dream in high park logo
multi coloured paint swirls
dream in high park logo
multi coloured paint swirls

nowhen

nowhen (noun) – “A point from which one has an unrestricted perspective in time.”

Seven paths, seven stories, converging in celebration of the thing that unites us – place. 

In nowhen, York University Theatre and Canadian Stage MFA Candidate Alison Wong invites guests to explore, and “let go of time, and revel in place” in a two-part, auditory and nature-based experience set in High Park featuring current Theatre at York students.

In Part 1 (Perspective), guests in small groups are invited to gather at one of seven different entry points to experience one of seven choreographed narratives adapted from stories of different perspectives, featured in Living Hyphen magazine.

In Part 2 (Presence), groups converge at the amphitheatre for a live performance, told through sound, movement, colour and language. The performance culminates in both a meditation, and celebration, of a deepend relationship to both the physical and temporal realms.

The Dream in High Park outdoor experience has been designed with the safety and comfort of patrons, artists, and staff as the top priority.  Canadian Stage will continue to monitor and respond to governmental policy changes and advice from health authorities to ensure we are always up-to-date and offering the safest experience possible.

Things to know.
  • Vaccination and Masks: Policies around face masks and vaccination are evolving. At the time of publication, face masks will be optional, as will proof vaccination is no longer required
  • Reduced Contact: As much as possible, interactions between staff and patrons will be contactless. This includes ticket scanning, box office transactions, and health screenings.
  • Sanitation: Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the venue. All high-touch surfaces will be sanitized both prior to and following each performance.
  • Protecting Your Purchase: We understand that things change. If a performance is cancelled or you are no longer comfortable attending the theatre, you will have your choice of one of the following:
    • An account credit to use for a future Canadian Stage production
    • A tax receipt in the amount of the ticket donation

Please do not attend if you have a fever or are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of attending, or if you have had close contact with anyone suspected or confirmed of having COVID-19.

All residents and visitors of Toronto must follow the City of Toronto's current Public Health regulations. Click here to view the current Public Health Regulations for the City of Toronto.

Liability Waiver

While we have put measures in place to enhance safety and help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission from person to person, an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in public places where people gather. By attending Dream in High Park, you voluntarily assume all risks related to possible exposure of COVID-19. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in removal from the venue.

Canadian Stage has been awarded the Safe Travels Stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council.  This international symbol is designed to allow travellers to recognize companies around the world which have adopted health and hygiene safety measures that ensure customers experiences are safe.

High Park is a unique and sacred ecosystem. We can all do our part to keep it vibrant for generations to come. Here are some guidelines on how to enjoy the park responsibly: 

  1. Stay on paths. They were created to allow you to enjoy nature without affecting it. Stepping off a marked path may seem innocent, but it can result in damage to animal habitats and nests and can cause harm to native plants vital to maintaining balance in the ecosystem.
  2. Don’t disturb plants and animals by moving their things around. This is their home. That branch might have a specific purpose. Best to leave everything as is. They will appreciate it.
  3. Leave no trace. Anything you bring on your visit including wrappers, snacks and masks, should exit the park when you do.
  4. Open your heart. The beauty of High Park is to be experienced with your heart. Be present, listen to the sounds, enjoy the views and smells, feel the freshness of the air, and your spirit will swell.

By following these responsible practices, we can minimize our impact on the natural environment in High Park. Enjoy your visit!

Please note that vehicular access to the park is very limited. Please be prepared to walk to the Amphitheatre from one of the numerous points of entry to High Park.

The High Park Amphitheatre is situated in the heart of one of Toronto's most significant and iconic natural sites, High Park.

Please visit our High Park Venue and Directions page for detailed location maps and directions.

 

The pathway leading from the road/sidewalk to the Amphitheatre seating is a natural, unpaved pathway and you may encounter tree roots, rocks, and sections of uneven ground.

Accessible seating is available in the top row of the Amphitheatre. Please inform our Box Office representatives if you require accessible seating when booking your tickets.

At least one accessible portable washroom will be available with roll in ground level access, grab bars, and a self-closing, unmotorized door.

While the pathway within the amphitheatre grounds is lit after sunset, the portion of pathway between the amphitheatre grounds and the road/sidewalk is not.

