Tickets for The Lucky Life of a Black Cat are on sale now, taking place at Performance Works from Sept 10 – 20. Book your spot today for just $20 per person!
Hi, I’m Elaine, a Brazilian-Canadian actor, performer, dancer, and writer. I’ve done a little bit of everything, however performing and writing are my favourite. I love writing stories that connect people, especially since a lot of my stories come from conversations and experiences I’ve had.
What is the plot of your show
The story takes place in a magical sanctuary where these kittens are waiting to be adopted, but first, they must listen to speeches from older cats that have just finished missions with their humans.
Lucky, our main character, who has just finished his mission with his humans, is struggling to deliver his speech, and if he can’t, these kittens won’t get adopted. What will Lucky do?
What inspired you to create this show?
After losing my cat, Lucky, I was at Lanagra College, finishing my creative writing program. For a class, I had to write a one-act play, so I wrote about my cat as a way to heal. I never thought it would be on stage, especially since I didn’t have the resources or a venue. However, my friends encouraged me to apply for the Fringe, and at first, I hesitated, thinking “why would I get picked”, but I luckily got in.
I’m very excited to share the story, as people deserve to hear it, and many have or are facing very similar experiences. This story is hopefully a way of healing and moving forward.
What are you hoping audiences will experience or take away from your show?
I’m hoping audiences feel connected to the story and relate it to their own memories and pets they have loved. It’s okay to feel all the feelings. If people leave the theatre wanting to adopt a cat or help out at shelters, that’s a win-win, too.
How did the Fringe Mentorship Program help you create your show and shape your Fringe experience?
It’s been such a beautiful experience. My mentor, Ashey Chodat, gave me structure, guidance, and a sense of belonging and community. It was such an amazing match. Ashey listened to all my silly questions and helped me find the answers, provided lots of insights, and was very attentive.
They also gave me so much reassurance, so I didn’t freak out and instead felt ready, especially helping me organize and prioritize things that I need to do until opening. I got to see Fringe through their eyes, and that was really fun.
Why should people come see your show?
It’s heartfelt, funny, and full of life. Even though it talks about death, it’s a playful, inspiring tale. But bring tissues, there’s so much kittens, humor, and tenderness.
Theatre edition: what is a hill you’re willing to die on?
Theatre should be for everyone and free. Like Fringe’s mission is, the story belongs to us, therefore theatre should be free and not simply for the elite.
I was performing in Brazil and my uncle was nervous to come to the theatre and see me perform because he felt his outfit wasn’t right, as it didn’t match theatre etiquette, but I told him to come as he was, which was perfect as his outfit shouldn’t stop him, and he enjoyed it so much and was very proud. So, theatre needs to be free and inclusive.
