Wildwoman by Kat Sandler

Gateway Theatre, in co-production with Alberta Theatre Projects (ATP), is proud to present the Western Canada premiere of Wildwoman, a daring and wickedly funny new play by acclaimed Canadian playwright Kat Sandler (Yaga). Directed by Jamie King, this bold production is inspired by real events and figures, reimagining 16th-century French history with irreverence and bite. Running March 26 to April 4 on Gateway Theatre’s MainStage.

Based on the shocking true story that helped shape the legend of Beauty and the Beast, Wildwoman centres on a young Catherine de Medici, the new wife of King Henry II of France. Catherine is eager to be on the King’s council, but she quickly learns that her political aspirations matter far less than her ability to produce an heir. Surrounded by scheming courtiers, a powerful royal mistress and a male-dominant court obsessed with legacy and control, Catherine feels trapped inside this patriarchal world. That is, until she meets Pete, a hairy, handsome wildman, kept in the dungeon as one of the king’s collection of caged oddities, who awakens her wild side.

Kat Sandler brings her trademark rapid-fire wit to this salacious saga of an infamous bad girl who could not be tamed. What unfolds is a fiercely imaginative and sexy thrill ride spanning decades of Catherine’s life, as three women navigate survival within a brutal patriarchal system. By blending historical drama with contemporary urgency, Sandler uses bold language and razor-sharp humour to explore power, fertility, and gender—challenging audiences to reconsider the stories we think we know and asking: who gets to shape history, and at what cost?

Synthia Yusuf takes on the role of Catherine (Cathy) de Medici; Nathan Kay plays Henry II of France. Elizabeth Barrett is Kitty, N Girgis is Diane (Didi) de Poitiers, and Connor Stuart is Pete.

The production is directed by Jamie King, with Set Designer Narda McCarroll, Costume Designer Alaia Hamer, Lighting Designer Gerald King, and Sound Designer Nancy Tam. They are joined by Stage Manager Victoria Snashall, with Lester Lee as Assistant Stage Manager.

Tickets start at $37, with a Pay-What-You-Will option available. They can be purchased online or by calling the Gateway Theatre box office. Performances are from March 26 to April 4, 2026.

Thurs. March 26 – 7:30PM (Pay-What-You-Will Preview)

Fri. March 27 – 7:30PM (Opening Night)

Sat. March 28 – 1PM

Sat. March 28 – 7:30PM

Sun. March 29 – 1PM (Relaxed Performance & Sweet Sunday)

Tues. March 31 – 7:30PM (2 for 1 Ticket Special! Use promo code WILDBOGO)*

Wed. April 1 – 1PM (Tea Matinee & Post-Show Talkback)

Thurs. April 2 – 7:30PM (Thirsty Thursday)

Fri. April 3 – 7:30PM

Sat. April 4 – 1PM (VocalEye Live Audio Description option available)

Sat. April 4 – 7:30PM