2020 VISITORS GUIDE A STORIED PAST, A GLORIOUS FUTURE: A SEASON TO CELEBRATE - Stratford Festival
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2020 VISITORS GUIDE
A STORIED PAST, A GLORIOUS FUTURE:
A SEASON TO CELEBRATE
THE ELIXIR OF POWER Irresistible – that’s the only way to describe the variety, quality and excitement that make up the Stratford Festival’s 2020 season. First, there is our stunning new Tom Patterson Theatre, with ravishingly beautiful public spaces and gardens. Its halls, bars and café will be filled throughout the season with music, comedy nights, panel discussions and outstanding speakers to make our Festival even more festive. In the wake of an election in Canada, and in anticipation of one in the U.S., our season explores the theme of Power. Recent years have seen a growing acceptance of the naked use of power. Brute force is in vogue on the world stage, from international trade to immigration and the arms race – and, closer to home, in elections, in the workplace and even in social media engagements. Through comedy, tragedy, song, dance and farce, the plays and musicals of our 2020 season explore the dynamics of power in society, politics, art, gender and family life. In our new Tom Patterson Theatre, we present the two plays that launched the Stratford adventure in 1953: All’s Well That Ends Well and Richard III. The new venue is also home to a new musical, Here’s What It Takes; a new movement-based creation, Frankenstein Revived; and a series of improvisational performances – each one unique and unrepeatable – called An Undiscovered Shakespeare. But the fun isn’t all confined to one theatre. Our historic Festival Theatre showcases two of Shakespeare’s greatest plays, Much Ado About Nothing and Hamlet, as well as Molière’s brilliant satire The Miser and the first major new production in decades of the mischievous musical Chicago. At our Avon Theatre, you can enjoy a completely different kind of musical, the side-splitting Monty Python’s Spamalot, along with the family favourite Wendy & Peter Pan and the political thriller Wolf Hall, based on Hilary Mantel’s bestseller. And the Studio Theatre is home to a delightful new play, Hamlet-911; a modern American classic, Three Tall Women; and an Indigenous classic, The Rez Sisters. The Stratford Festival team has been working for years to achieve this 2020 vision. And now we are proud to unveil a dazzling new theatre, fifteen sparkling new productions and some three hundred Meighen Forum events to delight you. We hope to make you laugh and move you as never before. So, come, taste the invigorating and intoxicating elixir of Power! How can you resist? Antoni Cimolino Artistic Director P.S. Please check out all the exciting events in The Meighen Forum this season. You’ll find them listed starting on page 36 of this brochure – but remember to keep visiting our website for updates and additions. PHOTOS BY: SCOTT WISHART STUDIO
SO MUCH TO SHARE
Theatre is a collaborative art. It draws
on the talents of a wide range of artists,
artisans and other professionals, from
actors, directors and designers to
composers, stage managers, wig makers
and many, many more. But there’s
another equally diverse group who are
an integral part of the collaboration – and
that’s you, our audiences.
I’m so excited to welcome you to the
Festival, and to share with you the work
of our talented team in 2020. With fifteen
productions, hundreds of Meighen
Forum events and a plethora of things
to do and see in the community, a visit
to the Stratford Festival is a true theatre
immersion. I encourage you to stay and
linger, see a variety of productions and
engage with our Forum events, ranging
from debates, lectures and workshops
to performances, play readings and
concerts – and, for the first time, late-night entertainment in our stunning new
Tom Patterson Theatre.
Above all, don’t keep the Stratford Experience to yourself. Share it with your friends and
family. In this milestone season, spread the word far and wide: we’re offering more than
ever before, and we want everyone to join in the fun.
Anita Gaffney
Executive Director
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Plays 4 Getting Here 83
The Company 34 Where to Stay 87
The Forum 36 Food and Drink 101
Season Calendar 50 Shopping and Leisure 107
Pricing 66 Accessibility 117
Tours 72
We acknowledge that the Stratford Festival is located on the traditional lands of the Huron-Wendat, the Haudenosaunee,
and the Anishinaabe.
The territory was also the subject of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois
Confederacy and the Ojibwe and allied nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.
STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 1
2020
FESTIVAL THEATRE
Much Ado About Nothing
Chicago
Hamlet
The Miser
AVON THEATRE
Schulich Children’s Plays
Wendy & Peter Pan
Monty Python’s Spamalot
A SEASON TO CELEBRATE Wolf Hall
TOM PATTERSON THEATRE
Richard III
“Since it began in 1953, the Stratford Festival has attracted almost All’s Well That Ends Well
29 million theatre lovers from around the world. In 2020, we unveil our Here’s What It Takes
new Tom Patterson Theatre, named for our Festival’s founder. A bespoke Frankenstein Revived
home for thrilling theatre, and for creativity, enrichment and enjoyment
expanding beyond the auditorium, this stunning new facility opens
a new chapter in our history.”
STUDIO THEATRE
Three Tall Women
The Rez Sisters
Antoni Cimolino
Hamlet-911
Artistic Director
LAZARIDIS HALL
AT THE TOM PATTERSON THEATRE
An Undiscovered Shakespeare
ARTIST’S RENDERING OF THE
NEW TOM PATTERSON THEATRE
FESTIVAL THEATRE | RUNS MAY 7 TO OCT 23 | OPENS MAY 25
When it comes to trading witty insults, Beatrice and Benedick are foes worthy of
each other’s steel – and their friends think they’d make a great romantic match, too.
Meanwhile, as a delightful campaign of trickery is mounted to awaken this merrily
warring duo to their mutual attraction, another couple’s future happiness is threatened
by deception of a very different kind.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
By William Shakespeare
Additional writing Erin Shields
Director Chris Abraham
Designer Julie Fox Graham Maev
Lighting Designer Michael Walton Abbey Beaty
Composer and Sound Designer Thomas Ryder Payne Benedick Beatrice
Kaleb Allan Louis Andrea
Alexander Don John Rankin
Claudio Hero
Production support is generously provided by the Harkins & Manning families
in memory of Jim & Susan Harkins and by Sylvia Soyka
LOVE SHAKESPEARE?
GRAHAM ABBEY, MAEV BEATY
Don’t miss Hamlet, All’s Well That Ends Well or – for a breathtakingly brilliant
improv experience – An Undiscovered Shakespeare.
4 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 5
FESTIVAL THEATRE | RUNS APRIL 11 TO NOV 1 | OPENS MAY 26
Aspiring chorus girl Roxie Hart and vaudeville star Velma Kelly, two murderesses as
sexy as they are cynical, compete for the skills of shady lawyer Billy Flynn and the
media celebrity he has promised them both. With its killer score and knock-’em-dead
dance numbers, this deliciously lurid tale of murder, greed, adultery – and all that jazz
– packs some serious heat.
CHICAGO
Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins Dan Chelsea Jennifer
Script adaptation by David Thompson Chameroy Preston Rider-Shaw
Director and Choreographer Donna Feore Billy Flynn Roxie Hart Velma Kelly
Music Director Franklin Brasz
Set Designer Michael Gianfrancesco
Costume Designer Dana Osborne
Lighting Designer Michael Walton
Sound Designer Peter McBoyle
Sandra Robert Steve
Caldwell Markus Ross
Mama Morton Mary Sunshine Amos Hart
Production
Co-Sponsors
Production support is generously provided by Mary Ann & Robert Gorlin
and by Riki Turofsky & Charles Petersen
JENNIFER RIDER-SHAW, CHELSEA PRESTON
ENJOY BLOCKBUSTER MUSICALS?
For something completely different, check out Monty Python’s Spamalot – it’s
sublimely silly, with terrific tunes!
6 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 7
FESTIVAL THEATRE | RUNS APRIL 23 TO OCT 25 | OPENS MAY 28
A spectral visitor from beyond the grave lays a heavy burden on Prince Hamlet: the
command to avenge his father’s murder. It’s a mission that the grief-stricken son
fervently vows to undertake, yet seems mysteriously unable to accomplish. Are
rational doubt and lack of opportunity all that prevent him – or do other impediments
to action lie buried deep within himself?
