Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary

There is a specific kind of electricity that fills the room when Erin Shields premieres a new work in Toronto. She has a rare, almost surgical ability to peel back the layers of ancient myths and reveal the raw, pulsing humanity underneath. With *Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary*, Shields turns her gaze toward the most famous names in religious history, not to revere them, but to finally let them speak. By bringing four women—all named Mary—out of the desert and onto the stage at Crow’s Theatre, she is doing more than just retelling a story; she is dismantling the patriarchal silence that has defined these figures for two millennia.

The Shields Signature

If you caught her Governor General’s Award-winning *If We Were Birds* or her blistering adaptation of Milton’s *Paradise Lost*, you know that Shields doesn’t do "polite" theatre. She excels at taking the weight of epic, canonical texts and injecting them with a sharp, contemporary, and often bitingly funny sensibility. Her writing is visceral—it demands your attention and refuses to let you remain a passive observer. In *Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary*, she uses the shared name as a narrative device to explore the collective experience of women who stood at the center of a revolution, only to see their contributions filtered through the lenses of men who weren't there. Expect a script that balances lyrical, almost poetic dialogue with the kind of incisive, modern wit that makes you laugh before the gravity of the situation hits you.

A Home for Bold Voices

Crow’s Theatre, nestled in the heart of Leslieville at the corner of Carlaw and Dundas, has firmly established itself as the city’s premier destination for high-stakes, high-reward theatre. The Streetcar Crowsnest isn't just a venue; it’s a cultural anchor for the East End. The space itself—industrial, intimate, and impeccably designed—is the perfect backdrop for a play that interrogates the architecture of history. There is a palpable sense of community here; when you walk into the lobby, you aren't just a ticket holder, you’re part of a conversation that continues long after the house lights come up.

Making a Night of It in Leslieville

Because the theatre is located in the vibrant, leafy enclave of Leslieville, you have the luxury of turning this into a proper evening out. Before the show, head over to Gare de l'Est for some reliable, high-end French bistro fare that feels perfectly suited to the sophisticated atmosphere of a Crow’s production. If you’re looking for something more casual, the area is packed with gems. Grab a pre-show glass of wine at one of the many spots along Queen Street East, or if you’re feeling adventurous, wander down Carlaw to see how the neighbourhood’s industrial past is being repurposed into the city’s most exciting creative hub. Post-show, the lobby bar at the theatre is often buzzing with actors and audience members alike—it’s the best place in the city to dissect the performance over a local craft beer.

Good to Know

• **The Venue:** Crow’s Theatre is located at 345 Carlaw Ave. The space is fully accessible, but it’s always wise to check their website if you have specific seating requirements.
• **Getting There:** If you’re coming from downtown, the 501 Queen streetcar is your best bet; get off at Carlaw and take a short walk north. If you’re coming from the subway, the 72 Pape bus drops you very close to the theatre doors.
• **Parking:** Parking in Leslieville can be tricky. There is limited street parking, but there are a few paid lots in the immediate vicinity. If you can, take the TTC or a rideshare to avoid the stress of hunting for a spot.
• **The Experience:** Shields’ work is dense and rewarding. If you have the time, read up on the various "Marys" of the New Testament beforehand—the play is a much richer experience when you understand exactly which historical narratives she is subverting.