TO A FLAME

by Erin Shields

inspired by E. A. Poe’s “FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER”, for Deaf and Hearing Audiences

A 1s1 Theatre and Nightwood Theatre co-production
In association with Modern Times Stage Company and Why Not Theatre

Directed & Choreographed by Josette Bushell-Mingo
Performed by Dawn Jani Birley, Nickeshia Garrick and Juliana Monk, accompanied by cellist Beth Silver 
Dramaturg and Associate Director Birgit Schreyer Duarte
Assistant Director Andrea Donaldson

Set and Costume Design by Jung-Hye Kim 
Lighting Design by André du Toit*
Composer and Co-Sound Design by Deanna H. Choi*
Co-Sound Design by Jenna Geen
Projection Design by Laura Warren*
Assistant Projection Design by MacKenzie Cornfield**
Stage Managed by Sally Roberts
Assistant Stage Managed by Michelle Soicher
Production Managed by Maya Royer
Technical Direction by Micah Champagne 

To a Flame is an explosive theatrical feast of image and language that pulls the audience deep into a Victorian Gothic Horror in which three confined women await the conclusion of their story in the ancestral home of the man they call Father. Secrets burn to be revealed, aches of the past refuse to be suppressed and the very house itself vibrates with desire for revenge. This groundbreaking work intertwines American Sign Language and English with vibrant movement and live music into a haunting, multi-sensory performance for Deaf and hearing audiences. Featuring celebrated Deaf performer and cultural leader Dawn Jani Birley, internationally-renowned director Josette Bushell-Mingo, and vivid text by Governor General Award-winning playwright Erin Shields, with the support of the company, this theatrical experience is not to be missed.

To a Flame was originally commissioned by Nightwood Theatre. It was initially developed by Nightwood Theatre and later 1s1 Theatre with further development support from Why Not Theatre. It also received a reading as part of the Heidelberger Stückemarkt in Germany [International Theatre Festival] in May 2026, where it was awarded the International Author’s Prize. 

To a Flame was inspired by workshops involving the following collaborators: Dawn Jani Birley, Josette Bushell-Mingo, Lisa Karen Cox, Anna Hardwick, Birgit Schreyer Duarte.