Riverbend Theatre Company presenting two productions in one night
Published 12:04 pm Friday, September 18, 2026
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Thirteen years after writing “The Kiss,” Red Deer playwright Fleur Jacobs is finally getting the opportunity to see the stage production brought to life.
The Riverbend Theatre Company is presenting both “The Kiss” and “Conversations with Cows” at the Scott Block Theatre Sept. 25-27 and Oct. 2-4. Every show will feature performances of both plays.
“The Kiss” tells the story of an Amish woman who discovers temptation beyond her marriage and culture when a traveling man arrives in town. She then must decide between desires and traditions to discover what her life will become.
In addition to serving as playwright, Jacobs will also be starring in the production.
“This story has been with me for so long and it just felt right to play in the premiere production. For me, it’s a full-circle moment in many ways,” said Jacobs.
She originally wrote the play in 2013, winning first place in a 24-hour script-writing contest hosted by Ontario-based Pat the Dog Theatre Creation.
Fast-forward to last year, Riverbend Theatre Company, formerly known as the Red Deer Players, put out a call for its Breaking Cover series, which helps playwrights bridge the gap from manuscript to live production. Jacobs, a member of Riverbend Theatre Company’s board, then pitched adding the play to the 2026 lineup.
The production is being directed by Barbara Jean Askin, who was Jacob’s drama teacher in high school.
“The Kiss” and “Conversations with Cows” will tell unique stories with different casts, but both productions share the same rural setting, except in separate time periods.
“Conversations with Cows” is written by Alberta playwright Blaine Newton. The production follows a married couple that takes on a significant life change together when the husband’s new job in the oil industry reveals a culture that changes their lives in unexpected ways.
Lacey Oleson-Rinehart, director of “Conversations with Cows” and artistic director of Riverbend Theatre Co., said the play is a timely one.
“It centres around a conversation between the husband and wife that is echoing the current social movement of what to do about the ‘manosphere’ and toxic male culture when you are one of the good guys,” said Oleson-Rinehart.
“It looks at what makes a good guy, and what those good guys should do in the face of the harmful guys. … The story really resonated with me as something important to talk about because it affects men, women and our whole society.”
Oleson-Rinehart said it’s exciting to offer both “Conversations with Cows” and “The Kiss” at one show.
“It’s a shared space between stories. It’s a really fun production element that you rarely see. Two shows, one set — 100 years apart in time,” she said.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.riverbendtheatre.com.