How to Defend Yourself
By Liliana Padilla
Presented by Icarus Theatre
“I wish girls fought more. Like beat the shit out of each other for fun. I wish that was like a socially acceptable thing to do. Fight club, you know? If it was me and you, I think I’d win.”
Seven college students gather for a DIY self-defence workshop after a sorority sister is assaulted at a neighbouring frat. They practice using their bodies as weapons. They learn to fend off attackers. They learn “not to be a victim.” Self-defence becomes a channel for their rage, anxiety, confusion, trauma and desire—lots of desire.
WINNER – YALE DRAMA SERIES PRIZE
Director/Props & Costume Designer: Emily Anne Corcoran
Stage Manager: Kayleigh Mundy
Lighting Designer: Lilian Adom
Sound Designer/Production Manager: Erik Richards
Mojdeh: Parastoo Amanzadeh
Diana: Paula Goldie
Brandi: Kaeley Jade Wiebe
Kara: TBD
Nikki: Sasha Khan
Eggo: Samel Sunil
Andy: Anthony Goncharov
From November 12
to November 28, 2026
Arts Worker: $32 | General Admission: $37.50 | Supporter: $45.50
BMO Incubator
Thursday, November 12 – 7:00PM (PREVIEW)
Friday, November 13 – 7:00PM (PREVIEW)
Saturday, November 14 – 7:00PM (OPENING )
Sunday, November 15 – 7:00PM
Tuesday November 17 – 7:00PM
Wednesday, November 18 – 7:00PM
Thursday, November 19 – 7:00PM
Friday, November 20 – 7:00PM
Saturday, November 21 – 1:30PM
Saturday, November 21 – 7:00PM
Sunday, November 22 – 7:00PM
Tuesday, November 24 – 7:00PM
Wednesday, November 25 – 7:00PM
Thursday, November 26 – 7:00PM
Friday, November 27 – 7:00PM
Saturday, November 28 – 1:30PM
Saturday, November 28 – 7:00PM
Content Warnings: Discussions of sexual content, including assault. Discussions of alcohol and drug use, depictions of physical violence. Coarse language.
Sensory: Loud music, haze.
This performance is 100 minutes
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