The Co-op, A Musical

What is at the heart of any community? Its people. What brings folks together? Giving back, meeting one another socially and interacting at various places, like the neighbourhood grocery store.

With that in mind, Peter Nadolny, a playwright who calls Dauphin, MB home, produced a way to honour a cornerstone of the town—its local Co-op. He is part of Theatre Amisk, an adult theatre group based out of the Watson Arts Centre. Peter moved back to the community 5 years ago and was quickly intrigued by how much of a hub Dauphin Co-op Food Store was.

“I started to notice that people didn't just go there to shop, they went to see people they haven't seen in a long time to visit and chat,” Nadolny said. “I remember one day I went in with a huge list to buy; when I got there, I saw two people in the aisle talking. A full cart and a half hour later they were still there. Then I started noticing people in lines not concerned that the line was long because they knew whoever was in line with them and it was a chance to socialize.”

While visiting Estevan, SK. in the summer of 2023, he noticed the same phenomenon. After that season’s production, his dramaturge encouraged him to turn his Co-op observations into a tale.

“So, I listened. And wrote. And next thing you know Co-op: A Musical was born.” he said.

When asked why a musical, Nadolny simply said music brings people together and helps a story.

After months of work, many rewrites, gathering the right costumes and props, the work began. He said Dauphin Co-op was incredibly responsive to the idea.

“They were happy to help as soon as I approached them about it," he said. “Joan [Chetyrbok from the local Co-op] was very enthusiastic and offered more help than I would have imagined. Once word started to spread, I did notice I was called by my first name whenever I shopped.”

The plot had universal stories, but overall focused on the aspect of connecting people.

“It's an everyday snapshot of a day at the Co-op,” Nadolny said. “I have plot points like a man down on his luck so the community bands together to help him, a love story or two, but it is mostly about the feeling of community. I was overwhelmed by the support from the local Co-op as well as the response from the community.”

Chetyrbok, who is the Marketing & Community Relations Manager at Dauphin Consumers Co-op Ltd. said employees and customers alike were delighted by the production. It was an honour to have this incredible. musical produced as we celebate 85 years serving the community.

“Peter is an incredible writer,” she said. “He had every detail nailed – from mentioning extra receipts, "sign here, initials here" on certain copies for charge accounts and all the way through to the Equity cheque getting signed over to another member who was going to lose his business. Peter brought the essence of who we are to life, and showcased how our employees think and feel about the community.”