Award-winning Congolese-Canadian playwright getting world premiere in Toronto

Following the huge success of The Waltz, Factory Theatre is debuting the world premiere of Vierge written by one of the most exciting new playwrights in Toronto.

Vierge is the story of sixteen-year-old Divine Kabamba, who doesn’t seem to fit in anywhere, while her only real friend is Jesus (Christ). But, once her family joins a new church, she discovers the world is not as it seems through the other girls in her youth group.

The show follows these four Congolese-Canadian teenage girls as they navigate the pressures of Christianity, virginity, and teenage hormones.

Already winning first prize at Infinithéâtre’s annual playwriting competition, Vierge was written by writer/actor Rachel Mutombo as part of Factory Theatre’s Bedrock Creators' Initiative. This show also marks the directorial debut of Natasha Mumba, who’s been featured on stage and in television shows like The Handmaid’s Tale, Y: The Last Man, and The Last of Us.

The show stars Shauna Thompson as Divine, Yvonne Addai as Grace Katende, JD Leslie as Sarah Katende, and Kudakwashe Rutendo as Bien-Aimé Ilunga -- who is also part of the cast of Them by Elliot Page.

Premiering Saturday, April 8, and running until Sunday, April 30, the ticket structure for this show is a sliding scale, offering tickets between $0 to $60 — with the audience choosing which level they’re most comfortable securing tickets at, just be aware that $0 tickets are limited in quantity.

There will also be three masked performances, Friday, April 14, Thursday, April 20, and Thursday, April 27.

A stunning new work about faith, community, and sex, Vierge promises to leave audiences tearing up one moment and laughing out loud the next.

There are already a few sold-out performances, so act fast and secure your tickets for Vierge on Factory Theatre’s website.