Playing Shylock

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The Wizard of Oz: The Toto-ly Awesome Family Musical

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Winter Solstice

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Louise Pitre on performing in The Inheritance

Canadian Stage

In conversation with Louise Pitre on returning to the Bluma stage, performing in The Inheritance, and more.

Interview with the Director of The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes

Interview courtesy of Festival TransAmériques (FTA)

In an interview with Festival TransAmériques (FTA), Director Bruce Gladwin shares the inspiration behind the internationally celebrated play, The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes, their creative process, and the vision for Back to Back Theatre.

Notes on The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes

By Peter Eckersall

In this edition of CS Grid, theatre scholar Peter Eckersall shares an essay on the themes and content of The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes. 

‘For a Minute It’s Real’: Notes on Topdog/Underdog

Written by Jordan Laffrenier

In this issue of CS Grid,  Topdog/Underdog Dramaturge Jordan Laffrenier touches on the relationship between brothers Booth and Lincoln and how their stories echo the realities of many. Jordan also offers insight on acclaimed playwright Suzan-Lori Parks and what she has said about plays’ ability to rewrite history while navigating between theatre and real life.

Dreams Come True at A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Canadian Stage interviews Jamie Robinson

We’re celebrating 40 years of Dream in High Park by bringing back our inaugural Shakespeare production from 1983, A Midsummer Night’s Dream!

Making his High Park directorial debut, in this edition of CS Grid, we interviewed Dream in High Park veteran performer Jamie Robinson on his thoughts leading this milestone production, why this play is beloved by audiences and why you need to check it out.

Daniel Brooks (1958-2023)

Canadian Stage sends its love to the family and friends of Daniel Brooks who passed away peacefully on Monday. A beloved artist at Canadian Stage, Daniel was most recently on stage in 2022 with Other People, a play that he wrote and performed in. Our Artistic Director, Brendan Healy, shares some thoughts on his experience of working with Daniel on that show and on the generous gift of mentorship that Daniel offered him and others over two decades. Daniel will be greatly missed.

The Allure of Performing with AI Technology

Canadian Stage interviews Sébastien Heins and David Rokeby

In advance of the premiere of No Save Points, “a play you can play,” in this edition of CS Grid, we catch up with artist Sébastien Heins and his mentor David Rokeby, BMO Lab Associate Director. We’re fascinated to learn more about the inner artistic workings behind this innovative new theatre production and how the Canadian Stage residency allowed Sébastien to expand on his artistic endeavours. 

In Conversation with Brad Cook and Tawiah M’Carthy

Blue Bird Theatre Collective with Brad Cook and Tawiah M'Carthy

We're back with Tawiah M'Carthy and Brad Cook for a second round of Maanomaa, My Brother!

In this edition of CS Grid, Paul Smith—the Education & Outreach Coordinator of Blue Bird Theatre Collective—gathers some unique insight from the co-creators about the life lessons we can learn through the characters, Anne-Marie Donovan's contribution to the play, and more.

Rediscovering the Brotherhood in Maanomaa, My Brother

Canadian Stage interviews Tawiah M'Carthy and Brad Cook

We're thrilled to finally unveil the world premiere of Maanomaa, My Brother this month in co-production with Blue Bird Theatre Collective. Maanomaa is a heartwarming story about friendships, adventure and truth-seeking.

In this edition of CS Grid, we're delighted to interview Tawiah M'Carthy and Brad Cook, the co-creators and performers of Maanomaa to learn about the making of this play, how the characters grow from children to men and the touching story of aspiration, healing, and imagination.

In Conversation with Margaret Atwood and Ann-Marie MacDonald

Canadian Stage

We're delighted to have welcomed Margaret Atwood and Ann-Marie MacDonald for the "In Conversation" chat hosted by Roland Gulliver (Director of the Toronto International Festival of Authors) in the Berkeley Street Theatre as part of the Fall On Your Knees ancillary events. Continue reading for some memorable moments from the evening.

