For “By Our Side”

Ever since my kidney transplant, I have felt the need to share our story. I wanted to honour my donor in ways that could help and inspire others. I have had the privilege of sharing this in writing with all of you over the years. Imagining how our story could translate to the stage and actually realizing some of that vision happened for myself and my husband Wayne this past summer. 

We presented a first reading of “By Our Side” in the warmth of the ever-charming Sutton Junction Community Centre this past spring. We had not been on stage for seven years! Wayne and I were blown away by all the support we received from our community. We were deeply touched by all the generous positive feedback. This gave us the confidence we needed for our Montreal Fringe Festival expedition.

Unexpected Guests

One of the most nerve-racking and satisfying parts of this adventure was performing our story in front of my donor’s family. Celebrating their loved one and my good health alive onstage with complete vitality was emotional and magical at the same time. Having their blessing, reassurance, encouragement, and trust has meant the world to both Wayne and myself. Something I did not expect were all the families and friends who brought loved ones who are waiting for a kidney. As well as members of the public eager to share their own heroic stories of organ donation. Another unexpected guest in attendance was the woman from Transplant Quebec. She was the one to proofread all four years of correspondence between my donor’s mother and myself. The heartfelt reactions and revelations have really helped reinforce the potential of our new creation.

We presented “By Our Side” six times, the audience increasing each day, with the final performance being completely sold out! Reviewer Stuart Nulman left me in tears by adding the following to the end of his review: “On a more personal note, I was so inspired by the show and the message it conveyed in Andrea and Wayne’s unique manner that I signed my own organ donation card afterwards.” This confirms why I feel this show is so important.

Nominations and Awards

Out of ninety-one different shows, we received the most Frankie Award nominations : Outstanding Clown Show, the Mainline Creativity Award, an honourable mention from the Segal Centre for Outstanding English Production, and we won the Outstanding Choreography Award. My husband, Wayne Doba, has poured his heart and soul into the art of tap dancing for close to 50 years: he really deserves this award! This first experience with the show has gone beyond what we could have wished for. Now the challenge will be to keep it all going.  

I would like to thank our community and all the locals who braved Montreal to come and support us. A very special thank you to Mary Harvey, our theatre collaborator, who went above and beyond!

Andrea Conway, a very grateful organ recipient