The Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies (CDTPS) proudly presents its 2025 Mainstage Show, Conjugal, by Governor General Award nominated playwright Donna-Michelle St. Bernard. Directed by Carmen Alvis and performed by our talented DRM403 students, the show runs from March 6 to 9 at the Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse (79 St. George Street).
This production is part of the DRM403 Mainstage Performance course, a year-long class led by a visiting professional theatre director. It provides upper-level theatre and performance studies students with the opportunity to develop their acting skills through a full-length play, selected to challenge them and expose them to a wide range of theatrical styles and performance approaches.
Throughout the school year, the DRM403 actors have been working under the guidance of Assistant Professor Carmen Alvis. Student actor Elle Baron reflects on Carmen’s direction, “Her openness and willingness to listen, adapt, and collaborate with the actors is unlike anything I’ve experienced in previous productions, making this rehearsal process feel truly special.” Student actor Hillary Adebayo adds, “Before rehearsals, we spent much of the first semester immersing ourselves in the historical and cultural world of Malawi, exploring our characters’ motivations and conflicts.” This immersive approach has allowed the cast to develop a nuanced understanding of the play’s themes, bringing depth and authenticity to their performances.
Inspired by real events in Malawi, Conjugal unfolds within a prep school where students at Old Bandawa Secondary stage a play about a classmate expelled for attending a political rally. As they take on multiple roles—including the dismissed Andrew, his imprisoned poet father, a prison guard, and members of the resistance—the students weave movement, poetry, and prose into their performance, challenging both their audience and their own authority figures.
“There’s this tension between loyalty and survival that Andrew, Sarah, and Peter navigate with Jack’s imprisonment for his poetry,” Elle explains. “I’m particularly drawn to how the story delves into their moral dilemmas, revealing the emotional weight of resistance and the sacrifices demanded by conviction.”
Conjugal is unique in that multiple actors play the same role, giving each actor the chance to add a distinct voice and interpretation. “It has been a deeply united effort among the entire cast, as well as within individual character groups, to uncover and understand each role through research, discussion and exploration,” says Elle.
Hillary offers insight into her portrayal of Simon, “I try my best to emphasize Simon’s psychological manipulation, portraying him as calm and persuasive rather than an overtly authoritarian figure.”
Each actor brings their own nuances and perspectives to the role, adding layers of complexity that challenge audiences to engage with the story in a more dynamic and thought-provoking way.
Throughout the process, the hard work and dedication of the cast and crew have not only brought this production to life but have also fostered a deeply supportive and caring environment, built on trust, collaboration, and shared passion. This strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose is echoed by Elle, who reflects on the deep bonds formed during the production.
“It feels like a great privilege to spend so many hours working on this production with supportive, accepting and extremely talented peers, who both challenge and inspire me every day,” says Elle.
“Usually, people would say how much they dread going to their 10 a.m. class, but for me, this truly is the highlight of my day and the thing I look forward to,” says Hillary. “Knowing that this will all come to an end soon is something I am really dreading and not looking forward to at all. But I feel very blessed to have been in a showcase with such an amazing group of people.”
As Conjugal comes to life on stage, the cast and crew hope the production leaves a lasting impact on audiences, sparking reflection and conversation. Beyond its compelling narrative and dynamic performances, the play challenges viewers to engage with its themes on a deeper level.
“I hope the audience will be inspired to question how government structures impact our perspectives, thoughts, and relationships; to question how truth and love endure, even in the face of pain,” shares Elle. With its powerful storytelling and thought-provoking message, Conjugal serves as both a theatrical experience and a call to examine the world around us.
To learn more about the show or to reserve your tickets, visit: uoft.me/CONJUGAL.