 

Wheel Trans Arrivals

Wheel Trans Vehicles are permitted to enter High Park on weekends, via bookings on the Wheel Trans website. Please note: all High Park weekend Wheel Trans schedules are co-ordinated by the City of Toronto to ensure the gates are opened for vehicles. Canadian Stage does not have access to these gates.

While there are several parking areas within High Park, please be sure to check the City of Toronto website to verify whether vehicular traffic is permitted in the park on the day of your performance.  

Please note that High Park is closed to vehicles on the weekends. Parking can be found along Parkside Drive or Bloor St W. The closest entrances to the amphitheatre are located at High Park Blvd & Parkside Dr and Bloor St W & High Park Dr. Both of these entrances are a 15 minute walk from the park entrance to the amphitheatre.

Tickets for Dream in High Park are general admission seating. At noon on the day of the performance, Rush Pay-What-You-Wish (PWYW) tickets will become available online or by phone. These will also be available at the gate, beginning 2 hours prior to the performance, subject to availability.

Tickets will be delivered to you as a PDF attachment by email. You may either print your tickets and bring them with you to your performance, or you can display your ticket barcode(s) on your mobile device.  Please be sure to have your tickets ready upon arrival and, if you are using your mobile device, have the brightness turned all the way up.

Seating in the High Park Amphitheatre is General Admission.

Chairs are not permitted in the main amphitheater seating area. Seating is on the ground, and we recommend guests bring blankets, cushions, and/or pillows to add to their comfort. If you are require accessible seating, there are limited chairs on-site, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the Box Office if you'd like to reserve accessibility seating on the day of your performance.

The gates to the Amphitheatre generally open 2 hours prior to each performance. As seating is General Admission, we recommend arriving as early as possible to find a spot in the Amphitheatre.

The High Park Amphitheatre is an outdoor venue so we suggest you wear clothing appropriate to the weather conditions. You may also wish to bring sunscreen, bug spray, and a blanket or cushions on which to sit.

No, except for service animals, pets are not allowed in the High Park Amphitheatre.

Portable washrooms, including an accessible portable washroom, are available on site for the use of ticketed patrons, and are regularly sanitized. All washrooms will be equipped with hand sanitizers. Please sanitize your hands before and after use.

Yes. We encourage guests who arrive early to bring a picnic with them to enjoy as they wait for the performance to begin.

Please note that alchoholic beverages are not permitted in the High Park Amphitheatre.

Yes, pre-packaged snacks and beverages will be available for sale.

 


Need more assistant preparing for your nowhen experience? Access the nowhen Visual Guide.

Use promo code DREAM! for a $5 discount on the latest issue of Living Hyphen.


Directed By

Assistant Director

Set & Costume Designer

  • César el Hayeck

Sound Designer

Stage Manager

Assistant Stage Manager

Knowledge Keeper

  • Pauline Shirt

Anishinaabemowin Translator

  • Awanigiizhik Bruce

Dramaturgy

  • Cole Alvis

Head of Wardrobe

  • Laura Delchiaro

Cutter

  • Marlee Bygate

Stitchers

  • Janet Pym
  • Ilana Harendorf

Prop Stitcher

  • Carly Beamish

Dresser

  • Geoffrey Davis

IA Technicians

  • Chris Robbinson- High Park Head Technician
  • Paul Bourgeois- FOH Mixer
  • Giulia D’amanzo- Head LX

Editor of Living Hyphen

  • Justine Abigail-Yu

Living Hyphen Writers

  • Alison Isaac
  • Emily Kedar
  • Karen Lahura
  • Ayla Lefkowitz
  • Victoria Liao
  • Nariné Martiros-Gharakhanian
  • Lance D. Morrison
  • Anika Rasheed
  • Thunderclaw Robinson
  • Dee Stoicescu

A Canadian Stage Production in Collaboration with The Department of Theatre, School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design at York University, presented in partnership with SummerWorks.

York University logo

This production is a collective creation led by Alison Wong with Cole Alvis, Laura Baxter, César el Hayeck, Djennie Laguerre, Miquelon Rodriguez, and Aidan Ware.

Special Thanks - Anishnawbe Health Toronto, Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, High Park Nature Centre, Ange Loft, Catherine Tammaro, Joce Two Crows, Jill Carter, Ian Garrett, Paul Lampert, Justine Abigail Yu + the Living Hyphen community.

Summerworks logo

Stories originally published in Living Hyphen

 

 

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