HAMLET
By William Shakespeare
Director Peter Pasyk
Designer Patrick Lavender
Costume Designer Michelle Bohn Amaka
Lighting Designer Kimberly Purtell Umeh
Composer and Sound Designer Richard Feren Hamlet
Graham Kaleb Maev Jakob
Abbey Alexander Beaty Ehman
Claudius Laertes Gertrude Horatio
Andrea Michael
Rankin Spencer-Davis
Ophelia Polonius
Production support is generously provided by John & Therese Gardner
LOVE SHAKESPEARE?
Don’t miss Much Ado About Nothing, Richard III or – for a hilarious and
thought-provoking riff on his most intriguing tragedy – Hamlet-911.
AMAKA UMEH
8 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 9
FESTIVAL THEATRE | RUNS AUG 2 TO OCT 24 | OPENS AUG 19
Siblings Eleanor and Charlie know that their widowed father, a paranoid old skinflint
named Harper, won’t approve of their romantic choices – and what that’ll mean for
their inheritances. And their plights only get worse when Harper announces startling
marital plans of his own. Can nothing be done, for love or money? Or is there some
way to have both?
THE MISER
By Molière
In a new version by Ranjit Bolt
Director Antoni Cimolino
Designer Julie Fox Colm
Lighting Designer Michael Walton Feore
Sound Designer Thomas Ryder Payne Harper
Jessica B. Ron Qasim Alexandra
Hill Kennell Khan Lainfiesta
Marianne Jack Charlie Eleanor
Jamie Steve Brigit
Mac Ross Wilson
Victor Detective Fay
Production support is generously provided by Sylvia D. Chrominska,
by Dr. Desta Leavine, by Esther Sarick and by Dr. Robert & Roberta Sokol
LOVE TO LAUGH?
Meet Beatrice and Benedick, the witty – and unwittingly enamoured – sparring
partners in Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing.
COLM FEORE
10 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 11
AVON THEATRE | NORTH AMERICAN PREMIÈRE | RUNS APRIL 24 TO NOV 1 | OPENS MAY 27
SCHULICH CHILDREN’S PLAYS
WENDY &
PETER PAN
Wendy takes centre stage in this beautiful, magical and hilarious reinvention of the
classic tale. Seeking her lost brother in Neverland, she finds unlikely allies in Tink and
Tiger Lily, and joins Peter in taking on the dangerous Captain Hook. The whole family
will delight in Wendy’s adventures as she discovers the truth about the Lost Boys and
what it means to never grow up.
WENDY & PETER PAN
Adapted by Ella Hickson
From the book by J.M. Barrie
Director Keira Loughran
Designer Robin Fisher Cynthia Jake
Lighting Designer Arun Srinivasan Jimenez-Hicks Runeckles
Composer and Sound Designer Romeo Candido Wendy Peter Pan
Choreographer Allen Kaeja
Movement Dramaturge Karen Kaeja
Laura Evangelia Tara
Condlln Kambites Sky
Hook Tink Tiger Lily
CYNTHIA JIMENEZ-HICKS, JAKE RUNECKLES
ATTENDING WITH YOUR FAMILY?
Round out your day with picnics, tours and family-friendly workshops.
See pages 47, 72 and 80.
12 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 13
AVON THEATRE | RUNS MAY 9 TO OCT 25 | OPENS MAY 29
King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table are off to find the Holy Quail – no,
sorry, Grail. Along the way, they encounter the nonsensical Knights of Ni, a fearsome
rip-your-throat-out rabbit and a surprising number of showgirls. You’ll quest long and
far before you find anything so sublimely silly, so irresistibly toe-tappingly tuneful, or
so much fun.
MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT
Book and lyrics by Eric Idle
Music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle
A new musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture
“Monty Python and the Holy Grail” Jonathan
From the original screenplay by Graham Chapman, Goad
John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, King Arthur
Michael Palin
Director Lezlie Wade
Choreographer Jesse Robb
Music Director Laura Burton
Designer David Boechler
Lighting Designer Wendy Lundgren Eddie Glen George André Trevor
Projection Designer Cameron Davis Patsy Krissa Morin Patt
Sound Designer Emily Porter Sir Galahad Prince Herbert Sir Robin
Kimberly-Ann Mark
Truong Uhre
Lady of the Sir Lancelot
Lake
READY FOR ANOTHER SMASH-HIT MUSICAL?
Chicago is one of the hottest tickets in town – and we mean sizzling hot.
Missing it would be a crime!
JONATHAN GOAD
14 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 15AVON THEATRE | RUNS JULY 28 TO OCT 24 | OPENS AUG 13
As potent forces of politics, sex and religion unsettle the England of Henry VIII,
Thomas Cromwell, the blacksmith’s son who has risen to become the king’s trusted
confidant, seems immune to the swirl of gossip and intrigue around him. But beneath
his unassuming exterior, this man at the eye of the storm is himself a master player in
the games of power.
WOLF HALL
By Hilary Mantel
Adapted for the stage by Mike Poulton
Directors ted witzel and Geraint Wyn Davies
Set Designer Shawn Kerwin Geraint
Costume Designer Gillian Gallow Wyn Davies
Lighting Designer C.J. Astronomo Thomas Cromwell
Composer and Sound Designer Debashis Sinha
Sarah André
Orenstein Sills
Wolsey King Henry VIII
Production support is generously provided by Jody & Deborah Hamade and by
Dr. Desta Leavine in memory of Pauline Leavine
FROM LEFT: GERAINT WYN DAVIES, AMAKA UMEH, ANDRÉ SILLS
UP FOR MORE INTRIGUE?
Join us in ghost-haunted Elsinore Castle for the dark deeds and tantalizing
enigmas of Shakespeare’s iconic masterpiece Hamlet.
16 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 17TOM PATTERSON THEATRE | RUNS MAY 6 TO OCT 23 | OPENS MAY 30
Charismatic, cunning and utterly ruthless, the misshapen Richard, Duke of Gloucester,
is the very embodiment of lethal ambition as he manoeuvres and murders his way to
the throne of England. But once one reaches the top, the only way left is down – and
in Richard’s growing roster of vengeful enemies, none are more menacing than the
ghosts of his past.
RICHARD III
By William Shakespeare
Director Antoni Cimolino
Designer Francesca Callow
Lighting Designer Michael Walton Colm
Composer Berthold Carrière Feore
Sound Designer Thomas Ryder Payne Richard III
Michael Blake Ben David Collins
Duke of Carlson Stanley,
Clarence Lord Hastings Earl of Derby
Martha Jessica B. Seana
Henry Hill McKenna
Duchess of York Lady Anne Queen Margaret
Production support is generously provided by Lucy Tom Rooney Mike Shara
Jane Petersen Burfield & family, by Dr. M. Lee Myers, Peacock Duke of Sir William
by Martie & Bob Sachs, by The Westaway Charitable Queen Elizabeth Buckingham Catesby
Foundation and by Catherine & David Wilkes
WANT TO SEE COLM FEORE EXPLORE THE FUNNIER SIDE OF MISCHIEF-MAKING?
Enjoy him in the title role of Molière’s comic masterpiece The Miser.
COLM FEORE
18 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 19TOM PATTERSON THEATRE | RUNS MAY 15 TO OCT 24 | OPENS JUNE 11
Having worked a seemingly miraculous cure on the painfully afflicted King of France,
Helena, an orphaned doctor’s daughter, claims as her reward the hand of Bertram,
the young lord she adores. But he so despises her that she’d need another miracle
to win his heart. Still, Helena’s no quitter, and she knows a trick or two to get what
she wants.
ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL
By William Shakespeare
Director Scott Wentworth
Designer Michelle Bohn
Lighting Designer Louise Guinand Danny Jessica B. Seana
Composer Paul Shilton Ghantous Hill McKenna
Sound Designer Verne Good Bertram Helena Countess of Rossillion
Ben Tom
Carlson Rooney
King of France Parolles
Production support is generously provided by M. Fainer, by John & Barbara Schubert, by Alice & Tim Thornton
and by the Tremain family
DO SHAKESPEARE’S ROMANTIC COMEDIES WIN YOUR HEART?
Don’t miss Much Ado About Nothing or the dazzling iambic improvisation of
An Undiscovered Shakespeare.
SEANA McKENNA
20 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 21TOM PATTERSON THEATRE | WORLD PREMIÈRE COMMISSIONED BY THE STRATFORD FESTIVAL | RUNS JUNE 5 TO OCT 24 | OPENS JUNE 30
With an original score by Canadian Music Hall of Famer Steven Page, this brand
new musical charts the journey of fictional rock duo Walker and Rhodes, from their
start as children’s entertainers through their reign as pop stars of the nineties, to
their eventual decline and breakup. It’s a roller-coaster ride of creative highs, living-
the-life lows, hidden heartbreak – and great music.
HERE’S WHAT IT TAKES
Music and lyrics by Steven Page
Book by Daniel MacIvor
Additional music and lyrics by Craig Northey
Director and Choreographer Donna Feore Sean Scott Dan Robert
Music Director Franklin Brasz Arbuckle Beaudin Chameroy Markus
Orchestrator Larry Hochman George Rhodes Young Walker Walker Earle Young George
Set Designer Michael Gianfrancesco
Costume Designer Dana Osborne
Lighting Designer Kimberly Purtell
Projection Designer Jamie Nesbitt
Sound Designer Peter McBoyle
Robert Ball Robin Hutton Vanessa
Brent Carla Sears
Angela
Support for the creation of Here’s What It Takes was generously provided by
The Foerster Bernstein New Play Development Program
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: VANESSA SEARS, SCOTT BEAUDIN,
ROBERT MARKUS, DAN CHAMEROY, SEAN ARBUCKLE
MORE MUSIC WITH YOUR THEATRE?
Besides Chicago and Monty Python’s Spamalot, our concert series offers
delights for all musical tastes. See page 37.
22 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 23TOM PATTERSON THEATRE | WORLD PREMIÈRE | RUNS AUG 2 TO OCT 22 | OPENS AUG 20
In writing perhaps the most celebrated horror story in English literature, eighteen-year-
old Mary Shelley raised profound questions about life, death and the perils of scientific
hubris. Now Shelley’s creation takes on new life as an intimate, intense and passion-
filled synthesis of theatre and dance that explores the big question at the story’s heart:
what does it mean to be human?
FRANKENSTEIN REVIVED
By Morris Panych
Based on the novel by Mary Shelley
Music by David Coulter
Director Morris Panych Jonathon
Movement Choreographer Wendy Gorling Young
Dance Choreographer Stephen Cota Doctor Frankenstein
Designer Ken MacDonald
Costume Designer Dana Osborne
Lighting Designer Kimberly Purtell
Sound Designer Peter McBoyle
Laura Marcus
Condlln Nance
Mary Shelley The Monster
Support for the creation of Frankenstein Revived was generously provided by
The Foerster Bernstein New Play Development Program
THRILLED TO SEE A LITERARY MASTERPIECE GALVANIZED INTO NEW THEATRICAL LIFE?
Then don’t miss seeing the Bard rebooted in Hamlet-911.
LAURA CONDLLN
24 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 25STUDIO THEATRE | RUNS MAY 27 TO SEPT 27 | OPENS JUNE 12
By turns acerbic, haughty, self-pitying and anguished, a wealthy old woman, identified
only as “A,” reminisces to two younger companions, “B” and “C,” sharing her past
experiences in sometimes shocking detail. But are her two hearers only who they
seem to be? And how did this dying woman come to be who she is? How can any of
us know who we really are – or who we will become?
EDWARD ALBEE’S
THREE TALL WOMEN
By Edward Albee
Director Diana Leblanc
Designer Francesca Callow Martha Lucy Mamie
Lighting Designer Louise Guinand Henry Peacock Zwettler
Sound Designer Keith Thomas A B C
Production support is generously provided by Jack Whiteside
LUCY PEACOCK, MARTHA HENRY, MAMIE ZWETTLER
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING PLAYWRIGHT EDWARD ALBEE?
Join us on July 9 and 14 in The Meighen Forum. See pages 42 and 43.
26 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 27STUDIO THEATRE | RUNS JULY 21 TO SEPT 26 | OPENS AUG 14
“The biggest bingo in the world” is coming to Toronto, and seven Indigenous
women, all related by blood or marriage, are determined to win the jackpot. By turns
ribald, harrowing and mystical, this acclaimed drama celebrates the dreams and
disappointments of life: a game of chance in which it’s not so much the prizes that
count as the spirit of the players.
THE REZ SISTERS
By Tomson Highway
Director Jessica Carmichael
Costume Designer Asa Benally
Composer and Sound Designer Cris Derksen Jani
Lauzon
Pelajia Patchnose
Brefny Nicole Kathleen Justin
Caribou Joy-Fraser MacLean Many Fingers
Zhaboonigan Veronique St. Emily Nanabush
Peterson Pierre Dictionary
Cheri Madison Michaela
Maracle Walsh Washburn
Production support is generously provided by Philomena Annie Cook Marie-Adele
Karon Bales & Charles Beall Moosetail Starblanket
WANT TO ENJOY ANOTHER ASPECT OF TOMSON HIGHWAY’S TALENT?
Join us at the new Tom Patterson Theatre for a cabaret of his Songs in the
MICHAELA WASHBURN
Key of Cree. See page 37.
28 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 29STUDIO THEATRE | WORLD PREMIÈRE COMMISSIONED BY THE STRATFORD FESTIVAL | RUNS AUG 5 TO SEPT 26 | OPENS AUG 19
Guinness Menzies has landed his dream role: he’s playing Hamlet at the Stratford
Festival. But just before a matinée performance, he suddenly finds himself in the
Underworld, a realm as frightening as it is hilarious, where time is seriously out of joint.
Has he gone mad? Is he dreaming? Has he died…? Meanwhile, a troubled teenager is
wrestling online with his own version of Hamlet’s famous question.
HAMLET-911
By Ann-Marie MacDonald
Based on an idea by Alisa Palmer
Director Alisa Palmer
Designer Joanna Yu Mike
Lighting Designer Leigh Ann Vardy Shara
Composer and Sound Designer Antoine Bédard Guinness Menzies
Andrew Iles Amelia Scott
Jeremy Sargisson Wentworth
Sue Rex
Gordon Micah Woods
Patrick White Danny
Yorick
Support for the creation of Hamlet-911 was generously provided by The Foerster Bernstein New Play Development Program
KEEN ON CONTEMPORARY AUTHORS AND PLAYWRIGHTS?
Enjoy hearing from some of your favourites, including Ann-Marie MacDonald, in
our Celebrated Writers series. See page 45.
ANDREW ILES
30 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 31LAZARIDIS HALL at the TOM PATTERSON THEATRE | RUNS JUNE 30 TO SEPT 18 | OPENS JULY 13
At each performance, an audience member is invited to share their real-life love story
with William Shakespeare himself. Then an ensemble of brilliant improvisors turn that
tale into a full-blown, five-act Shakespearean-style comedy – created on the spot, in
iambic pentameter, before your very eyes (and ears). Each performance is a unique,
never-to-be-repeated feat of theatrical virtuosity – a great reason to see them all!
