6 cartoon adolescents sitting under a banner that says The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Graphic by Vithória Konzen Dill

The Salty Scent of Home

October 9-18, 2025

Director & Creator: Yasmine Kandil

This powerful and celebratory theatre performance brings to life the stories of six newcomer immigrants and refugees, capturing their journeys as they navigate the challenges and embrace the rewards of immigration and settlement. Interwoven with these personal stories are poignant and lyrical poems inspired by the migratory patterns of birds—symbolizing freedom, resilience and tenacity. This production is a moving tribute to the strength found in community and the universal desire to find a place to call home.

The performance runs 70-minutes with no intermission.

A SSHRC-funded performance

Programme for The Salty Scent of Home

Yasmine Kandil, Creator & Director

Dr. Yasmine Kandil is a dynamic theatre practitioner and academic specializing in applied theatre and community-based performance. With a focus on storytelling as a tool for empowerment, she has worked extensively with marginalized communities, using theatre to amplify their voices and foster social change. Originally from Egypt, Kandil brings a global perspective to her work, blending diverse cultural narratives with innovative theatrical practices. She has collaborated on numerous projects that explore themes of identity, migration and resilience. Currently, as a professor, researcher and new UVic Department of Theatre Chair, Yasmine continues to inspire through her creative and scholarly contributions to the transformative power of theatre.

Show Dates

Performances
Tuesday to Saturday evenings at 8 p.m.
Saturday matinees at 2 p.m.

A brief talkback happens after both matinee performances.

Tickets

Subscription packages are available now.

Single Tickets for this show are available on September 29.

Charge by phone: 250-721-8000
or in person at the Phoenix Box Office
(online ticket purchases are not available)

Box Office Hours

Friday & Saturday: $34
Wednesday & Thursday: $30
Cheap Tuesday: $18
Student Rush Tickets: $20
30 minutes before each show
UVic Alumni: $25
Saturday Matinees (with UVic Alumni ONECard)
GST included in ticket price

Performed in the Chief Dan George Theatre

Image of the Chief Dan George Theatre

Creative Team

Director: Yasmine Kandil
Assistant Director: Makayla Madill
Movement Consultant: Ming Hudson
Choreographer: Vitas Freitas
Music Composer: John Hutchinson
Costume Designer: Kiera Byrnes
Lighting Designer: Sasha Pisiak
Projections Designer: William Mackwood
Sound Designer: Jack Storwick
Stage Manager: Rosemary Sandell

Cast

Kiera Byrnes
Isabella Derilo
Janina Ferrer
Kai Glass
Mariah Madill
Julia Patterson
Peter Starr
Gabby Blake (understudy)
Gagan Leekha (voiceover narrator)

Lecture

Preshow Lecture: Friday, October 10 at 7 p.m.

Join us on the first Friday for a guest lecture about themes in the play.

Lectures are free and everyone is welcome, no matter which performance you have tickets for. The lectures are also recorded and audio files are posted here when available.