Big Sister

“Big Sister is bold, brave, and beautiful”

The story

Written by Deborah Vogt for Naomi Vogt

Big Sister is a comedy about the relationship between two sisters and what happens when one of them changes. It is the true story of older sister/actor Naomi’s 70 pound weight loss, written through the perspective of younger sibling/writer Deborah. Big Sister explores a world of evil siblings, fat shaming, and unlikely collaboration.

Past shows

Workshop Production:
Vancouver Fringe Festival: Sept 6-16, 2018

Touring:
Theatre on the Edge: July 19-20, 2019
Old Red Lion Theatre: October 14th, 2019

Premiere:
The Cultch: February 19-29, 2020
*SOLD OUT RUN*

Original Creative team

Playwright: Deborah Vogt
Performer/Creator: Naomi Vogt
Director/Dramaturg: Jamie King
Set Designer: Magnolia Cairns
Lighting Design: Taylor Janzen
Sound Design: CJ McGillivray
Set Mentor: Jenn Stewart

“What sets apart the Vogts’ Vancouver Fringe-born piece is the innovative way the sisters upend the notion of a two-hander. Naomi confesses all her feelings and memories through her sibling’s perspective—interjecting her own truth when it contradicts the story being told.”

The Georgia Straight
“Big Sister is bold, brave, and beautiful as it explores the relationship between two sisters who are not close, and how the process of creating this show has brought them together. It digs deep into their experiences with beauty standards and expectations through personal stories, anecdotes, and secrets shared with the audience.”

Vancouver Presents
“What results is an authentic, vulnerable performance that was deeply moving. The performance unfolds as a conversation between sisters, and between playwright and performer, allowing for an exploration of the delicate balance of affection and resentment that is at the heart of many sibling relationships.”

PRISM international
"Most intriguingly, Big Sister considers how we construct our identities in reaction to those around us, including our siblings, and by filling the spaces they leave vacant."

Colin Thomas, Fresh Sheet
“In a conversational, one woman show written by one sister and read/performed by the other, Big Sister leads you to ask yourself these questions. Although a comedy, it's probable that you may shed a tear as these performers expose their unabashed thoughts and feelings of and for each other and leave you with the final question… do you really know your sibling?”

Theatre Addicts
“Deborah remains silent but is obviously, actively Naomi’s foil, competition, nemesis and double. Their complex relationship is as much the crux of this fascinating piece as the fat shaming and female attractiveness that Naomi addresses.”

Vancouver Sun