The Death of a Swan
Created by Moth & Firefly Theatre Collective | Produced by Moth & Firefly Theatre Collective | Origin: Ottawa, Canada
Arts Court Theatre
Show Details
When a strange man offers a way to save her poetry café, the audience must watch Evergreen accept a deal that every woman is offered.
Content Notes
Horror (ghosts and demons), Loud Noises (yelling, threats of violence and murder), Crude Language (swearing and racial slurs), Special Effects (flashing lights), Simulated Smoking, Implied Sexual Assault, and Misogyny.
*This performance will require masks.
Showtimes
- Thursday, June 1210:30pm
- Saturday, June 147:30pm
- Monday, June 167:30pm
- Wednesday, June 18*9:30pm
- Friday, June 206:00pm
- Saturday, June 215:30pm
Despite the guidance of William Dorsey Swann (the first drag queen in America), Evergreen accepts a deal from a strange man to save her poetry café. With a blend of dance theatre and psychological horror, this play pits the physical manifestation of the patriarchy against the heroes of history to explore a deal that every woman is offered.
The Death of a Swan premiered at Ottawa’s 2025 Youth Infringement Festival. It won Audience Choice Award (Week 2); Award of Distinction for bringing strong performances to a highly ambitious vision; and Jury’s Choice: Special Mention for the role of William Dorsey Swann.
6 responses to “The Death of a Swan”
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Phenomenal work and high praise to the performers. Beautiful storytelling through movement — must see! Well done!
Incredible watch! Super engaging. Same creator as Divine Masculine, so dounly impressive as directing two shows is no easy feat
Acting is incredible, storytelling with movement, lip syncing, music selection is all carefully curated and makes for a great show. catch it while you can!
Saw this first at Youth Fringe, where it won several well-deserved awards. You will not want to miss this beautiful tribute to Black queer history, especially the tender and fierce portrayal of the ghost of William Dorsey Swann by Aurel Pressat.
This is an impressive and ambitious production written and directed by a local BIPOC team and featuring a strong cast of up and coming Ottawa talent.
Incorporating great music, costumes, dance and movement, a heartfelt story, and important history, this is an auspicious debut from Moth and Firefly collective!
Aurel Pressat gives an absolutely standout performance as the ghost William Dorsey Swann
Some fabulous choreography during the dance segments. It really sells the terrifying tone of the nightmares.
A really touching story with a beautiful message
Such a beartfelt play with touching and relatable themes. Loved the messaging around about being a host, not a leader. The world is so scary right now. We need to keep pushing for it to be built in our image! Well done to all involved. :)
A beautiful and painful story; excellent emotive performances by the cast!