful, then it is true that our smallest offering can bring peace. Reach out your hand to your neighbour and give them what you can.