AN UNDISCOVERED SHAKESPEARE
A spontaneous theatre creation by
Rebecca Northan, with
Bruce Horak and Kevin Kruchkywich
Director Rebecca Northan Ashley Ijeoma Bruce Kevin
Botting Emesowum Horak Kruchkywich
Rebecca Lee
Northan Smart
Support for the creation of An Undiscovered Shakespeare was generously provided by The Foerster Bernstein
New Play Development Program in collaboration with the Grand Theatre, London, Ontario.
DO PERFORMANCES CREATED ON THE SPOT MAKE YOUR PULSE RACE?
Join us for more improv, stand-up comedy, late-night talk shows and more.
See page 39.
REBECCA NORTHAN
32 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 332020 ACTING COMPANY 2020 ACTING COMPANY
Graham Abbey Eric Abel Marion Adler Kaleb Alexander Gabriel Antonacci Shelly Antony Sean Arbuckle Robert Ball Heather McGuigan Seana McKenna André Morin Kyla Musselman Ngabo Nabea Marcus Nance Lisa Nasson Rebecca Northan
Maev Beaty Scott Beaudin Carla Bennett Wayne Best Michael Blake Ashley Botting Devon Michael Brown Jacqueline Burtney Sarah Orenstein Trevor Patt Stephen Patterson Lucy Peacock Gregory Pember Chelsea Preston Andrea Rankin Jennifer Rider-Shaw
Sandra Caldwell Brefny Caribou Ben Carlson Dan Chameroy Caryn Chappell David Collins Laura Condlln Colton Curtis Tom Rooney Steve Ross Jake Runeckles Amelia Sargisson Vanessa Sears Adam Sergison Genny Sermonia Jason Sermonia
Amanda De Freitas Aidan deSalaiz Rodney Diverlus Josh Doig Camille Eanga-Selenge Jakob Ehman Ijeoma Emesowum Colm Feore Mike Shara André Sills Tara Sky Lee Smart E.B. Smith Michael Spencer-Davis Kimberly-Ann Truong Mark Uhre
Henry Firmston Eva Foote Jacklyn Francis Mateo Galindo Torres Danny Ghantous Ryan Gifford Eddie Glen Jonathan Goad Amaka Umeh Madison Walsh Michaela Washburn Scott Wentworth Gordon Patrick White Rylan Wilkie Brigit Wilson Micah Woods
Emma Grabinsky Josh Graetz Martha Henry Jessica B. Hill Bruce Horak Robin Hutton Andrew Iles Cynthia Jimenez-Hicks Geraint Wyn Davies Norman Yeung Jonathon Young Mamie Zwettler
ARTISTIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Stratford Festival is committed to strengthening and enhancing every aspect of its art.
Bonnie Jordan Nicole Joy-Fraser Evangelia Kambites Ron Kennell Qasim Khan Robert King Wahsonti:io Kirby John Kirkpatrick Key programs include:
The Birmingham Conservatory The Laboratory
for Classical Theatre Researching and developing innovative approaches
Intensive training for our most promising young to the classics and exploring repertoire from diverse
Heather Kosik Bethany Kovarik George Krissa Daniel Krmpotic Kevin Kruchkywich Josue Laboucane Alexandra Lainfiesta Jani Lauzon theatre artists. cultures.
Support is generously provided by the Dalio Foundation and by an
Made possible by the support of the Birmingham family, the Stratford
anonymous donor.
Festival Endowment Foundation and the Department of Canadian Heritage.
The Michael Langham Workshop The Foerster Bernstein
Roy Lewis Beck Lloyd Allan Louis Jamie Mac Ayrin Mackie Kathleen MacLean Anthony MacPherson Jordan Mah
for Classical Direction New Play Development Program
Opportunities for emerging and mid-career directors Commissioning, developing and premièring new
to hone their skills on the Festival’s stages. works, as well as contemporary adaptations and
translations, by Canadian playwrights.
We extend our thanks to the Department of Canadian Heritage and
The Philip and Berthe Morton Foundation.
Justin Many Fingers Cheri Maracle Robert Markus Jonathan Mason Amanda Mattar Alison McCaughey Lily McEvenue Chad McFadden
Sponsor, The Michael Langham Workshop
for Classical Direction
34 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 35FORUM PERFORMANCES
SPECIAL CONCERTS Songs in the Key of Cree
Uplifting and exciting musical entertainment Monday, August 24, 8–10 p.m. | Tom Patterson Theatre
throughout the season. A cabaret from famed Canadian writer Tomson
Highway, incorporating Cree- and English-
Chicago Speakeasy language songs written over the past 30 years,
Saturdays, July 4 and August 8, 11:15 p.m.–12:30 a.m. including some from Mr. Highway’s musicals:
Mystery Location Rose; The Incredible Adventures of Mary Jane
Take a trip back in time to underground Chicago, Mosquito; The (Post) Mistress; and The Sage,
where the music was hot and the bars were the Dancer, and the Fool. Peruvian/Canadian
swinging – but you needed a password to enter. vocalist Patricia Cano and jazz sax player Marcus
In true speakeasy fashion, the location of this Ali round out the collaboration. From $25
late-night affair will be kept secret until the last
minute. From $29
Art of Time: If Music Be…
Saturday, September 12, 2 p.m. | Tom Patterson Theatre
Only Love: A Kander and Ebb Cabaret Art of Time Ensemble brings music, dance and
Saturday, July 11, 11:15 p.m.–12:30 a.m. ideas inspired by Shakespeare. Music by Erich
Forum Performances | Speakers & Panels Thursday, July 23, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Friday, September 18, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Korngold, Sergei Prokofiev, John Cage and Rufus
Wainwright is accompanied by choreography by
Peggy Baker and James Kudelka. Graham Abbey
Meal Events | Interactive Workshops Lazaridis Hall and Maev Beaty join other company members to
perform scenes from the canon. From $25
John Kander and Fred Ebb, the songwriters
behind this season’s Chicago, were known for Deer Life by Ron Sexsmith
their devastating wit as well as their solid-gold Monday, October 5, 8–11 p.m. | Tom Patterson Theatre
showstoppers, but they also wrote a panoply of Peek behind the curtain at award-winning
love songs. This cabaret, compiled and directed singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith’s new work in
by Richard Ouzounian, brings together 20 of progress. Mr. Sexsmith is joined by members of
their songs to tell the story of a relationship from the Festival company in this concert of songs
first infatuation to last goodbye. From $35 from the musical adaptation of his 2017 novel
Deer Life. From $25
Sharron Matthews: Invincible
Saturday, July 18, and Saturday, September 19 Tom Patterson Theatre Celebration
11:15 p.m.–12:30 a.m. | Lazaridis Hall Sunday, October 25, 8–11 p.m. | Tom Patterson Theatre
Sometimes life will try to break you. But when she For 62 seasons, the space known as the Stratford
was down, award-winning cabaret artist Sharron Concert Hall, The Third Stage and finally the Tom
Matthews found a way to reach into her pocket Patterson Theatre has been a vital part of the
and turn on her music, remembering how she had Stratford Festival. In this inaugural season of the
magnificent new theatre, we present a tribute to
always used music to save her. Invincible features its glorious history. Under the direction of Richard
the music of Corinne Bailey Rae, Annie Lennox, Ouzounian, company members past and present
Chaka Khan, Prince, Ed Sheeran, Rod Stewart revisit selected triumphs, from the music of Duke
and Lake Street Dive, plus original music with Ellington to scenes from such unforgettable
Sharron’s own lyrics. From $39 productions as Elizabeth Rex and Long Day’s
Journey Into Night. From $25
High Spirits in Concert
Friday, October 30, 8–11 p.m. | Tom Patterson Theatre
Noël Coward’s 1941 classic Blithe Spirit becomes
High Spirits, which opened on Broadway in 1964.
