PRODUCTION HISTORY
A Co-Production by Nightwood Theatre, Amplified Opera, Canadian Opera Company, and Theatre Gargantua.Created and Performed by Teiya Kasahara 笠原貞野. Co-Directed by Andrea Donaldson & Aria Umezawa.
A Tarragon Theatre production in association with Nightwood Theatre and Undercurrent Creations. Created and performed by Nikki Shaffeeullah. Co-Directed by Clare Preuss & Donna-Michelle St. Bernard.
A National Festival of Contemporary Theatre. Featuring new plays from the Write From the Hip playwrights: Poonam Dhir, Whitney French, Jan Alicia Jennings, Lara Lewis, and Maezy Reign. Included a reading of a Nightwood commissioned piece by Yolanda Bonnell.
Created by Quote Unquote Collective commissioned by BroadStage, Santa Monica, in association with Nightwood Theatre, Why Not Theatre and the National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund, presented by Canadian Stage. Book by Amy Nostbakken and Norah Sadava. Music and Lyrics by Amy Nostbakken. Story by Akosua Amo-Adem, Vicky Araico, Seiko Nakazawa, Amy Nostbakken, Norah Sadava, and Stephanie Sourial. Directed by Amy Nostbakken.
A Nightwood Theatre production in association with VideoCabaret. Written & performed by Rose Napoli. Directed by Andrea Donaldson.
A Co-Production by Nightwood Theatre, Amplified Opera, Canadian Opera Company, and Theatre Gargantua.Created and Performed by Teiya Kasahara 笠原貞野. Co-Directed by Andrea Donaldson & Aria Umezawa.
A Nightwood Theatre production in association with Aluna Theatre. Created and written by Shahrzad Arshadi and Anna Chatterton. Verbatim text translated by Shahrzad Arshadi. Directed by Beatriz Pizano.
A National Festival of Contemporary Theatre. Featuring new plays from the Write From the Hip playwrights: Omolola Ajao, Stephanie Fung, Juliet Jones-Rodney, Merlin Simard and Jillian Welsh.
Nightwood Theatre presents a Pencil Kit Productions production with support from Aluna Theatre. Created and Performed by Claren Grosz. Co-Directors:William Dao & Claren Grosz.
Nightwood Theatre presents a Bad Muse Collective production. Conceived, Composed and Performed by Deanna H. Choi and Maddie Bautista. Directed by and Created with Erin Brubacher.
Co-Presented by Nightwood Theatre and Tarragon Theatre. Created and performed by Fatuma Adar. Co-directed by Fatuma Adar and Graham Isador.
Good Things To Do
Nightwood Theatre presents a Rumble Theatre Online Experience. Conceived by Christine Quintana, in collaboration with Molly MacKinnon.
Groundswell Festival 2021
A National Festival of Contemporary Theatre. Featuring new plays from the Write From the Hip playwrights: Anahita Dehbonehie, Celia Green, Teiya Kasahara 笠原貞野, Breton Lalama, Kitoko Mai and Nikki Shaffeeullah
Curated by Sedina Fiati. Responses from the Nightwood community. Poetry by Whitney French, visual art by Tannis Nielsen, and audio poem by audio designer Olivia Wheeler and director Amanda Lin.
A Co-Production by Nightwood Theatre, Amplified Opera, Canadian Opera Company, and Theatre Gargantua.Created and Performed by Teiya Kasahara 笠原貞野. Co-Directed by Andrea Donaldson & Aria Umezawa.
Children of Fire
A Nightwood Theatre production in association with Aluna Theatre. Created and written by Shahrzad Arshadi and Anna Chatterton. Verbatim text translated by Shahrzad Arshadi. Directed by Beatriz Pizano.
The Groundswell Festival 2020
A National Festival of Contemporary Theatre. Featuring new plays from the Write From the Hip playwrights: Bilal Baig, Shelley M. Hobbs, Erum Khan, Rachel Mutombo, Pesch Nepoose and Phoebe Tsang.
Nightwood Theatre presents a digital experience. Featuring theatrical works by Tiffany Ayalik, Reneltta Arluk, Tara Beagan, Yolanda Bonnell, Darla Contois, Deborah Courchene, Aria Evans, Eekwol, Jessica Lea Fleming, Falen Johnson, Émilie Monnet, Yvette Nolan, Michelle Olson, Natalie Sappier and jaye simpson, and curated by Donna-Michelle St. Bernard and New Harlem Productions.
Lost Together
Nightwood Theatre presents an Unspun Theatre Production. Created by Shira Leuchter with Michaela Washburn. Performed by Shira Leuchter and Michaela Washburn.
The Groundswell Festival 2019
A National Festival of Contemporary Theatre. Featuring new plays from our Write From the Hip Playwriting program and industry events.
Written by Natasha Greenblatt and Yolanda Bonnell. DIrected by Jennifer Brewin. A Common Boots production in association with Theatre Passe Muraille, Theatre Direct and Nightwood Theatre.
