Louis B. Hobson: Review: Kisapmata's first love story both tender and timely

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Calgary’s Independent Critic: Kisapmata by Chromatic Theatre and Lunchbox Theatre

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Louis B. Hobson: Preview: HPR premieres showcase Bruce McCulloch's real world view, and a Filipina love story

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What Audiences Are Saying About Kisapmata

“If you need a balm for your soul, go check out this beautiful story of queer love.”
-Kit

“Loved it! Laughed and cried on and off throughout and had such a great time. Definitely going to tell many friends to check it out!”
-Taylor

Photos: Ben Laird

We are proud to present the world premiere of this unique queer love story by Calgary playwright Bianca Miranda at Lunchbox, with direction by Gina Puntil, co-produced by Chromatic Theatre and presented as part of One Yellow Rabbit’s High Performance Rodeo. Kisapmata (pronounced key-SUP-mata) has been in development since 2021, when it was part of the Chromatic Theatre IBPOC Playwrights Unit, and it was featured in both the Stage One Festival of New Canadian Work and Stage Two at Lunchbox Theatre in 2022. Playwright Bianca Miranda also recently premiered The F-Word, co-written and performed with Keshia Cheesman, in a Downstage Production at Alberta Theatre Projects, which was nominated for "Outstanding New Play" at the Betty Mitchell Awards.

Directed by Gina Puntil 

Co-Production with Chromatic Theatre and presented by One Yellow Rabbit as part of the 38th Annual High Performance Rodeo.

Poster Artwork by Maezy Reign

The show's run time is 65 minutes.

Note: Video and audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Check out the Backstage Pass and get a behind the scenes look at all things Kisapmata - including recipes, Tagalong for beginners, and more!

Location:

Lunchbox Theatre performances take place in the Studio at Vertigo Theatre, at the base of the landmark Calgary Tower.

#161, 115 - 9 Ave. SE
Calgary, AB T2G 0P5

Parking Information

Tickets can’t be purchased online 60 minutes before the show but you can call and book at 403-221-3708 or at the box office window before the show.

Doors open 30 minutes before the show.

You are welcome to pack your lunch or dinner and eat it during the show, the bar will be open before each performance to purchase snacks and drinks but there are no sandwiches/ lunches for sale at the venue.

Note: We aim to have a scent-sensitivity environment. Please avoid wearing scented personal care products such as perfume, cologne, aftershave, scented lotions or creams for the body, face or hands.

We suggest this show for 12+.

Note: Video and audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

The Queer in Alberta podcast is hosted by Kels Delamarter and she interviewed Kisapmata playwright, Bianca Miranda. Listen in as they talk about the play and the numerous intersections that come with our experiences of being pinoy and queer in Alberta:

Lunchbox is proud to offer the special student price (for patrons under 25 or anyone with a valid student ID) for our 7 PM shows for Kisapmata on February 10. Grab a friend (or two!) and make some memories! Use promo code CORNY for $15 tickets.

Know a student? Let them know of this special rate!

Brown stories for a brown audience!

We're so excited to invite the Filipino/a/x community to the Brown Out Night for the premier of Bianca Miranda's Kisapmata! Brown Out Night is a performance specifically for celebrating and welcoming the Filipino community. Kisapmata is a story rich with Filipino culture, language, and traditions. Join us on Saturday, February 3 at 4pm for the Brown Out Performance of Kisapmata, followed by a private reception! 

 This production's Brown Out Night is an afternoon performance and reception celebrating the Filipino/a/x community, lives, and love stories. We are specifically inviting those who identify as being part of the Filipino community and other racialized (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) communities to make up our audience, for this show.

 With that in mind, we will not be turning away anyone who purchases a ticket for this performance. We do ask that if you do not identify as Filipino or identify as being part of a racialized group, please ask yourself why you would like to attend, and what you will add to the space.

 Brown and Black Out Nights were created on Broadway with Slave Play by playwright Jeremy O. Harris, the inaugural BLACK OUT night took place on September 18, 2019. We first learned of Black Out Nights due to Obsidian and Tarragon Theatre Companies in Toronto.

We are excited to have a special day for the run of Kisapmata that is dedicated to Celebrating Pride Organizations. Please join us for a time of entertainment and appreciation for your work and impact! Join us for either show on Friday, February 9 at 12 pm or 7 pm.

Struggling to come up with the perfect date night idea? Bypass the Valentine's Day rush and join us on Friday, February 16 for the 7 pm show of Kisapmata! We will also be giving away a $50 gift certificate to Amihan Grill and Bakeshop to one lucky couple. Enjoy some yummy Filipino food and theatre! 

We are partnering again with Inside Out Theatre with their Good Host program to provide a Relaxed and Audio Described performance of Kisapmata on Sunday, February 4th at 1:30PM to make this performance more accessible.

See More details here

Masked Performance

Our priority is providing a safe environment for our patrons, staff, volunteers and artists. In an effort to support the comfort levels of all our guests, Lunchbox Theatre has made the decision to offer select Masked Performances this season. This decision was made to address the accommodations requested by some of our patrons, either for preference or personal health reasons. We hope this option gives reassurance of Lunchbox Theatre's support of all our patrons, and ask that all in attendance respect these special accommodations for these performances. 

Kisapmata

• Sunday, February 4th at 1:30 PM

See More details here

After the show's performance, most (usually all) of the actors return to the stage to answer your questions and provide insight into the play you have just experienced.

Volunteers

Our volunteers make it possible for us to do what we do, and we're always on the lookout for dedicated and passionate individuals to help us out!

See a show for free! Usher or volunteer front of house for any of our shows.

 2023-24 SEASON