The musical, like the play, combines wit and hijinks
as the remarried Charles accidentally conjures his
first wife’s ghost in a séance. From $25
Pre-Season Insights
Patterson Pop-Ins Free Pre-Season Library Lectures in
Guelph, Kitchener, Toronto, Hamilton
Expland your experience at the Tom Patterson Theatre with free and London in March, April and May.
demonstrations, music, discussions and more! Learn more about the 2020 season
in talks given by scholars and Festival
For details, see page 114 or visit stratfordfestival.ca/Forum/Popins. staff. For more info, visit
SHARRON MATTHEWS: INVINCIBLE
July 18 & September 19 stratfordfestival.ca/Pre-Season-Insights.
36 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 37FORUM PERFORMANCES FORUM PERFORMANCES
CONTEMPORARY WORKS bug LATE-NIGHT FUNNY FRIDAYS Rambles of Creative Women
Showcasing contemporary works by Friday and Saturday, October 16, 17, 7:30 p.m. Stand-up, sketch comedy and Stratford’s answer Monday, August 10
Canadian artists. Sunday, October 18, 1:30 p.m. | Lazaridis Hall to TV’s late-night satire craze. A program of solo piano music by 19th-century
Bug is the Dora Award-nominated story of a female composers, interspersed with anecdotes
Certain Woman of an Age girl and her mother, both fighting the effects of Comedians Come to Stratford excerpted from the travel writings of Mary
Wednesday, June 17, Thursday, June 18, and Friday, June 19 colonialism on their bodies. They are followed Fridays, June 26, July 10, 17 and 24 Shelley and Mary Wollstonecraft and from
7:30–10:30 p.m. | Lazaridis Hall by Manidoons, a physical manifestation of August 21 and September 11, 11:15 p.m.–12:30 a.m. Across New Worlds: Nineteenth-Century Women
In her one-woman show, Margaret Trudeau trauma that crawls across generations. Created Lazaridis Hall Travellers and Their Writing, compiled by Shirley
opens up about her extraordinary life and her and performed by former company member The most creative comedy minds come to the Foster. Piano music performed by Sandra
encounters with icons, all while dealing silently Yolanda Bonnell. From $29 mic at the Stratford Festival! From commentaries Mogensen with readings by Laura Condlln.
and secretly with bipolar disorder. It’s a gripping on politics and pop culture to everyday observations In the Eyes of My People: The Power of the Black
on life and love, the funniest humans from Canada
PHOTO BY GILAD COHEN
portrait of motherhood, marriage, tragedy and Experience In Song
triumph, and an honest examination of one of the and around the world land at Stratford’s new
Monday, August 31
YOLANDA BONNELL
most fascinating figures in Canada. From $69 late-night comedy showcase. From $29
Following the success of last season’s Why We
Outside the Actors Studio with Dan and Mike Tell the Story, Marcus Nance, Vanessa Sears and
PHOTO BY KIRSTEN MICCOLI Fridays, July 3, August 14, and September 25 guests share the power of the black experience
through musical theatre, Negro spirituals, slave
MARGARET TRUDEAU
11:15 p.m.–12:30 a.m. | Lazaridis Hall
Hosts Dan Chameroy and Mike Shara chat with songs and more. With music director Franklin Brasz.
special guests from the Festival and beyond. The
conversation might be enlightening and inspiring
MARCUS NANCE
but most likely will be irreverent. Come for the
laughs, drinks and fun. End your evening at the
Festival with a smile. From $29
bug The Second City: Love Letter to Chicago
October 16, 17, 18 Friday, August 7, 11:15 p.m.–12:30 a.m.| Lazaridis Hall
With its origins in Chicago and now with
locations in Toronto and Hollywood, the iconic
WORDPLAY Second City ensemble comes to Stratford with
7:30–10:30 p.m. | Lazaridis Hall their fun and exciting sketch comedy show Love
Letter to Chicago. From $39 IN THE EYES OF MY PEOPLE
Dramatic readings complementing the season’s August 31
playbill, performed by members of the Festival Beyond the Fringe
company. From $29 Saturday, September 12, 11:15 p.m.– 12:30 a.m. | Lazaridis Hall
CERTAIN WOMEN OF AN AGE Monty Python’s Flying Circus, the creators of
June 17, 18, 19 Presented in collaboration with Shakespeare
BASH’d; facilitated by Julia Nish-Lapidus and Spamalot, have often acknowledged their LATE-NIGHT MUSIC
James Wallis. creative debt to the 1960s satirical revue 11:15 p.m.–12:30 a.m. | Lazaridis Hall | From $32
Pearle Harbour’s Chautauqua Beyond the Fringe. The timelessness of Fringe’s
Tuesday to Friday, October 6 to 9, 7:30 p.m. A New Way to Pay Old Debts by Philip Massinger humour is revealed in this selection of sketches, Raising Our Tent: A Celebration of Queerness
Thursday, September 24 encompassing dystopian fanatics, woolgathering Saturday, June 27
Wednesday, October 7, 1:30 p.m. clerics and misanthropic miners – to say nothing
Precarious marriage and class relations are A celebration of queerness through stories and
Dinner Rooney Workshop explored in this witty comedy, mirroring many of the Shakespeare spoof “So That’s the Way songs from our own Stratford community.
All are invited under the milky folds of drag of the themes of All’s Well That Ends Well. You Like It.” From $29
performer Pearle Harbour’s beautiful tent, Examining the hypocrisy of gratitude and Larry’s Jazz Guys
where connection is the cure for what ails ya. charity, the story culminates in entertaining Saturday, August 29
Chautauqua is a multi-award-winning, immersive comeuppance.
extravaganza: part cabaret, part tragicomedy,
NIGHT MUSIC Trumpeter Larry Larson and his Guys invite you
The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus 7:30–9:30 p.m. | Lazaridis Hall | From $32 to join them in their new and improved “living
part tent revival. The world may be falling apart, room” to enjoy a night of favourite gems, along
but Pearle shows you that more unites us than by Christopher Marlowe with some overlooked tunes that may become
Thursday, October 1 Where the Streetlights End
divides us. From $42 Monday, July 6 your new favourites!
Shakespeare’s most important contemporary
Lessons in Temperament wrote this opus of magic and sacrifice in the 1590s. No one has captured the heart and humanity of Dayna Manning – Chamber Folk
Sunday, July 19 and Sunday, August 23, 7:30p.m. Its story of a driven individual seeking power at all Southwestern Ontario with the depth and focus Saturday, September 26
Lazaridis Hall costs remains relevant today, much like Richard III, of Nobel Prize winner Alice Munro. Actor Marion Original, contemporary and modern folk songs
asking the question: what are we willing to sacrifice Adler narrates two of Munro’s short stories, set led by guitar and voice, performed with a
Actor and musician James Smith tunes a for corporal power and invincibility? to music by Ben Bolt-Martin. chamber ensemble. Each considered the music
piano while exploring the concept of equal
temperament within the context of his three The Spanish Tragedy by Thomas Kyd Bard’s Brew of the people in their own respect, chamber
older brothers’ mental illnesses: obsessive music and folk music are a perfect match.
Thursday, October 22 Monday, July 27
compulsive disorder, autism and schizophrenia. Hieronimo must avenge his son’s death and Shakespeare’s works abound in references to Support for Night Music is generously provided by Sandra
Part memoir, part performance art, part tune-up. Rotman in honour of Louis Applebaum through the Loius
navigate the hypocritical court of the Spanish music and drink. The Festival Players Brass Quintet Applebaum Visiting Artists Program.
This site-specific show offers a unique theatrical king. This definite source of inspiration for brings you the best of both in a program of music
experience and a singular glimpse into the Hamlet is a bloody fantasy of death, desire and inspired by or written for Shakespeare’s plays,
lives of those living with strange, beautiful, ghostly vengeance. with suggested beer pairings from local brewers.
distempered minds. From $29 Cash bar.
