Far from typical large-scale university theatre productions, independent theatre promises unique, cutting-edge stories.
The new, completely independent student play, Washing Machines, written and directed by Fiona Kolbuc-James, ArtSci ’27, will premiere at Queen’s in early December. Although a final location and date for the production still have not been chosen, the show promises to stretch the boundaries of campus theatre by blending science fiction, horror, comedy, and queer love into a single, genre-bending production.
“Ultimately [the production] comes from what I wish to see more of in the theatre world and in art in general,” Kolbuc-James wrote in an e-mail statement to The Journal. “I’d like to see more sci-fi-driven theatre, I think that’s really fun. I love surrealism as well, or anything that takes creative leaps away from realism,” they wrote.
Kolbuc-James began working on the project in June 2025. The story follows a crew of scavengers and antique collectors travelling through outer space. “For a while, things are good—great, even,” they wrote. “They play Dungeons and Dragons, rob a dead guy’s mansion, … But it’s a dangerous galaxy out there, and things soon take a fatal turn.”
At its heart, Washing Machines explores queer love, friendship, and survival. Kolbuc-James wrote in the statement that the show centred around the questions of what one would do for love and whether or not one would trade it to survive. While the title’s deeper meaning will remain a mystery until the premiere, they hinted at its thematic weight.
“It connects to this idea of the erasure of the things we value most in life, the twisted idea of being ‘washed clean,’ and the social pressures that can lead to that,” they wrote.
Creating Washing Machines has also been a lesson in independence. “Starting up an independent student theatre group is intimidating, especially when you begin by being the only person in the group,” Kolbuc-James wrote. “There’s no one to give you the green ‘go-ahead’ signal… but it was also very empowering, to get up and make my dreams happen.”
Despite early nerves, collaboration soon became the backbone of the show. Finding teammates required effort: an open call-out for production roles was posted on Instagram, and Kolbuc-James personally visited drama classes to advertise open positions within the production.
In the end, Kolbuc-James chose a production team and cast who expressed imagination, and a strong interest and passion for theatre. “Working with my cast and production team has been so rewarding,” they wrote. “They’re all such talented, lovely people, and I really appreciate the time and creativity they’ve put into Washing Machines.”
For Kolbuc-James, one unexpected challenge has been managing their own anxieties and self-doubt. “I care about the show so much, so naturally my brain can get a little catastrophic and anxious,” they wrote. “But to me, it’s always much more important to base your choices off love and interest instead of fear.”
As for what they hope audiences take away, Kolbic-James’s answer is simple. “I hope people will leave the theatre feeling hopeful and inspired,” they said.
Washing Machines will premiere in early December.
Tags
Arts, independent theatre, Play, Theatre, Washing Machines
All final editorial decisions are made by the Editor(s) in Chief and/or the Managing Editor. Authors should not be contacted, targeted, or harassed under any circumstances. If you have any grievances with this article, please direct your comments to journal_editors@ams.queensu.ca.