Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is kicking off their 26/27 season, “Flesh”, with Robert O’Hara’s Bootycandy, which is a co-production with Obsidian Theatre. Meghan Swaby is certainly no stranger to Toronto audiences, and now she’ll be performing at Buddies in Bootycandy. I get to ask Meghan about one of my favourites of her previous roles, about Bootycandy, and what audiences can expect from this exciting production.

1. Can you please introduce yourself to my readers and tell us a bit about your role with Bootycandy?

I’m Meghan Swaby, an actor and writer based in Toronto. I’ve performed on stages throughout Canada, USA, Mexico and the UK – which means I’ve done shows above a bakery in Kensington Market, to a multilingual Shakespeare in Xalapa, MX, to performing on some of my favourite stages in this country. My play Venus’ Daughter was produced by Obsidian Theatre and is published by Scirocco Drama. I also co-created and co-hosted a podcast titled Beneath the Ceiba Tree with my friend and collaborator Sedina Fiati.

I play Actor Three in the show, which means I am playing five different characters!

2. I just have to say, your character Janelle in Table for Two is definitely bestie goals! Can you tell me a little bit about what it was like working on that production?

Thank you so much! Playing Janelle was honestly a dream. I loved how supportive, fiercely protective, and funny Janelle was of Abby. Akosua Amo-Adem is one of my dearest friends, and I’m so grateful I was invited along for the journey of developing this play through to production. It was truly a delight getting to share the stage with such a beautiful and talented cast, and then to have the show directed by the incomparable Djanet Sears. I felt like 10th grader Meghan would have freaked out if I could tell her, “One day you will work with the person who wrote Harlem Duet and who inspired you to get into theatre, and it will be beautiful.” That play holds a very special place in my heart.

3. Tell me about Bootycandy!

BootyCANDY BootyCandy BOOTYCANDY! Is a bold and satirical play that takes the audience through a Black queer man’s imagination as we journey with him from childhood to adulthood.

The playwright Robert O’Hara himself describes the play as: “…the experience, through my eyes, of being black, gay, and gifted—with what I’m not quite sure. That’s for you, the viewer, to tell.”

We’re only in the first week of rehearsals, and I feel like every day I’m left chewing on something new. The structure is one that makes my playwright’s brain tingle in the best way. It shares DNA with the hilarious and groundbreaking play The Colored Museum by George C. Wolfe.

4. What has been your favourite experience from rehearsals so far?

The laughter, by far! The room is so wonderful, I’ve cry-laughed several times already. I am truly a big fan of everyone in the show. I loved, loved, loved Jay’s previous show with Obsidian Theatre, seven methods of killing kylie jenner, produced by Obsidian Theatre in 2025.

Okay, I will also say the music. Award-winning musician David Ariza is our sound designer and composer. I’m already so excited about all the music I’ve heard so far.

5. What do you hope audiences take away from Bootycandy?

This is not a play that concerns itself with being polite, or neat. It is Outrageous. Black. Queer. Joyful. Dark. Tender. Messy. Hilarious. Disturbing.

This play asks beautifully complex questions, and my hope is it gives you respite and big belly laughs, even as it challenges you.

I want to thank Meghan for taking the time out of her busy schedule to answer my questions. You can see Bootycandy at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre from September 30 to October 17. For more information and tickets, visit: https://buddiesinbadtimes.com/show/bootycandy/

---

Thank you to my Patrons:
Natalia, Steve, Brendan, Deborah, and Phil

And to my supporters who’ve bought me a coffee:
Angelica and Paul, Anonymous, Adrianna, Caitlin, Jonathan, Jada, and Courtney

Would you like to become a Patron? Check out my Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Or, you can buy me a coffee at: buymeacoffee.com/aviewfromthebox