38 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 39FORUM SPEAKERS AND PANELS FORUM SPEAKERS AND PANELS
TALKING THEATRE SPECIAL LOBBY TALKS CELEBRATED SPEAKERS The Power of Money
Tuesdays, 9:30–10:30 a.m. | Lazaridis Hall Short, informative lectures on pertinent issues of 10:30 a.m.–noon | Lazaridis Hall, unless otherwise noted Friday, September 11
our time. Free Building economies, communities and jobs is
An open discussion of the themes and topics of Artists and expert guests explore the playbill
what JP Gladu, CEO of the Canadian Council for
the season playbill. Free Story Telling and Land Treaties and season’s themes. From $27, unless
Aboriginal Business, does best. He considers
Friday, July 3, 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Lazaridis Hall otherwise noted
the assumed power of money and business in
June 23 August 4 The impacts of treaty making in Canada have society and how relationships in commerce can
July 7 August 18
Comedy Consortium
been wide ranging and long standing, yet many Saturday, June 6 help promote reconciliation.
July 21 September 1 people are intimidated by the information they
do not know about the system. Join University A panel of some of Canada’s most brilliant In Conversation with Ray Dalio
of Toronto Indigenous Studies scholar Cheryl comedic stars sit down to hash out “funny.” Saturday, September 19
MEET THE FESTIVAL What does it take to be funny? What’s
Suzack from Batchewana First Nations as she Regarded as “the Steve Jobs of investing,” Ray
Wednesdays, June 3 to October 7, 9:30–10:30 a.m. funny now versus what was funny then, and
integrates storytelling with the history of land where is comedy headed? Panelists include Dalio is a renowned philanthropist, founder of the
Lazaridis Hall treaties between Indigenous peoples and the Aurora Browne of The Baroness von Sketch world’s largest and most successful hedge fund,
government of Canada. Show, Rebecca Northan (Blind Date and An Bridgewater Associates, and author of the best-
Fun and informal Q&A sessions with Festival
artists and staff. (Please note: there is no Meet Undiscovered Shakespeare) and celebrated selling book Principles. He joins Artistic Director
comedian and artist Sandra Shamas. Antoni Cimolino for a talk about his life and work
CHERYL SUZACK
the Festival on July 1.) Free
at the top of the finance realm and the principles
To Tom Patterson with Love that helped him build Bridgewater Associates
Saturday, June 13 from a startup in his apartment to what’s been
LOBBY TALKS Tom Patterson’s legacy went beyond his love of hailed as the fifth most important private company
Insights into our Shakespeare titles from Literary theatre. An advocate for arts education, he had in the United States.
and Editorial Director David Prosser or special a transformative effect on many schoolchildren
guests. Free over the years. Inspired by Tom’s dedication to
The Appeal
Shakespeare, acclaimed educator and author Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m. | Tom Patterson Theatre
Hamlet | Festival Theatre lobby Lois Burdett combined her own love of the Bard It’s back! Renowned lawyers and justices
Wednesday, June 17, 11 a.m. with teaching in her award-winning Shakespeare in Canada return to the “Supreme Court
Thursday, July 16, 11 a.m. Can Be Fun! series of books for kids. Lois and of Stratford” for the ever-popular, always
Thursday, July 23, 5 p.m. some of her former Grade 2 and 3 students, controversial mock appeal. Free. Donations
Thursday, August 20, 11 a.m. including Jennifer Stewart, Anika Johnson, Jodi welcomed.
Thursday, September 3, 11 a.m. Kalbfleisch and Jenny Geoghegan, share their
Wednesday, October 14, 11 a.m. letters, thoughts and feelings for our founder.
The Premiers
Saturday, October 3
Much Ado About Nothing | Festival Theatre lobby STORY TELLING AND LAND TREATIES
The Power of Art: Stephan Jost
Tuesday, June 23, 11 a.m. July 3 Former premiers Frank McKenna (New
Thursday, July 2, 5 p.m. Sunday, July 26 Brunswick) and Brad Wall (Saskatchewan)
Engaging with a great work of art can connect and others share their experiences of leading
Wednesday, July 22, 11 a.m. The Significance of Land Acknowledgements Canada’s provinces and offer their perspectives
Tuesday, August 4, 5 p.m. you to your senses, body and mind. It can be a
Sunday, September 13, 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Lazaridis Hall powerful force. Join Stephan Jost, the Michael on how the power and responsibility of a high
Thursday, August 27, 5 p.m. office changes a person.
Tuesday, September 29, 11 a.m. Increasingly, land acknowledgement statements and Sonja Koerner Director and CEO of the Art
are being used by Canadian governments, schools Gallery of Ontario, as he discusses empowering Speaking Truth to Power: A Massey College Panel
Richard III | Lazaridis Hall, unless otherwise noted and other institutions as a reconciliation practice people and their communities through art.
Sunday, October 4
Wednesday, June 10, 11 a.m. aimed at recognizing the traditional or treaty
Friday, June 19, 5 p.m. territories of Indigenous peoples. Consider what it Ageism: The Last Ism Richard III killed to get power and to keep
Wednesday, July 8, 5 p.m. means to acknowledge the legacy of colonialism Friday, August 28 power. Is there anyone to challenge Richard III
and denounce his cruel obsession with power?
Wednesday, July 29, 11 a.m. and how you might begin to do so. Edward Albee’s Three Tall Women depicts a Nowadays, who is “speaking truth to power,” and
Wednesday, September 9, 11 a.m. querulous, forgetful nonagenarian. Rather than is anyone listening? Massey College Principal
Tuesday, September 15, 5 p.m. Norman Bacal drown in a sea of stereotypes, boomers are and lawyer Nathalie Des Rosiers, Munk School
Dinner Rooney Workshop Tuesday, August 11, 5:30–7 p.m. | Lazaridis Hall dispelling outdated notions of what it means of Global Affairs senior researcher Aisha Ahmad,
Tuesday, October 20, 5 p.m. Norman Bacal built a law firm, worked with to get older. Dr. Mark Rapoport, geriatric University of Toronto criminologist Akwasi
some of Hollywood’s biggest studios, mentored neuropsychiatrist at Sunnybrook Health Owusu-Bempah, and McGill Faculty of Law
All’s Well That Ends Well two generations of young lawyers and, five Sciences Centre, leads a discussion about how professor Daniel Weinstock contemplate what
Lazaridis Hall, unless otherwise noted years ago, abandoned it all. It was time to the generation is positioned, by age, attitude lessons human rights advocates might take from
Wednesday, June 24, 5 p.m. reset, to learn the art of writing from scratch. and influence, to put an end to society’s last Shakespeare in “speaking truth to power.”
Dinner Rooney Workshop He recently published his first fiction, Odell’s acceptable “ism.”
Wednesday, July 15, 11 a.m. Fall, a modernization of Othello. Facing the
Wednesday, August 12, 11 a.m. Power, Pollsters and the Democratic Process
age-old question of how to find purpose in
Tuesday, September 1, 5 p.m. life after a career sunset, Bacal speaks of how Saturday, August 29
Thursday, September 10, 5 p.m. Shakespeare inspired him to rebuild his life after Munk School professor and pollster Peter
Wednesday, October 7, 11 a.m. a stunning collapse. Loewen, renowned political commentator Jaime
Watt and Danielle Goldfarb of polling technology
disrupter RIWI dive into the latest trends in the
democratic process: the power of polling and
social media in electoral engagement around
the world. Moderated by Munk School Senior
Fellow Deanna Horton.
