On the lush banks of the Rideau River in beautiful Strathcona Park, Odyssey’s 39th season presented the world premiere of The Girl With No Hands — a darkly comic fantasy where dreams awakened new realities. Audiences escaped to an imaginative world under the stars where an unlikely heroine fought to rewrite her fate.
Check out the official trailer:
When reality unravels, her dreams are her magic.
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.
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.
The Girl With No Hands featured a gothic, post-industrial dreamscape brimming with mischievous soaring spirits, a shape-shifting devil, and an unexpected heroine. Eight actors brought 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 – Odyssey continues to produce outdoor theatre like you don’t see anywhere else.
In the Spotlight: Media & Reviews
“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)
The Girl With No Hands actors Valerie Buhagiar and Marlow Stainfield joined CTV Morning Live to discuss the show.
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.
