Savagery And Civilization Collide In THE BARONESS AND THE PIG

The internationally acclaimed play The Baroness and the Pig by Canadian Michael Mackenzie - based on the characters created by Catherine Fitch and Marion Day - begins its run at the Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre on June 10. Directed by Selma Dimitrijevic, this comically savage two-hander subtly cuts to the core of what it means to be "civilized" - and to be human.

An idealistic but dissatisfied 19th-century baroness (Yanna McIntosh) conducts a social experiment attempting to transform and socialize a young feral girl (Julia Course) whom she names "Emily." Though the enfant sauvage can barely speak, the Baroness is convinced Emily can be transformed into a presentable maid. Despite many conflicts and confrontations, a shocking revelation forges a rare bond between the baroness and her maid.

The Baroness's pristine and constrictive world is created by Camellia Koo's monochrome minimalist set design and costumes, lighting design by Kevin Lamotte; and music and sound design by John Gzowski.

The Baroness and the Pig is on stage at the Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre (10 Queen's Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake) from June 10 to October 6 (Media Premiere June 20). This Shaw Festival production is proudly sponsored by James F. Brown. The Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre is sponsored by Paradigm Capital Inc.

This production has mature content and strong language, with an age recommendation of 16+.

Cast: (in alphabetical order)

Julia Course
Yanna McIntosh Emily
Baroness

Creative & Production:

Selma Dimitrijevic
Camellia Koo
Kevin Lamotte
John Gzowski
Dora Tomassi
Bradley Dunn
Director
Designer
Lighting Designer
Composer / Sound Designer
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager

The Baroness was originally created by Catherine Fitch, Emily by Marion Day (development) and Benoit Brière (performance) and originally performed at the Atelier, at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa in 1993. Special thanks to Gil Osbourne, the Atelier director.

The Shaw Festival's 2018 season is on stage April 4 with a playbill that features The Magician's Nephew, Grand Hotel, Mythos: A Trilogy - Gods. Heroes. Men., The Hound of the Baskervilles, Stage Kiss, Of Marriage and Men: A Comedy Double-Bill, O'Flaherty V.C., Oh What a Lovely War, The Orchard (After Chekhov), The Baroness and the Pig, Henry V, Secret Theatre and A Christmas Carol (on stage November 14 - December 23).

Direct bus service from Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake on the Shaw Express began April 4. Patrons can choose to come for a day or stay for the weekend with a round trip costing $25. New this season: the Shaw Express will stay for two performances on some Saturdays - departing Toronto at 10 a.m. and leaving The Shaw at 11 p.m. Schedule is subject to change. Please confirm dates and times with the Shaw Festival Box Office. A ticket to a 2018 Shaw Festival performance is required to access this service.

To purchase tickets for the 2018 Festival season and Shaw Express, please contact the Shaw Festival Box Office at 1-800-511-SHAW and online at www.shawfest.com.