(This story is sponsored by The Cultch.)

The Cultch is kicking off the New Year with its third annual Femme Series. In a celebration of the power of female-identifying voices, the program focuses on highlighting and promoting the work of women—a mandate that Heather Redfern, the theatrical company’s executive director, takes very seriously.

“You have to do it deliberately,” she says. “You have to commit to doing 50 percent of work [over a season] where the main thrust is from a female creation.”

This year’s series is set to be bigger and better than ever with the addition of special events, including music, karaoke, and new play readings. The female-centred program continues the work from last year with particular emphasis on deconstructing patriarchal language, expanding how gender is represented, and celebrating intersectionality.

From now until February 16, audiences have the opportunity to experience an array of female-centric events, including a new production of Much Ado About Nothing presented by Vancouver’s critically acclaimed Classic Chic. Featuring its signature all-female cast, Much Ado promises to be a series highlight. Set in a mesmerizing theatrical world, this deadly serious and sublimely ridiculous story—of soldiers in love and women confined by tradition—is a bold and playful romp through the extremes of desire, ambition, loyalty, and redemption.

Director Rebecca Patterson, best known for her all-female classical productions at The Queens Company in New York City, is confident that the production puts a modern spin on the Shakespearean classic, giving it a broad appeal.

 “It has been my experience that gender-blind casting speaks to a diverse audience—straight and queer, men and women—and is a true reflection of our complex contemporary community,” she says.

Much Ado About Nothing opens on Wednesday, February 6 at 8 p.m. at the Historic Theatre (1895 Venables Street), with performances until Sunday, February 16. Tickets start at $24 and can be purchased now at tickets.thecultch.com or through The Cultch’s box office on 604-251-1363. Or enter to win a pair of tickets to the opening night, below.