Winnipeg lawyers take to the stage!

As you may already know, Sarasvàti Productions is set to premiere the play Jail Baby in just over a week! This timely and compelling play takes a look at the harsh lives of incarcerated women and seeks to dismantle the myths and stereotypes that permeate public discussions.

You may also already know that Jail Baby, much like the other work that Sarasvàti Productions has produced or written, is highly steeped in community involvement. This play could not have come to be if it wasn’t for the 60+ incarcerated and recently released women who shared their stories in drama sessions or interviews, along with corrections workers, mediation services, victims groups and families of criminalized women.

The play started in the community and we are excited to maintain this connection. Stay tuned for details on post-show panels with community members, criminalized women and experts. In the meantime, we are excited to announce that we have five Winnipeg lawyers doing cameos in the show! Playing a parodied version of a dithering old judge, these lawyers will be featured in the Kangaroo Court scene – one of a few scenes which provide comedic relief in an otherwise deeply emotional story.

Saul Simmonds is a founding partner of Gindin Wolson Simmonds Roitenberg and has been practicing criminal law since 1980. He has lectured on gang violence; the role of DNA in the courts; disclosure; impaired driving; wiretaps, and other topics of concern in criminal defense law. Aside from past appearances in the MTC lawyer’s show, Saul is also an avid triathlete.

Rachel Margolis is a partner at Aikins Law. She practices in the areas of corporate and commercial law, representing both small and large businesses alike; this includes mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate and corporate finance. She has previously been involved with the Food Banks of Canada (serving on their board of directors) and writes for www.goldengirlfinance.com.

Bonnie Gembey is a Winnipeg lawyer practicing at Gembey Law Office. Working primarily in the area of criminal defense, throughout her 12+ year career she has also worked with family and child protection defense law. As the sole practitioner at her firm, Bonnie is committed to working toward improvements in the justice system, including continuing development of the Mental Health Courts, the development of and FASD diversion court in Manitoba and advocating for prisoner’s rights.

Amanda Sansregret is a criminal defense lawyer for Legal Aid Manitoba. Amanda has previously worked on such landmark cases involving HIV disclosure and condom usage and those involving chronic repeat offers. Most recently, Amanda has participated on a panel alongside Elizabeth Fry Society of Manitoba Executive Director Tracy Booth and Liberal Party of Manitoba leader Dr. Jon Gerard, exploring the link between youth in foster care and later involvement with the criminal justice system. She is also the chair of the St. Norbert Behavioural Health Foundation.

Loretta Ross is a member of the Hollow Water First Nation in Manitoba and obtained her law degree from Queen’s University. Loretta has been a practicing lawyer for over 20 years and has served as legal counsel to numerous First Nation governments and organizations including the Assembly of First Nations and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.  Loretta’s legal practice has ranged from child and family matters, trust and corporate law as well as land claims. In her spare time, Loretta loves to curl, golf and watch her children participate in their extra-curricular activities.

With just over a week until opening night, it’s time you purchased your tickets!

Jail Baby cameo schedule:

Thursday, May 16 at 8pm – Saul Simmonds
Friday, May 17 at 8pm – Saul Simmonds
Saturday, May 18 at 8pm –Loretta Ross
Sunday, May 19 at 2pm – Bonnie Gembey
Tuesday, May 21 at 8pm – Bonnie Gembey
Wednesday, May 22 at 2pm – *no cameo
Wednesday, May 22 at 8pm – Amanda Sansregret
Thursday, May 23 at 8pm – Amanda Sansregret
Friday, May 24 at 8pm – Rachel Margolis
Saturday, May 25 at 8pm – Rachel Margolis
Sunday, May 26 at 2pm –Loretta Ross

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