Photo by: Russ Hewitt Photography
Players de novo began as a discussion between opposing criminal lawyers in the courthouse cafeteria. A prosecutor and a defence attorney discussed their mutual love of theatre and mused about putting on a show that cast only members of the legal community. This idea turned into the 2006 production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap”, a partnership between Workshop West Theatre, a cast of judges and lawyers, and the Players de novo, was launched.
This play has become an annual event in Edmonton, raising over $1.4 million in its first 16 productions. The fundraising endeavor benefits a local theatre company partner and the Victoria School Foundation of the Arts. Over 200 lawyers and judges have now appeared on stage, some for the first time since elementary school and some of them (bravely) more than once. Each year the gala night brings out many in the profession and the enjoyment and laughter of supporting their colleagues on stage is infectious. The work by the cast spans all areas of law, all age ranges and any level of seniority: all of which are left at the door of the rehearsal hall as the cast rehearses from January to May for the one-night-only show that plays at the Victoria School for the Arts on the first Friday in May.
The production is not just a fundraiser, or a passion project. In an era where collegiality and civility are at risk, and human connection is challenged by everything from pandemics to personal demands to social media, the show brings the legal community together in a way that fosters a commitment of caring to each other and for others. This theatre project is proving to be a time where the best qualities of our profession – including generosity and a support of the arts - which are essential to the administration of justice and the public’s respect for it. This annual project builds connection between the legal and theatre communities, and between each other as colleagues and friends.
The show returned after a COVID break in 2023 with “Laughing Stock” – an ensemble comedy about the wild ups and downs of working in summer theatre year after year. Bringing the show back after 3 years away was a thrill for the committee. The play is always followed by a gala reception that is recognized as one of the biggest legal social events of every year. Its return was as welcome as the play itself.
Sadly, during the reboot of the 2023 production one of the original Mousetrap cast – and ongoing active member of the committee - Laura Stevens, died suddenly on January 1, 2023. Her contributions to the profession were many, and this fundraiser was one very close to her heart.
The Mousers (the now long standing, affectionate name for the organizing committee) are always looking for new talent for both on stage and backstage work! Experience is not required. The show begins production each year by choosing theatre partners who produce and direct the show. Theatre Alberta is the next theatre partner, joining the Mousers for the 2023-24 season. In September the next play will be chosen, and casting calls go out. Rehearsals start immediately in the new year. Interested in being part of the cast or crew? Email kevinmott1953@yahoo.ca.
The Hon. Justice Avril Inglis is a Justice with the Court of King's Bench in Edmonton, Prior to her appointment in 2016, she served as a Crown Prosecutor in both Manitoba and Alberta.