Before proceedings go pear-shaped at The Cottage, we thought a little civilized conversation was in order. We caught up with Jill Agopsowicz, making her Teatro debut, and Mathew Hulshof, returning for his thirteenth production with the company. We asked what Teatro means to them and what they’re looking forward to.
Jill Agopsowicz
This is your first Teatro Live! production! When you think of Teatro, what comes to mind?
It sure is, and I couldn’t be happier! When I think of Teatro, I think of quick-witted
dialogue, nimble physicality and sheer entertainment. Also, warm audiences who are so excited to be there.
You’ve just spent several months in 1934 with Murder on the Orient Express, and now you’re heading back to 1923. What’s your favourite part of doing a period piece?
I really enjoy the language in period pieces. There are so many phrases and terms that we’ve lost over the decades, and I love exploring that. Physicality is also a huge part of finding a character for me, so I love discovering how to carry myself according to that time in history.
But the best part is truly the WARDROBE! Audiences will fall in love with Brian’s costume design for this show.
What are you most excited about in The Cottage?
I’m really excited to dive into this wildly smart script with such a stellar cast and creative team. Icons, every last one of them.
Also, to be BLONDE!? Maybe I’ll get to answer the age-old question of whether they have more fun? Or you can swing by and find out for yourself!
Mathew Hulshof
This is your thirteenth Teatro production. Lucky number thirteen! What does Teatro mean to you after all that time?
Yes! I’m excited to finally enter my teen years with the company!
Teatro for me is a homecoming. I haven’t lived in Edmonton since 2022, so getting the opportunity to reconnect with the Varscona and the Edmonton theatre community is very special. Teatro is filled with my closest friends and collaborators, and it’s the theatre where I essentially learned how to act. I’m not joking when I say I owe my career to Teatro.
What’s something that only happens at Teatro?
Teatro is the only theatre where the laughter truly never stops. The rehearsal hall is always filled with some of the sharpest, smartest, funniest people I’ve ever known.
As we put these shows on their feet, we try everything. It usually involves moments of comedic genius or somebody failing so beautifully, with such commitment, that the entire room ends up crying with laughter!
What makes The Cottage special?
It takes all those wonderful elements of a British farce of yesteryear and imbues them with a little bit of a modern sensibility, so it still feels fresh and relevant to 2026!