40 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 41FORUM SPEAKERS AND PANELS FORUM SPEAKERS AND PANELS
SPOTLIGHT TOM PATTERSON THEATRE can trace how that alienation has continued to Sex and Shakespeare
As we celebrate the opening of the new Tom manifest in our contemporary digital world. Join Thursday, August 27
Patterson Theatre, special guests and experts Diana Leblanc and others in a discussion about the From the bed trick in All’s Well That Ends Well
THE NEW YORK TIMES AT
examine the relationship between urban influence and importance of existential themes in to Beatrice and Benedick’s lusty banter in Much STRATFORD
planning and the arts. Free Albee’s work for today’s audiences. Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare has titillated July 14–19
The Superpower of Satire academics and aesthetes for centuries. Western Journalists from The New York Times
The Artist and the Architect University professor Margaret Jane Kidnie and
Friday, June 12, 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Lazaridis Hall Thursday, July 23 other experts engage in an ecstatic discourse join us all week for a series of exciting
In our current turbulent times, satire is as alive about Shakespeare’s characters’ conduct in conversations. From $27
The day after what would have been Festival
founder Tom Patterson’s 100th birthday, Artistic as ever, holding to account those in positions courtship and marriage. A Life in Parts: Albee and His Three Tall Women
Director Antoni Cimolino and architect Siamak of authority. Monty Python’s Spamalot does just
Hariri reflect on the creation – and grand that, hilariously critiquing the assumptions of so- Information Revolutions Tuesday, July 14, 10:30 a.m.–noon | Lazaridis Hall
opening – of the new Tom Patterson Theatre. called sober reality. Canadian editorial cartoonist Thursday, September 3 Over his career, New York Times
Michael de Adder and other experts discuss why The world peopled by the characters in Wolf Hall co-chief theatre critic Jesse Green had
Cultural Spaces and Climate Change voicing these criticisms is so necessary. changed irrevocably with the development of the the opportunity to interview playwright
Friday, July 31, 10:30 a.m.–noon | Lazaridis Hall printing press. In this conversation, Ronald Deibert, Edward Albee for a number of in-depth
What are the roles of theatre and cultural spaces All Things Improv Director of the Citizen Lab at the Munk School articles. He shares his insights on the
in addressing climate change? What stories do Thursday, July 30 of Global Affairs and a Senior Fellow at Massey man, his work and, more specifically,
we need in order to move toward a just and Rebecca Northan, creator/director of An College, joins colleague Frauke Zeller, Associate how his relationship with his mother
sustainable future? Chantal Bilodeau, playwright Undiscovered Shakespeare, and Colin Mochrie Professor of Media and Culture at Ryerson University, influenced the development of Three
and Artistic Director of The Arctic Cycle, (Whose Line Is It Anyway?) discuss the history and Katherine Williams, Assistant Professor of Tall Women.
discusses her efforts to reshape our cultural English at the University of Toronto, to dicuss how
of modern improvisation, its ever-increasing technologies that have precipitated information The Remaking Of: Transforming Chicago
narrative in the face of the climate crisis. popularity and its role in the theatrical world. An revolutions and then effected societal change. in Stratford
Undiscovered Shakespeare co-creators Bruce
Horak and Kevin Kruchkywich join them in a live Humour for Well-Being Thursday, July 16, 10:30 a.m.–noon | Lazaridis Hall
PEER INTO THE PLAYBILL demonstration. Thursday, September 10 New York Times co-chief theatre critic
Jesse Green in conversation with
Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.–noon | Lazaridis Hall When current events cause unease, people
director-choreographer Donna Feore
need humour more than ever. The silliness that
COLIN MOCHRIE
A panel of special guests discuss ideas and we crave is satisfied in Monty Python’s Spamalot about how she has transformed the
issues in the playbill. From $22 through guffaw-inducing jokes about flesh wounds legendary musical Chicago for the
and shrubberies. Director Lezlie Wade, Linda Kash Festival Theatre’s iconic thrust stage.
The Therapeutic Powers of Art (Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show) and other
Thursday, June 18 funny folks discuss why laughter is indeed the Shakespeare and the Patriarchy
In Wendy & Peter Pan, Wendy agrees to fly with best medicine. Friday, July 17, 10:30 a.m.–noon | Lazaridis Hall
Peter to Neverland, seeing not only the promise New York Times co-chief theatre critic
of adventure but also the chance to find her “lost” Tudormania II Jesse Green, director Chris Abraham
brother. For Wendy, like many others, creativity Thursday, September 17 and playwright Erin Shields discuss
and imagination work therapeutically, helping The Tudor dynasty was short-lived, insecure and the way the patriarchy operates in
her reconstruct meaning in the wake of loss. suspicious, yet it laid the foundations for England’s Shakespeare’s comedies, particularly
Join director Keira Loughran and other guests navy, church and empire. Back by popular demand, Much Ado About Nothing.
ALL THINGS IMPROV
discussing the healing powers of creativity and art. July 30 Dr. Thomas H. Luxon (Dartmouth College) and others
delve into the secrets of Wolf Hall’s characters and Psychopaths and Power
Young Men in Crisis explore our unending fascination with the Tudors Saturday, July 18, 10:30 a.m.–noon
Thursday, June 25 Misers, Money and Mortality and the statesmen that surrounded them. Tom Patterson Theatre
What would Hamlet, Bertram and Claudio Thursday, August 13
have to say about their counterparts today? The Power of Storytelling New York Times theatre editor Scott
For Harper in The Miser, money equals life: he Heller, co-chief theatre critic Jesse
Dr. Paul Yachnin (McGill University) leads a hoards every dollar, believing his fortune will Thursday, September 24
panel examining how outdated frameworks of Green and Culture Reporter Jennifer
award him immortality. Mark Kingwell, professor In Indigenous cultures, story is a practice that sustains Schuessler talk about the dramatic
masculinity continue to haunt young men today. communities. Passed down from generation to
of philosophy at the University of Toronto, and portrayal of psychopaths and the
others consider the human instincts to hoard, to generation, these tales nurture relationships and
Making a Show knowledge. Falen Johnson, co-creator of The Secret influence psychopathic leaders can
Thursday, July 2 fear death and to love money. have on theatre development, with
Life of Canada podcast, and Jessica Carmichael,
The journey from the germ of an idea in a Ethical Science? director of The Rez Sisters, discuss the importance of special reference to Richard III and
writer’s mind to a fully-grown production is long the art of storytelling. Frankenstein Revived.
and winding. Alisa Palmer, director of Hamlet-911,
Thursday, August 20
and other artists describe the process of staging Since its publication nearly 200 years ago, Blessings & Curses: The Desire for Influence Pop Goes the Musical
their visions. Frankenstein has been read as a cautionary tale Thursday, October 1 Sunday, July 19, 10:30 a.m.–noon | Lazaridis Hall
of the dangers of creation and experimentation. In both Shakespeare’s time and now, humans strive New York Times theatre editor Scott
Edward Albee and the Evolution of Existentialism What seems to drive most contemporary for influence through words. The verbal dexterity of Heller, co-chief theatre critic Jesse
Thursday, July 9 critics who invoke “playing God” is a fear of Shakespeare’s characters to either bless or curse their Green and director-choreographer
In Three Tall Woman, Albee returns to early themes the unintended consequences of scientific family and foe continues to resonate in today’s world Donna Feore talk about the influence of
of his work – the existential alienation of the discoveries and new technologies. Dr. Brian of 280-character assassinations on Twitter. But which pop rock on the musical theatre genre,
individual within a failing society – but examines it Goldman, of CBC’s White Coat, Black Art, social sphere is more powerful, the royal court or with reference to Here’s What It Takes
with the longer perspective of Time. Looking at one and other guests talk about new scientific social media? Join Seana McKenna and others as they and other recent Stratford musicals.
of the first modern American dramatists to refract developments and whether there are lines that compare and contrast the power of Shakespeare’s
Theatre of the Absurd into American theatre, we should not be crossed. curses with the tweets of contemporary influencers.
