![\"Seanchaí,](\"https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/edmontonjournal/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/seanchai_304752651.jpg\" "\\"Seanchaí,")
Seanchaí
4 stars (Out of 5)
Stage 11, Varscona Theatre, 10329 83 Ave.
What happens when the people tasked with keeping our traditions alive are no longer able to carry forward in those traditions?
How are the older generation be able to let go when the younger generation wants to change things. Conversely how will the younger generation navigate if they don’t have the approval of their elders?
These are some of the questions at the crux crooks of the poignant show Seanchaí (pronounced shawn-uh-key).
Susan Sneath, who was a founding performer at the Edmonton Fringe Festival over four decades ago, returns to the stage as Siobhan, a Seanchaí who lives alone in a care home, missing her family, lamenting the stories she can’t remember. Mark Guerrero plays Fionn, a Gen-Z writer (read: content creator) who is attempting to glean what he can from Siobhan’s teachings. Wanting to carry on the traditions.
To go to more detail would do a disservice to potential audience members, however, this is a show that’s worth catching heading into the Fringe’s final weekend.
Sneath gives her character such heartbreaking vulnerability. She really is the core the emotional core of the show. And Guerrero, on the other hand, imbues Fionn with youthful curiosity and exuberance. The intergenerational connection between the two is heartfelt and endearing. I won’t say I shed a tear, but it was awfully dusty in the theatre for some reason.
The script by Gavin Bradley tugs at the heartstrings even more so thanks to these capable performances.