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Meet the author of the mighty WROL (Without Rule of Law)—Michaela Jeffery!

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a habitual daydreamer. Once, while lost in thought riding up the Metro escalator, I accidentally took the hand of the stranger in front of me (who had reached back for his small child). I was too stunned to think to let go, and I guess he was too polite to yank his hand away, so we both just kept holding hands, not looking at one another, the whole escalator ride.

Tell us a little bit about your new book.
WROL (Without Rule of Law) is a contemporary dark comedy whose protagonists are a group of eighth-grade girls who have been kicked out of the Girl Guides for being too intense. Maureen, Jo, Sarah, and Vic are frustrated by trying to fit themselves into a world that doesn’t reflect their values and won’t listen to their fears. Self-possessed and strong willed, they now train however they see fit in order to ensure their own survival in the post-collapse society they anticipate inheriting. 

I consider it a story for anyone who has ever been told that she is “too much,” that what she fears is illegitimate, or that what she has to say is less important than keeping the peace.  

What’s something unique about you or something you like to do?
I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. Despite this, I’m woefully poor at both horseback riding and ice hockey. Instead, I spend my time avoiding activities that involve any degree of physical coordination, watching shows about cakes, and listening to true crime podcasts. 

What is something that you enjoy doing, and why?
I’ve recently rekindled my high school curiosity around Dungeons & Dragons and have now become pretty thoroughly enamoured. I play in a weekly game with some dear friends currently scattered across the country. I love D&D for a bunch of reasons; specifically, I love that it is so imaginative and joyous and comes with no specific expectations or anticipated outcomes other than having a highly creative, hilarious time with pals.

What are some of your favourite plays?
Bronte: The World Without by Jordi Mand, Scorched by Wajdi Mouawad, The Red Priest (Eight Ways to Say Goodbye) by Mieko Ouchi, Usual Girls by Ming Peiffer, Jerusalem by Jez Butterworth, Little Mercy’s First Murder by Morwyn Brebner, The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek by Naomi Wallace, Mary’s Wedding by Stephen Massicotte, and many, many more.

What are you reading these days?
The Party Is Here by Georgina Beaty. Also, Fight Night by Miriam Toews and a thriller called Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin.

What’s something that makes you laugh?
I am currently really enjoying the comedy stylings of Aparna Nancherla (@aparnapkin) and the SparkNotes (@SparkNotes) Twitter account.

Learn more about Michaela Jeffery:
Michaela Jeffery is an award-winning Calgary-based playwright and graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada. Selected writing credits include WROL (Without Rule of Law), Wolf on the Ringstrasse, The Listening Room, Godhead, and Always. She was a finalist for the Alberta Playwrights' Network 2019 Alberta Playwriting Competition and a past finalist of the Playwrights Guild of Canada’s RBC Emerging Playwright Award. She was commissioned by Vertigo Theatre to write The Extractionist—a brand new, feminist thriller.