42 1 800 567 1600 | 519 273 1600 STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA 43FORUM SPEAKERS AND PANELS FORUM SPEAKERS AND PANELS
IDEAS AT STRATFORD: WHAT IS POWER? The Persuasive Podcaster: The Secret Life of Canada Tomson Highway
Saturdays in July and August, 10:30 a.m.–noon | Lazaridis Hall, Sunday, July 12, 10:30 a.m.–noon Sunday, August 23, 10:30 a.m.–noon
THE C HICAGO TRIBUNE AT unless otherwise noted The Secret Life of Canada is one of the most The works of Tomson Highway, hailed by
popular podcasts across the nation. Its co-creators, Maclean’s magazine as one of the 100 most
STRATFORD In partnership with CBC Radio’s Ideas, this five- Leah-Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson, discuss important people in Canadian history, are a
August 5–9 | Lazaridis Hall part series, hosted by Nahlah Ayed, explores the their process in selecting stories and creating the seminal part of the nation’s canon. He talks with
structures that shape our society and influence pieces for air, and the impact of relating untold – or Brent Bambury of CBC Radio’s Day 6 about his
Together with the Chicago Tribune, a our interactions within it. From $27 under-told – pieces of Canadian history. formidable drama, his music and his life.
variety of discussions considering the
many facets of Chicago. From $27, Democracy The Persuasive Artist: Colm Feore All the Sonnets of Shakespeare
unless otherwise noted Saturday, July 4 Saturday, August 8, 5:30–7 p.m. Part 1: Friday, September 25 | Part 2: Sunday, September 27
We think we know what democracy is, but is it In conversation with host Guy Pratte, Colm Feore
Theatrical Chicago necessarily a better idea than all the others? Do 10:30 a.m.–noon
discusses Shakespeare’s mastery of argument, an In their new book, All the Sonnets of Shakespeare,
Wednesday, August 5, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. “the people” truly wield power today? And why is
artist’s influence and power to persuade. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s Professor
Led by Chicago Tribune theatre critic a warlord worse than a premier?
The Influence and Art of Advertising: Terry O’Reilly Sir Stanley Wells and Dr. Paul Edmondson free
Chris Jones, this panel of arts experts Cities Shakespeare’s sonnets from the order in which
examines how a rough-hewn Midwestern Saturday, July 11 Friday, October 2, 10:30 a.m.–noon they were printed in 1609. In Part 1, they discuss the
city became so famous for its theatre and Every week on his podcast, Terry O’Reilly provides results of this exploration. In Part 2, they add the
Since they first appeared in human history, cities
the celebrities it has generated. have proclaimed their separateness from the larger insight about how powerful identities are created sonnet-like passages of Shakespeare’s plays to
state – and increasingly so today. City-states have and sustained. In this interview, he discusses the mix. The two parts can be enjoyed together or
Powerful Chicago the art of marketing and advertising and shares individually, and feature readings of the sonnets by
been pretty successful. Why not more?
Thursday, August 6, 10:30 a.m.–noon how the human subconscious responds to the Festival company members.
The city of Chicago is all about Borders infinite number of media messages with which it
power – getting it, using it, keeping Saturday, July 25 is inundated.
it. John Cruickshank, Consul General Europe is in upheaval over the waves of migrants DAVID GOLDBLOOM AND FRIENDS
for Canada in Chicago, joins Chicago at the gates. The issue dominates U.S. politics. But David Goldbloom, former Chair of the Stratford
politicians and scholars for an would it really be so bad if walls and borders were CELEBRATED WRITERS Festival Board of Governors and Senior Medical
examination of a city that has changed to disappear? Advisor of the Centre for Addiction and Mental
the face of American politics.
Lazaridis Hall, unless otherwise noted Health, sits down with some old friends to discuss
Technology Canadian novelists, playwrights and poets discuss their work. From $27
Corrupt Chicago Saturday, August 15 | Tom Patterson Theatre their works and unique perspectives on life.
Friday, August 7, 10:30 a.m.–noon That little rectangle in your pocket is changing the From $27 In Conversation With Jeffrey Dvorkin
From Al Capone to John Dillinger and world – connecting you to all the knowledge in Saturday, June 27, 10:30 a.m.–noon | Lazaridis Hall
Baby-Face Nelson, Chicago has a the world, but sucking everything out of you, too. Robyn Doolittle Currently the head of the University of Toronto’s
history of gangsters and underground What are we becoming? Who wields power when Friday, July 3, 5:30–7 p.m. journalism program, Jeffrey Dvorkin has come up
operations. John Cruickshank, Consul algorithms rule? Investigative journalist Robyn Doolittle drew through the trenches, from reporting for the CBC to
General for Canada in Chicago, inspiration for her book, Crazy Town, from her becoming the Chief Journalist and Managing Editor
Chicago Tribune photo editor Marianne
The Future years at the Toronto Star. Her new book, Had for CBC Radio. He has been both a participant in
Mather and others discuss some of the Saturday, August 22 It Coming, arose from her current position at and a witness to the transformation of journalism and
Windy City’s most notorious figures. We pay lip service to the future and to the young The Globe and Mail, where she led a 20-month its evolving power.
people who are already living it – and who investigation of sexual assault cases in Canada.
“He Had It Coming”: The History of the Musical demand we exercise caution with what belongs Doolittle discusses these issues with her former In Conversation With Joel Goldstein
Chicago to them. How will their ideas upset the old world Toronto Star colleague Richard Ouzounian. Friday, July 31, 5:30–7 p.m. | Lazaridis Hall
Saturday, August 8, 10:30 a.m.–noon order and shape the new one? As the leading expert on the American vice-
Margaret MacMillan presidency, veteran law professor Joel Goldstein is
Come discover the real Velma and Roxie Saturday, August 1, 10:30 a.m.–noon | Tom Patterson Theatre widely acknowledged in the U.S. as the front-runner
– and the female reporter and playwright
who immortalized them in this fascinating THE ART AND POWER OF PERSUASION Margaret MacMillan, distinguished historian in this area. In a U.S. election year, his thoughtful
Lazaridis Hall and award-winning author of the international perspectives have a heightened salience, as the
discussion of the women behind the hit vice-presidency has evolved from “a heartbeat
bestsellers Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed
musical Chicago. Theatre critic Chris Experts spanning a variety of fields discuss the World and History’s People: Personalities and away” from power to a more collaborative and
Jones interviews his Chicago Tribune how an intuitive understanding of the human the Past, discusses the power that the past has activist role. In this candid conversation, Goldstein
colleagues Marianne Mather and Kori psyche can help persuade others to change their over our present. will weigh in on the current candidates and how the
Rumore, the authors of He Had It Coming: thoughts and behaviours. From $27 job has changed over time.
Four Murderous Women and the Reporter Ann-Marie MacDonald
who Immortalized Their Stories. Political Persuasion: Jean Charest Sunday, August 16, 10:30 a.m.–noon In Conversation With Bob Rae
Saturday, June 20, 10:30 a.m.–noon Author, actor and playwright Ann-Marie Saturday, September 12, 10:30 a.m.–noon | Lazaridis Hall
Rise-Up! Lobby Talk with Chris Jones Former Premier of Quebec Jean Charest MacDonald hosted CBC’s documentary series For many decades, Bob Rae has been a prominent
Sunday, August 9, 10–11 a.m. | Free discusses with host Guy Pratte the art of political figure in Canadian politics, both in and out of
Life and Times for seven seasons. In this candid
Chris Jones, chief theatre critic for the oratory and the role that persuasion plays in the conversation, she talks about her new play power as Premier of Ontario or Interim Leader of
Chicago Tribune, talks about the history high-stakes world of politics. Hamlet-911 and her creative inspirations. the federal Liberal Party. In either status, he always
of the American musical as told through has an opinion, infused by a considerable intellect,
his latest book, Rise Up! Broadway The Art of Litigation: Marie Henein political smarts and self-deprecating wit. He is a
and American Society from “Angels in Friday, July 10, 10:30 a.m.–noon person of passion and principle whose exposure
America” to “Hamilton.” Celebrated lawyer Marie Henein discusses to power, both in Canada and abroad, will inform a
with host Guy Pratte the mastery of the art of discussion guaranteed to be lively.
advocacy, and how it is deployed to persuade
both in and out of the courtroom.
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