Adapting Fall On Your Knees for the stage with Alisa Palmer

Canadian Stage interviews Alisa Palmer

We’re thrilled to present the epic, two-part stage adaption of Ann-Marie MacDonald’s internationally best-selling novel, Fall On Your Knees! In this edition of CS Grid, we’re delighted to interview Alisa on what compelled her to direct the stage adaptation, why the story resonates with us today, what fans and new audiences can expect, and so much more! 

Support for Fall On Your Knees

Canadian Stage

Transforming an inspired idea into a large-scale creation for the stage is only possible with major financial and artistic support. Thank you to all the generous support from funders, underwriters, and donors from across the country who fuelled this project.

The Journey of Miigis: Underwater Panther with Sandra Laronde

Canadian Stage Interviews Sandra Laronde 

In this edition of CS Grid, we interview Sandra Laronde to learn more about the creation of Miigis: Underwater Panther the importance of presenting this production, what audiences can expect, and the future of Red Sky.

In Conversation with Mike Payette, Director of Choir Boy

Canadian Stage interviews Mike Payette

Choir Boy is in the house, and we're excited to have Mike Payette bring his vision and leadership to this breathtaking production. In this edition of CS Grid, we hear about his love and passion for reviving this play for the stage, introduce the wonderful characters, what he loves about the show, what he wishes audiences can take away from this production and more!

Spotlight on Tarell Alvin McCraney, playwright of Choir Boy

Written by Glodeane Brown

In this edition of CS Grid, we look at the remarkable career of Academy Award-winning playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney. Known for co-writing the film, Moonlight, guest writer Glodeane Brown takes us back to his creative milestones that eventually weaved into Choir Boy, that will be live on stage at the Bluma Appel Theatre this fall.

Backstage with the Performers of Human Measure

Canadian Stage interviews Jas Lin and B Gosse

In this edition of CS Grid, we take you behind the stage to hear from dancers, Jas Lin and B Gosse. We learn what makes this production unique to them, working with Cassils and the team and what they hope audiences will take away from this performance.

Backstage with Human Measure Composer, Kadet Kuhne

Canadian Stage interviews Kadet Kuhne

In this edition of CS Grid, we take you backstage to hear from composer Kadet Kuhne. In this exclusive interview, we learn about Kadet's creative journey exploring the material, what makes this production unique, and what Kadet hopes audiences will take away from this performance.

Backstage with Human Measure Choreographer, Jasmine Albequerque

Canadian Stage interviews Jasmine Albequerque

In this edition of CS Grid, we take you backstage to hear from renowned US choreographer Jasmine Albuquerque and her creative journey exploring the material, what makes this production unique to her and what she hopes audiences will take away from this performance.

Overlapping Conversations

by Jordan Laffrenier

In this edition of CS Grid, Jordan Laffrenier interviews Bobby Theodore to learn more about his process when translating and adapting Public Enemy.

See the Audience, Focus

By Jordan Laffrenier

What's the role of audiences in the play? In this edition of CS Grid, we are delighted to hear from Olivier Choinière, playwright of Public Enemy on his creative process and perspective on the play interviewed by Jordan Laffrenier.

Introducing Heather McMartin, Canadian Stage's new Director of Development & Campaigns

Canadian Stage interviews Heather McMartin

Join us in welcoming Heather McMartin to the Canadian Stage team as our new Director of Development and Campaigns! In this edition of CS Grid, we interviewed Heather to learn more about what makes this role exciting and why supporting the arts in Toronto means so much to her.

Introducing Jordan Laffrenier, Canadian Stage's new Associate Artistic Director!

Canadian Stage interviews Jordan Laffrenier

We are thrilled to introduce, Jordan Laffrenier (he/they) is our new Associate Artistic Director! As a theatre advocate, he has supported numerous on and off stage theatre works and we can’t wait to learn more about his forward-thinking artistic vision, and his dramaturgical eye in action.

The Incredible Cast of As You Like It

Canadian Stage interviews Anand Rajaram

In the second part of our interview with Anand Rajaram, the Director of As You Like It, we find out more about why Shakespeare’s plays are so enduring, what makes this production so special, and get an introduction to the fabulous cast that will bring the fantastic characters to life!

