Escape to an imaginative world under the stars where an unlikely heroine fights to rewrite her fate. On the lush banks of the Rideau River in beautiful Strathcona Park, Odyssey’s 39th season presents the world premiere of The Girl With No Hands — a darkly comic fantasy where dreams awaken new realities.
Check out the official trailer:
With the walls of her life closing in, a troubled young woman is offered one final escape. Lured into a crumbling fantasy world, she becomes the reluctant heroine of a story with a mind of its own. She’s hailed as a long-awaited saviour by a trio of bumbling outcasts, courted by a desperate King, entangled in the romantic schemes of an eccentric spirit, and hunted by a Devil hell-bent on destroying her. But when true love doesn’t deliver a happy ending, she must take charge of her own story.
Written and directed by Laurie Steven, the play will sweep you into a world where the boundaries of reality and imagination blur as our heroine’s attempt to rescue a kingdom from collapse forces her to face demons within.
Inspired by the Brothers Grimm folktale “The Handless Maiden,” which has long stood as a symbol of the feminine heroic journey, this story speaks to anyone who’s struggled to believe in their worth, their dreams, and their voice.
Journey into a gothic, post-industrial dreamscape brimming with mischievous soaring spirits, a shape-shifting devil, and an unexpected heroine. Eight actors bring over 30 vivid characters to life through unique physical theatricality, original music, and neo-goth masks and costumes. All unfolding in a spectacular natural setting under a canopy of stars – this is outdoor theatre like you won’t see anywhere else.
CONTENT: The play includes some strong language and brief references to drug abuse, suicide, and violence. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
In the Spotlight: Media & Reviews
The Girl With No Hands actors Valerie Buhagiar and Marlow Stainfield joined CTV Morning Live to discuss the show.
“This play is a truly magical evening in the park…strengthened by fine acting, amazing masks, beautiful costumes, and some very scary looking puppets.” – Bruce Burwell, apt613 (Full review)
“The Girl With No Hands is an ambitious project that showcases a strong female heroine who faces her demons and finds her own path without relying on a prince (or king) charming to “fix” her.” – Courtney Castelino, Broadway World Ottawa (Full review)
“An elaborate production…[with] masks, rendered more beautiful and complex than ever, an original sound score, fast scene and costume changes, excellent acting and solid dialogue.” – Erwin Dreessen (Full review)
Check out Broadway World Ottawa‘s interview with The Girl With No Hands writer Laurie Steven, diving into her inspiration and the world of the production: Broadway World interview.
Writer and director Laurie Steven spoke with CBC Radio’s All in a Day about The Girl With No Hands and her inspiration for the play: CBC interview.
FINAL WEEK!
The Girl With No Hands runs from August 3-24, 2025 in Strathcona Park. Performances are Tuesdays – Sundays at 8pm, with pay-what-you-wish Sunday matinees at 2pm.
For more information on tickets, parking, rain policies, and more, click below…
