Arjun Pillai
Daily Herald
A purple dragon, a little fish, and a tidal wave of emotion are about to roll through Prince Albert as part of Sum Theatre’s “Theatre in the Park” tour.
This year’s production, Breathe, is set to bring magic, music, and meaning to Kinsmen Park on June 6 with two free performances at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
At its heart, Breathe is the story of a fish named Abel who escapes to an island inhabited by a solitary dragon. As they each learn to navigate fear, isolation, and anxiety, the two discover the power of breathing, literally and metaphorically, as a path to healing and transformation.
“It’s empowering to look beyond those early messages and overcome our limiting beliefs,” said playwright Danielle Roy. “We wanted to tell a story for kids that helps them navigate stress and anxiety and learn that their breath is really powerful.”
The outdoor production blends original music, puppetry, physical comedy, and audience participation into a colorful performance meant to connect with viewers of all ages.
Actor Ed Mendez, who plays several roles and performs as part of the giant dragon puppet, said the experience is as much about connection as it is entertainment.
“Every show is different. Every crowd is different,” Mendez said. “Sometimes it’s raining, windy, or hot, but the energy is always there. The kids sing along, they do breathing actions with us, and they really get into it. That kind of joy just gives us the energy to keep going.”
The show recently played to a record-breaking crowd of over 1,200 students at Les Kerr Park in Saskatoon.
“It was wild,” Mendez recalled. “We had four schools show up at once. It’s the most I’ve ever performed for.”
Spectacle is big part of the magic. From wave fabric simulating a sea storm to the dragon puppet weaving through the audience, the visuals bring the story to life.
“We’ve got sticks with streamers, big colorful props, sound effects, and wind chimes,” said Mendez. “It’s just really cool stuff that stands out.”
For Sum Theatre, the goal is clear: bring professional, high-quality performances to public spaces, no tickets, no gates, no barriers.
“It’s about access,” said Mendez. “Art is alive in this province. People here are talented, and these shows help families make memories together.”
Breathe runs at Morley Wilson Park (June 4) and Pre-Cam Community School (June 5) in La Ronge before arriving in Prince Albert on June 6. It continues its Saskatchewan tour through late June. Audience members are encouraged to bring a blanket, lawn chair, and their imagination