Take It, As You Like It!

Canadian Stage interviews Anand Rajaram

We sat down with Anand Rajaram, the Director of As You Like It, to get the inside scoop on the play, what makes this High Park adaptation so special, his shift from acting to directing, and more!   

Interview with Jully Black, Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul

Canadian Stage interviews Jully Black

We’re thrilled to present Jully Black, ‘Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul’, at Canadian Stage’s inaugural Dream in High Park Summer Music Festival. In this edition of CS Grid, we sat down with Jully to hear about some of the people who give her strength and inspire her, and she shares a personal message to her die-hard fans and soon-to-be Jully Black music lovers.   

TheatreBall‘22, That’s A Wrap!

Canadian Stage

On June 21st, we welcomed donors, board members, and special guests to Evergreen Brick Works for the return of our annual Gala, TheatreBall'22! Keep on reading for the full event recap.  

Meet the KUNÉ Band!

Canadian Stage interviews KUNÉ

We’re delighted to welcome Kuné, Canada’s Global Orchestra, to the High Park stage as part of the Dream in High Park Summer Music Festival in partnership with Small World Music. We interviewed KUNÉ to learn more about their relationship, how they, as a collective, weave together various rich and diverse musical cultures, and what it means to create music in the city.

Seeing Evergreen

Written by Jordana Franklin

Seeing Evergreen builds a bridge between the generations by inviting local youth to connect with older adults. The resulting exhibition encapsulates the stories of these seniors through portraits and creative writing. Let's dive deeper into this work!

The Journey of Jamii Esplanade

Written by Jordana Franklin

I was thrilled to sit down with Isorine Marc, the Founder, Artistic & Executive Director of our community partner, Jamii. We were joined by Jamii team members Maysam Abu Khreibeh and Ana Higuera to discuss the organization’s journey from its incidental start, flourishing through a pandemic, to its re-envisioning as it moves forward.

Building a Garden of Earthly Delights with Shadowland Theatre

Canadian Stage interviews Shadowland Theare

In this edition of CS Grid, we interviewed Shadowland Theatre, the set, costume and prop designers of Shakespeare's As You Like It, as part of the Dream in High Park summer program this year for an inside scoop on their work.

Crypto Goes Beyond the Usual

Deirdre Kelly

In this edition of CS Grid, guest writer Deirdre Kelly interviews the cast and creative team behind Crypto for an exclusive inside look into into the creation process, what makes this dance production unique, and much more.

In Conversation with Other People Creative Team

Canadian Stage

The Relay

We sat down with director Brendan Healy, dramaturge Daniel MacIvor and writer/performer Daniel Brooks, for an inside look at the play, Other People.

Watch the exclusive video interviews in this edition of CS Grid. 

Get in on the In My Body hype!

Various Sources

Catch up on all the talk surrounding In My Body! Follow the dance crew backstage, learn more about the choreographer, Crazy Smooth, and find out about the journey that’s brought this new work to stages across Canada. Get a dose of the electrifying dance performance turning the entire notion of aging on its head.

In Conversation with Johanna Schall, director of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui

Interview conducted by Julija Pesic and Teodora Djuric

The Relay

In this edition of CS Grid, U of T researcher Julija Pesic and cast member Teodora Djuric interview Johanna on her relationship to the late Bertolt Brecht, why she chose to direct this play and hear her spin fusing modern technology into live performance.

Tales from a VR Residency: Esther Splett

Interview with Esther Splett

The Relay

Esther Splett is an artist and musician who uses sound, video and performance to create multidisciplinary art from obsessive personal themes. See what they've been up to in the CS VR Lab.

Our Top Six Memories of 2021

Canadian Stage

In this edition of CS Grid, we take the time to reminisce on six of our most magical moments of 2021; and to celebrate the artists who are paving the way forward, despite many uncertainties, with full creative force, ingenuity, and resilience. 

A Theatrical Space Odyssey

Originally published by Toronto Life on December 16, 2021.

