Feb 22, 2024
Louise Pitre on performing in The Inheritance
In conversation with Louise Pitre on returning to the Bluma stage, performing in The Inheritance, and more.
Jan 5, 2024
Interview with the Director of The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes
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.
Jan 2, 2024
Notes on The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes
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.
Aug 3, 2023
‘For a Minute It’s Real’: Notes on Topdog/Underdog
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.
Jul 6, 2023
Dreams Come True at A Midsummer Night’s Dream
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.
May 23, 2023
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.
May 19, 2023
The Allure of Performing with AI Technology
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.
Apr 26, 2023
In Conversation 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.
Apr 6, 2023
Rediscovering the Brotherhood in Maanomaa, My Brother
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.
Jan 26, 2023
In Conversation with Margaret Atwood and Ann-Marie MacDonald
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.
Jan 24, 2023
Adapting Fall On Your Knees for the stage with 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!
Jan 21, 2023
Support for Fall On Your Knees
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.
Jan 3, 2023
The Journey of Miigis: Underwater Panther with 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.
Nov 10, 2022
In Conversation with Mike Payette, Director of Choir Boy
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!
Oct 28, 2022
Spotlight on Tarell Alvin McCraney, playwright of Choir Boy
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.
Oct 13, 2022
Backstage with the Performers of Human Measure
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.
Oct 7, 2022
Backstage with Human Measure Composer, 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.
Oct 6, 2022
Backstage with Human Measure Choreographer, 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.
Sep 29, 2022
Overlapping Conversations
In this edition of CS Grid, Jordan Laffrenier interviews Bobby Theodore to learn more about his process when translating and adapting Public Enemy.
Sep 15, 2022
See the Audience, Focus
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.
Sep 8, 2022
Introducing Heather McMartin, Canadian Stage's new Director of Development & Campaigns
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.
Aug 25, 2022
Introducing Jordan Laffrenier, Canadian Stage's new Associate Artistic Director!
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.
Jul 28, 2022
The Incredible Cast of As You Like It
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!
Jul 21, 2022
Take It, As You Like It!
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!
Jul 4, 2022
Interview with Jully Black, Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul
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.
Jun 29, 2022
TheatreBall‘22, That’s A Wrap!
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.
Jun 29, 2022
Meet the KUNÉ Band!
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.
Jun 23, 2022
Seeing Evergreen
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!
Jun 22, 2022
The Journey of Jamii Esplanade
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.
Jun 16, 2022
Building a Garden of Earthly Delights with Shadowland Theatre
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.
Apr 21, 2022
Crypto Goes Beyond the Usual
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.
Mar 28, 2022
In Conversation with Other People Creative Team
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.
Mar 9, 2022
Get in on the In My Body hype!
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.
Feb 24, 2022
In Conversation with Johanna Schall, director of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui
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.
Feb 4, 2022
Tales from a VR Residency: Esther Splett
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.
Dec 30, 2021
Our Top Six Memories of 2021
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.
Dec 17, 2021
A Theatrical Space Odyssey
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.
Nov 30, 2021
Reflections on New Monuments: Interview with Annie Wong
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.
Nov 30, 2021
Reflections on New Monuments: Interview with the Black Speculative Arts Movement Canada
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.
Nov 25, 2021
The New Canadian Stage Visual Identity
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.
Nov 12, 2021
Reflections on New Monuments: Interview with Ange Loft
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.
Sep 30, 2021
A Dream Come True in High Park
Walk down memory lane with us as we relive the summer with a host of extraordinary performances and adventures at Dream in High Park.
Sep 21, 2021
Empowering the Movement Within
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.
Aug 31, 2021
Is My Microphone On? If I Could Vote
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.
Aug 16, 2021
On Ancestral Reconnection and Intergenerational Rhythms
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.
Aug 6, 2021
In Conversation with the Minds Behind BLACKOUT
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.
May 28, 2021
The Future of Live Cinema
Maziar Ghaderi from the Live Cinema Collective looks at the creation and future of live cinema.
Mar 27, 2021
A Year Later
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.
Feb 25, 2021
A Version of the Truth: The un-staging of Cloudless
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?
Dec 16, 2020
2020 in Review
Brendan Healy takes us through what 2020 looked like for him, according to his iPhone.
Nov 10, 2020
Vivek Shraya’s "How to Fail as a Popstar" Continues its Ascent
In the year of the pivot, the show’s creator opens up about branching out.
Oct 20, 2020
Welcoming Two New Visionaries to the BMO Lab
Ryan Cunningham and Sébastien Heins join the BMO Lab, the country’s only theatre workshop solely devoted to explorations in emergent technologies.
Sep 4, 2020
Q&A with 600 Highwaymen
New York City-based theatre-making duo 600 Highwaymen on their work and the future of live performance.
Jul 22, 2020
Canadian Stage’s Guiding Principles
The five guiding principles that we have developed in response to the pandemic.
Jul 15, 2020
When the Noise Pollution Stops: Being Non-Binary
For Non-Binary Awareness Week, Audience Services Coordinator Kamini Murthy-Korteweg reflects on what being non-binary means to them.
Jul 9, 2020
Mindful Moments Towards Answering a “Simple” Question
Playwright Susanna Fournier on adjusting to the pandemic through mindfulness practice and new creative projects.
May 28, 2020
Seeds, Joy, and a Pile of Trash
Associate Artistic Director Mel Hague reflects on finding joy in the smallest things.
May 28, 2020
The Privilege of Play: My Queer Nightlife Revelation
Mark-Che Devonish, Manager of Special Events, explores the power of play and his queer nightlife revelation.
May 14, 2020
The Ritual of Journeying to Work: Saturday Morning
Tawiah Ben M'Carthy, Metcalf Foundation Artistic Director Intern at Canadian Stage, shares a daily ritual he's missing.
Apr 29, 2020
Lynanne's Producer Picks
Our producer Lynanne has curated a list of incredible dance content for International Dance Day.
Apr 17, 2020
Brendan’s Quarantine Watch List
Artistic Director Brendan Healy shares a few online streaming options to keep you inspired.
Mar 27, 2020
7 Opportunities Thanks to COVID-19 (and, Fuck You, COVID-19)
Brendan Healy’s message on World Theatre Day.