From the abuse of the sweatshop to the fantasy of costume and the empowerment of sewing-it-yourself, the sewing machine has been a force for liberation and exploitation since its invention in the 19th century. Anchored in the sounds and rhythms of sewing, Stitch uncovers the emotional layers of the relationship between woman and barely-tamed machine.

Hemmed in by the language of sewing and the inexorable rhythm of the machine, three women fight to find space for imagination and individuality. From the sweet 3-part stylings of “Cowl-neck Blues” to the fierce interlocked minimalism of “Chain stitch, Lock stitch, Whip stitch”, Stitch gives voice to the unseen women who clothe us.

Stitch received two Dora nominations in 2008. In the Opera Division Stitch was nominated for Outstanding Production and, in the General Theatre Division, composer Juliet Palmer and writer Anna Chatterton were nominated for Outstanding New Musical/Opera.

Stitch’s premiere run was a co-production of urbanvessel and The Theatre Centre presented by The FreeFall Festival in partnership with Harbourfront Centre’s World Stage, March 12-16, 2008 at Lennox Contemporary, Toronto.

Stitch was developed in residence at The Theatre Centre and funded by The Ontario Arts Council, The Toronto Arts Council, and The Canada Council for the Arts.

Music Juliet Palmer | Text Anna Chatterton | Direction Ruth Madoc-Jones | Movement Marie-Josée Chartier | Set and CostumeSarah Armstrong | Lighting Kimberly Purtell | Special effects design Jim Ruxton | Production Stage Manager Shauna Japp

Performed by Christine Duncan, Patricia O’Callaghan & Neema Bickersteth

done