Canadian Stage will return to indoor theatre in January 2022 with a production of the Soviet space saga Solaris. Toronto Life talked to artistic director Brendan Healy about the big premiere.  

Reflections on New Monuments: Interview with Annie Wong

Fiona Raye Clarke interviews Annie Wong

The Relay

We asked community-engaged artists to respond to New Monuments in three commissioned interviews where they shared their research, work, and lived experience of the subject matter of the film. This is the last of three interviews in the series, conducted by Fiona Raye Clarke.

Reflections on New Monuments: Interview with the Black Speculative Arts Movement Canada

Fiona Raye Clarke interviews Black Speculative Arts Movement Canada

The Relay

We asked community-engaged artists to respond to New Monuments in three commissioned interviews where they shared their research, work, and lived experience of the subject matter of the film. This is the second of three interviews in the series, conducted by Fiona Raye Clarke.

The New Canadian Stage Visual Identity

by Canadian Stage

Change can be a good thing. So, our team decided to shed an old layer and come out with a refreshed Canadian Stage look! In this edition of CS Grid, Tanya Doroslovac, our Associate Director of Marketing, Strategy and Growth, sat down with Jason Green from Puncture Design to talk about the secret sauce that went into creating our new brand.

Reflections on New Monuments: Interview with Ange Loft

Fiona Raye Clarke Interviews Ange Loft

The Relay

We asked community-engaged artists to respond to New Monuments in three commissioned interviews where they shared their research, work, and lived experience of the subject matter of the film. This is the first of three interviews in the series, conducted by Fiona Raye Clarke.

A Dream Come True in High Park

Written by Canadian Stage & Dream in High Park Partner Presenters

Walk down memory lane with us as we relive the summer with a host of extraordinary performances and adventures at Dream in High Park.

Empowering the Movement Within

Written in collaboration with Christine Friday from Friday Creeations, Native Earth and Canadian Stage

Christine Friday is an Indigenous storyteller, choreographer, and dancer. In this edition of CS Grid, we take a deep dive into Christine's life story beyond the stage, inviting you into her mindscape and work inspirations and her relationship with self.

Is My Microphone On? If I Could Vote

Curated from responses by the youth performers of Is My Microphone On?

In this edition of CS Grid, we invite cast members of Is My Microphone On?, all between the ages of 13 to 17, to tell us what they care about. Find out what stirs their hearts, what answers they want, and what actions they demand. 

On Ancestral Reconnection and Intergenerational Rhythms

Written by Timea Wharton-Suri, Curator & Program Director of dance Immersion

The Relay

MUKUTHÔ comes at a unique time and place, having it's world premire as part of Canadian Stage’s Dream in High Park summer program in Toronto. We hear from Timea Wharton-Suri, Curator and Program Director at dance Immersion, who gives us an inside look at the beginnings of this creation and how the work landed at High Park. 

In Conversation with the Minds Behind BLACKOUT

Reproduced by permission of The Musical Stage Company

Interview excerpts with the BLACKOUT creators, Anton Lipovetsky (Crescendo Artist) and Steven Gallagher as well as Director and Dramaturg, Ann Hodges about their experiences developing the production. 

The Future of Live Cinema

Written by Maziar Ghaderi

The Relay

Maziar Ghaderi from the Live Cinema Collective looks at the creation and future of live cinema.

A Year Later

Written by Brendan Healy

On World Theatre Day Brendan reflects on the year that has been - a year of uncertainty and reflection - and looks to the future as we rebuild together.

A Version of the Truth: The un-staging of Cloudless

Written by Andrew Brudz for Canadian Stage

Actors performing alone. A director editing in solitude. And audiences listening at home. Is Alison Wong’s visceral audio production of Cloudless the definitive play of the pandemic era?

2020 in Review

Written by Brendan Healy

Brendan Healy takes us through what 2020 looked like for him, according to his iPhone.

Vivek Shraya’s "How to Fail as a Popstar" Continues its Ascent

Written by Andrew Brudz for Canadian Stage

In the year of the pivot, the show’s creator opens up about branching out.