Wild Light
by Chantal Gallant and the Ensemble
Lyrics and music by Josh Osborne
Little Dipper Theatre Co.
A battered family gets a second chance at life when they make the risky decision to become lighthouse keepers on the wild and wondrous Lucy Island, just off the coast of Prince Rupert BC. Can they take control of their destiny? And if tragedy strikes and paradise is lost, will they journey back to each other after being torn apart? From island vistas to ocean depths, from shattered wrecks to soaring song, this is an adventure not to be missed!
Inspired by the true stories of British Columbian lighthouse keepers. Created by the Ensemble. A World Premiere production.
Created by Chantal Gallant and the Ensemble; (Vanessa Lazare, Jessica Morgan-Lang, Udit Sapre, Danielle Snider, Avery Taylor, Cassie Unger); Set Design by Jeff Kiers; Costume Design by Lex Diersch; Lighting Design by Phil Miguel; Sound Design, Composition and Lyrics by Josh Osborne; Props Design by Maddi Willoughby; Puppetry design by Vanessa Lazare, Jordan Ravensbergen and Maddi Willoughby; Publicity Photos by Deanne Moore, Archival photos by Dianna Lewis
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The idea for this production was first conceived in 2020, while I was researching BC lighthouse keepers for a different project. I was struck by the stories I uncovered, the immensity of their stories both personal and environmental. There was gold here. Then I found the story of the Oullettes, a family that both found and and lost their personal Eden at the Lucy Island Lighthouse, near Prince Rupert, BC, in the early 1900s. This story drew myself, Chantal Gallant, (our lead playwright), and Josh Osborne (our composer and sound designer) together. Questions about how we heal from past trauma, mental health struggles, family bonds across time, the magic and isolation of the Lightkeeper position called us with their possibilities. We decided to use this story as a springboard or starting point for our exploration. The team grew: talented and curious actors, our beloved stage manager, our designers and dramaturg…and we spent the last four months delving into this story and finding such riches and beauty. All members in the rehearsal room were equal contributors, with all ideas funneled through Chantal for the final script. This process has been such a delight, and reflects our values as a company. We value new works, telling Canadian stories and challenging ourselves as artists. It has been such a privilege to live in this place together, and it is a delight to share it now with you. May you find the courage to face both the darkness and the Wild Light that lives inside of you.