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The Canadian stage has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent years with the advent of musicals that challenge conventional notions of theatre. One such musical is Six, a modern retelling of the story of Henry VIII’s six wives. Bringing together pop music, history, and feminism, Six has captured the imagination of audiences across the world with its energizing performances and thematic richness. In this blog post, we will explore how Six has been received by the Canadian theatre community, and how it is leading a revolution on the stage.
Six has been a major success on the Canadian stage since its debut in 2019. The musical has performed to sold-out crowds, and has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. It’s not hard to see why. With its unique blend of pop music, high energy performances, and a feminist retelling of history, Six has struck a chord with Canadians of all ages and backgrounds. The musical showcases the talents of six incredibly talented actors, each taking on the role of one of Henry VIII’s wives, and bringing them to life in a way that is both historically accurate and contemporary.
One of the key reasons for Six’s success is its fresh perspective on a well-worn historical story. While the six wives of Henry VIII have long been a subject of fascination for historians and storytellers, they have rarely been given agency or portrayed as more than just pawns in the king’s game. Six changes this, giving each wife a distinct personality and voice, and inviting audiences to empathize with their struggles and aspirations. By doing so, the musical challenges us to think more deeply about the tropes and stereotypes that have long been associated with historical narratives, and to consider how we might reimagine these stories for a contemporary audience.
Another aspect of Six’s success is its use of pop music. The musical has been described as a “pop concert with a historical twist,” and features songs that draw on a range of musical genres, from modern pop to 80s power ballads to drum and bass. The result is a high-energy spectacle that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. By bringing together music from different eras and genres, Six creates a unique soundscape that helps to convey the shifting moods and emotions of the story. At the same time, the use of pop music is a nod to the musical’s contemporary themes, and underscores its message of female empowerment.
Perhaps one of the most significant ways in which Six is transforming the Canadian stage is through its feminist themes. The musical is a celebration of female power and resilience, and presents a bold challenge to the norms of patriarchal society. By giving voice to Henry VIII’s wives and empowering them to take control of their own narratives, Six highlights the ways in which women have been historically marginalized and silenced. More than that, the musical serves as a rallying cry for those seeking to challenge gender inequality and promote feminist values on stage and beyond.
In the Canadian theatre community, Six has emerged as a groundbreaking example of how musical theatre can be both entertaining and thought-provoking. With its unique blend of pop music, feminist themes, and historical accuracy, Six has turned the story of Henry VIII’s wives on its head, and invited audiences to consider how we conceive of history and gender in a contemporary context. As such, Six represents a new era in Canadian theatre, one that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and innovation. So, if you have not seen Six yet, we suggest you book your tickets ASAP, as this is an experience you won’t want to miss!