The Big What Now?

Sandra Shamas. Photo by Mark Jewusiak.

Sandra Shamas' latest show The Big What Now? marks her 30th anniversary as a solo performer, and the seventh piece in the series of her life. She first produced My Boyfriend's Back and There's Gonna Be Laundry in 1987. Two more Laundry shows followed and the Laundry trilogy was published, shortlisted for the Governor General's Award for English-Language Drama, and nominated for the Stephen Leacock Award for Humour. Next the three-part Wit's End chronicled her divorce, her move from big city to country living and farming life.

In The Big What Now? Shamas shares her observations on life as a woman in her late 50s—an age at which women become virtually invisible. Since there is no instruction manual or reference guide for how to navigate this stage, Shamas is inspired to shape her own path as she asks herself what's next?

With wicked humour and fearless self-awareness, Shamas recounts recent strength-building battles such as climbing "menopause mountain," fixing a backed-up septic tank, power struggles at her farm during the ice storm of 2013, experimenting with dating apps, and finding solidarity in the current Women's March movement. Listening to her stories, often funny to the point of discomfort, is like catching up with an old friend. Shamas gives her fans the best gift they could ask for: an honest reflection of who she is and a pleasant reminder of what a grown-ass woman looks like. What will she do now that she's almost 60 with no husband and no grandkids? Who knows, the world is her oyster.

The Big What Now? has been extended until February 19, 2017 at the Fleck Dance Theatre, Queen's Quay Terminal Building, Harbourfront Centre (207 Queens Quay West, Toronto). Visit harbourfrontcentre.com for more information and to buy tickets.