The Light of Other Skies
A NEW PLAY BY LIAM MONAGHAN
(Collage of images sourced from CCA and SFU Archives.)
The Light of Other Skies illuminates the love story of architect Arthur Erickson and his partner, interior designer Francisco Kripacz. Their story comes to life against the backdrop of their architectural creations, as seen through the eyes of a young architect who longs to connect with the queer past. This innovative piece combines archive-based and documentary storytelling with theatrical worldbuilding to share an extraordinary chapter of Canadian history.
The play received a workshop and work-in-progress presentation at Common Ground Arts’ RISER Festival, May 29-31, 2026, in Edmonton, AB.
CAST AND CREATIVE
Doug Mertz | Performer, Arthur Erickson
Mike Tan | Performer, Francisco Kripacz
Autumn Strom | Performer, Brenden Pender
Liam Monaghan | Playwright, Director, Producer
T. Erin Gruber | Scenic and Projection Designer
Rory Turner | Festival Lighting Designer
Brett Dahl | Dramaturg and Directing Mentor
Jess Haight | Stage Manager
Photographs of the workshop below are by Mat Simpson.
An archival video recording is available upon request.
Special thanks for the development of The Light of Other Skies:
Geoffrey Erickson
Holden Kripacz
The Canadian Centre for Architecture
Rare Books and Special Collections, University of British Columbia
Simon Fraser University Archives
Mia van Leeuwen
Julia Wasilewski
Victor Snaith & Payal Jotania (Builders)
The University of Alberta Costume & Prop Shops
