Created by Calla Wright

Binding is a post-dramatic solo show inspired by clown and drag. Through puppetry, visual metaphor, and frank discussion, Cal explores what it means to live with a body part they’ve never really wanted but are nonetheless stuck with. Simultaneously absurd and vulnerable, the piece examines Cal’s relationship to their chest and body as a nonbinary person living in Alberta, holding space for humour, discomfort, and honesty in equal measure.

What Is the Inspiration For Your Piece? (The seed of inspiration)
The core question of the play—how do you live with a body part that causes dysphoria and distress but can’t easily be removed—was the driving force behind creating Binding. Writing and creating are ways Cal works through personal challenges, and approaching this problem through absurdity—by staging a conversation with their own chest—became a means of contextualizing and examining that experience.

What Point In Process Is Your Piece At? (What stage of growth is your piece at)
One of the great things about doing a play about your actual life is that it’s constantly in process. You learn new things about yourself, your relationship to your body and your art and your experience change, and the show changes with you. This is the third iteration of Binding to be performed, and it really feels like the show has grown with me over the last few years. It’s now a “fully realized play” – but what does it mean to call myself and my relationship to my body “fully realized”? It will probably never be a “finished play”, as I will never be a “finished person”.

Approximate or Estimated Duration
60 minutes

Artist Credits (Whole Team Involved)

Playwright / Performer – Calla Wright
Director / Dramaturg – Sarah Emslie
Stage Manager – Robin Wolff von Selzam
Costume & Props Designer – Even Gilchrist (with contributions by The October People and Kade Carter)
Sound Designer – Autumn Strom (with contributions by Kena León)
Lighting Designer – Larissa Poho
Consultants – Carly Neis, Amorena Bartlett, Jeffrey Behrens and Max Dickeson

Special Thanks

Where to Find the Artist
Instagram: @callaplaywright

 

All tickets are Pay What You Will (PWYW). The suggested price is $35 but any amount is accepted.

More information about access at Expanse 2026 will be coming soon. Any access inquiries and/or feedback can be sent to Carly@azimuththeatre.com.

Check out Expanse’s Accessibility Here