The infamous 2011-2012 Quebec maple syrup heist, one of the largest agricultural thefts in Canadian history, has inspired a new musical by local playwright Mhairi Berg. Titled The Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist: The Great Canadian Musical, the work will be presented at the Citadel Theatre's Collider Festival, running from June 5 to 7.
A Sweet Story of Crime
Starting in 2011, thieves siphoned nearly 3,000 tonnes of maple syrup from a strategic reserve in Quebec, valued at $18.7 million. Berg saw this as perfect material for a uniquely Canadian story. "What's more Canadian than a heist about maple syrup?" she said.
Festival of New Works
The Collider Festival showcases five new plays in progress. Alongside Berg's musical, audiences will see Nicole Moeller's Come Hell or High Water, Col Cseke's An Agatha Christie Mystery A Comedy, and Alexandra Lainfiesta's Chula. Performances are staged readings with actors using music stands, giving a glimpse of the final production.
Supporting Local Playwrights
Associate Artistic Director Mieko Ouchi emphasized the festival's role in nurturing new work. "Theatre is a three-dimensional art form. It's about the air between actors and audience," she said. The festival also offers workshops for playwrights, including sessions on musical theatre and decentralized playwriting.
Berg, a pianist and playwright, developed the musical through the Citadel's Playwrights Lab. She previously combined music and theatre in her show Morningside Road. The festival runs June 5-7, with workshops available for a fee.
