It’s a story about grief, loss, wonder and the power of love. 25th Street Theatre is kicking off its 50th Anniversary Season by branching out with the world premiere of a new work by Saskatchewan playwright Danielle Roy and a tour of Saskatchewan schools.

“It is vital that we create opportunities for young people across the province to engage with theatre.”

Johanna Arnott and Ed Mendez (l-r) are excited to bring this time-traveling tale to schools. (25th Street Theatre)

Luna is the story of a young girl, Luna, who builds a time machine in her dad’s garage to go back in time and unfreeze her mother. It’s a journey through memories and time as she visits dinosaurs, robots and moments in her childhood. The tour will visit 10 schools in rural Saskatchewan before it’s final show, open to the public February 18th, at The Broadway Theatre in Saskatoon.

“So many young people lost access to the live performing arts during the pandemic, which undoubtedly had an impact,” says 25th Street Theatre’s artistic and executive director Anita Smith. “Now that we are able to offer these programs again, it is vital that we create opportunities for young people across the province to engage with theatre. They are the next generation of theatre makers and theatre-goers.”

“This is an offering of magic and wonder in the form of a play.”

Luna is Roy’s first foray into playwriting for young people. (Devon Roy)

Roy says theatre is a great way to break down barriers and get people talking about hard things like the loss of a loved one.

“It’s not easy to talk about but I feel we should still be honest and open with kids even in the hardest of discussions,” says Roy. “This is an offering of magic and wonder in the form of a play. It’s a way to talk about things and reach a level of acceptance when dealing with loss.”

Actor Ed Mendez plays Luna’s father and a robot in the show. He says the heartfelt message in Luna will reach kids in areas that don’t normally have access to professional, live theatre. After the show, Mendez and other cast members will give student workshops on topics like storytelling, movement and props to share what they know about theatre creation.

“I’ve missed going to small towns to perform,” says Mendez. “Now, seeing local theatre companies reaching out to communities outside the major centres, it’s really great.”

“This tour means the world to me as both a playwright and a teacher,” says Roy. “Bringing theatre to youth is so important because the more you experience the world, the more you realize it doesn’t matter where you come from. You can be great anywhere. I hope it inspires them to tell their own stories.”