Ms. Pat’s Kitchen: Evenings of Story, Warmth, and Connection in the Solarium

During this year’s SkirtsAfire Festival, Ms. Pat’s Kitchen transformed the Solarium at ArtsHub Ortona into something more than a performance space, it became a place to gather, connect, and share in a story together.

From the moment audiences arrived, the atmosphere felt different. Guests settled in with a drink, easing naturally into a space that blurred the lines between theatre and living room. Thoughtfully staged, the Solarium offered a balance of intimacy and openness, mirroring the heart of the show itself, one rooted in community, connection, and lived experience.

The energy in the room was unmistakable, especially during sold-out performances. Laughter, quiet reflection, and focused attention moved fluidly between audience and performers, creating a dynamic exchange that made each moment feel immediate and alive. That connection didn’t end with the final scene. Audiences lingered, staying to talk with artists and one another, sharing what resonated, and extending the experience beyond the performance.

Despite its scale, the Solarium held the story closely. Its flexible layout allowed audiences to feel near to the action, catching subtle expressions and emotional shifts that carried the deeper themes of family, identity, and intergenerational healing. At once airy and inviting, the space struck a rare balance being spacious without ever feeling distant, intimate without feeling confined.

Opening night captured this spirit fully. A full room buzzed with anticipation before the show even began, and that energy carried through to a vibrant post-show reception. Conversations flowed over food and drinks, with artists and audiences reflecting together on a story that clearly left an impact.

At its core, this experience reflected what the SkirtsAfire Festival does best; bringing people together through stories that are both entertaining and deeply meaningful. Ms. Pat’s Kitchen, centered on a Jamaican-Canadian family navigating identity, the immigrant experience, and intergenerational healing, resonated strongly with audiences. It created space not just for performance, but for shared understanding and connection.

Hosting the production in the Solarium also offered new insights into how space shapes experience. Moving beyond a traditional theatre setting encouraged creative approaches to staging and audience engagement, making the venue feel like an extension of the story rather than simply a backdrop. It’s a reminder of how ArtsHub Ortona’s bookable spaces can support innovative, immersive programming.

What sets the Solarium apart is its warmth and versatility. Flooded with natural light from its expansive glass walls, it offers a sense of openness rarely found in performance venues. At the same time, it can be adapted to suit more traditional setups when needed. It’s a space that invites creativity while encouraging artists to experiment and audiences to feel at ease.

This experience has sparked new ideas for what’s possible. From performances that extend beyond the stage to gatherings that prioritize connection, the potential for future collaborations and programming in spaces like the Solarium is wide open.

Ms. Pat’s Kitchen didn’t just take place in the Solarium, it brought it to life.

Stay informed for next year’s festival by following @skirtsafire on Instagram.

Team Credits:

Ms. Pat’s Kitchen by Jameela J. McNeil
Directed by Patricia Darbasie

Production Manager/Technical Director: Kat Evans
Sound Designer: Amy Dass,
Lighting Designer: Andraya Diogo
Set Designer: Chantel Fortin
Costume Designer: Chariz Faulmino
Stage Manager: Makeda Romanetti
Head Carpenter: Aaron Harrity
Carpentry & Paint Crew: Kat Evans, Chantel Fortin, John Evans

Featuring:
Noreta Lewis, Pat
Michelle Todd, Sharmaine
Rochelle Laplante, Kenise
Kijo Gatama, Phyllis
Douglas Prout, Robert