Melusine, the oldest daughter, of an oldest daughter, of an oldest daughter, is on trial.
Her crime? Possessing a body that cannot be believed.
Wee Witches and Inside Out Theatre proudly present Allergic to Water, an interactive dark comedy about intergenerational bathtubs, mysterious chronic illness, and a barista with a top-secret brew. Created and performed by Jacqueline Russell, with music by Jeremy Gignoux, this one-of-a-kind theatrical experience blends physical comedy, surreal storytelling, and musical absurdity —featuring an exceptionally talented albatross, running from November 5 - 8, 2025 at Victor Mitchell Theatre in Pumphouse Theatre.
Allergic to Water, created by Jacqueline Russell and performed in collaboration with musician Jeremy Gignoux, tells the story of Melusine, a mermaid trapped in a human body, who develops a mysterious chronic illness that leaves her unable to work or function. As she attempts to navigate the medical system to find answers, her attempts to be a credible witness for her body are dismissed, ignored and pathologized.
CAST & CREATIVE TEAM
Jacqueline Russell, she/her, Creator/Performer
Jeremy Gignoux, he/him, Composer/Performer
Jessica Buchanan, she/her, Co-Director
Christine Lesiak, she/her, Co-Director/Dramaturge she/her
Sarah Minor, she/her, Production Manager
Emily Parkhouse, she/her, Stage Manager
Michelle Brandenburg, she/her, Wee Witches Producer
Camille Craig, she/her, Inside Out Theatre Producer/Liaison
David Smith, he/him, Set Design
Tauran, she/her, Lighting Design
Hannah Fisher, she/her, Costume Design
Ali DeRegt, she/her, Puppet Builder
Abigail Monarrez, she/they, Set and Prop Builder
Thea Killen-Smith, she/her, Mask Builder
Lindsey Zess, she/her, Design Dramaturgy
Accessibility & Community Care
In alignment with the themes of the show and the values of both presenting companies, Allergic to Water is designed to be as accessible and inclusive as possible:
• Semi-relaxed performance environment and Mask
Friendly Environment
• Audio Description available November 8. 2025
• Flexible scheduling options (“Mermaid Tickets”)
• Post-show discussion and panel November 6, 2025
Run time: 75 mins, no intermission.
Content Flags: Mature content. Foul language. Comedic Nudity. (Recommended for 14+)
Mask Friendly Space
All performances are mask friendly/masking encouraged spaces. We mask in an act of collective care, to affirm that all bodies and immune systems are of equal value. Every mask is a love note to our community.
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