Written by Andrea Scott and Nick Green. Directed by Andrea Donaldson and Sedina Fiati. A Nightwood Theatre production.
Lead Creator and Director: Beatriz Pizano. Co-Creators and Performers: Lara Arabian, Brefny Caribou, Liliana Suarez, Janis Mayers, Rosalba Martinni, Michelle Polak, Sofia Rodriguez, and Rhoma Spencer. An Aluna Theatre production in association with Nightwood Theatre.
All the Little Animals I Have Eaten
Written and Directed by Karen Hines. A Nightwood Theatre production. (The run of this show had to be cancelled due to COVID-19)
The New Groundswell Festival 2018
A National Festival of Contemporary Women’s Theatre. Featuring 6 new plays from our Write From the Hip Playwriting program and industry events.
Now You See Her
Created by Lisa Karen Cox, Maggie Huculak, Raha Javanfar, Amy Nostbakken, Norah Sadava and Cheyenne Scott. Co-produced by Nightwood Theatre, Quote Unquote Collective, and Why Not Theatre.
Unholy
Written by Diane Flacks, Directed by Kelly Thornton. Back by popular demand, Nightwood Theatre presents a limited engagement LIVE at Zoomer Hall.
Grace
Written by Jane Doe, Directed by Andrea Donaldson. A Nightwood Theatre production in association with Crow’s Theatre.
School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play
Written by Jocelyn Bioh, Directed by Nina Lee Aquino. Produced by Obsidian Theatre in association with Nightwood Theatre.
A Blow in the Face
Written by Lisa Ryder, Directed by Monica Dottor. Based on characters created by Selina Martin & Lisa Ryder Produced by Bald Ego Theatre in association with Nightwood Theatre.
Inner Elder
Written by Michelle Thrush, Directed by Karen Hines. Co-presented by Nightwood Theatre and Native Earth Performing Arts.
The New Groundswell Festival 2017
A National Festival of Contemporary Women’s Theatre. Featuring 6 new plays from our Write From the Hip Playwriting program and industry events.
Asking For It
Written by Ellie Moon, Directed by Brendan Healy. An In Association production, in association with Crow’s Theatre, Nightwood Theatre and Necessary Angel Theatre Company. Presented as part of The Consent Event, a play series and symposium navigating the minefield of modern sexuality.
Lo (or Dear Mr. Wells)
Written by Rose Napoli, Directed by Andrea Donaldson. A Nightwood Theatre production in association with Crow’s Theatre. Presented as part of The Consent Event, a play series and symposium navigating the minefield of modern sexuality.
Calpurnia
Written and Directed by Audrey Dwyer. A Nightwood Theatre and Sulong Theatre Co-Production.
Mouthpiece
Written by Norah Sadava & Amy Nostbakken and Directed by Amy Nostbakken. A Nightwood Theatre presentation of a Quote Unquote Collective Production (remount).
7th Cousins
Written and performed by Christine Brubaker and Erin Brubacher. Collaborators: Christopher Stanton, Andrea Nann, Kaitlin Hickey and Erum Khan. Nightwood Theatre presents a 7th Cousins production.
The New Groundswell Festival 2016
A National Festival of Contemporary Women’s Theatre. Featuring 6 new plays from our Write From the Hip Playwriting program and industry events.
Quiver
Written and performed by Anna Chatterton, Directed by Andrea Donaldson. A Nightwood Theatre Production.
Mouthpiece
Created by Norah Sadava and Amy Nostbakken, Directed and composed by Amy Nostbakken. A Nightwood Theatre presentation of a Quote Unquote Collective production.
Unholy
Written by Diane Flacks, Directed by Kelly Thornton. A Nightwood Theatre production.
Century Song
Created by Neema Bickersteth, Kate Alton and Ross Manson. A Nightwood Theatre presentation of a Volcano and Richard Jordan Productions UK production, in association with the Moveable Beast Collective.
The New Groundswell Festival 2015
A National Festival of Contemporary Women’s Theatre. Featuring the workshop production of
Unholy by Diane Flacks, and the workshop reading of
Trident Moon by Anusree Roy, as well as 5 new plays from our Write From the Hip Playwriting program and industry events.
Obeah Opera
Created, composed and written by Nicole Brook as part of the Toronto 2015 Pan Am / Parapan Am Games arts and culture festival, PANAMANIA presented by CIBC. Produced by Culchahworks Arts Collective in association with Nightwood Theatre.
Nirbhaya
Written and directed by Yaël Farber. A Nightwood Theatre presentation in association with Amnesty International’s Action Network for Women’s Human Rights.
The Public Servant
Written by Jennifer Brewin, Haley McGee, Sarah McVie and Amy Rutherford, Directed by Jennifer Brewin. A Common Boots Theatre production in association with Nightwood Theatre.
Refuge
Written by Mary Vingoe, Directed by Kelly Thornton. A Nightwood Theatre Production.
The New Groundswell Festival 2014
A National Festival of Contemporary Women’s Theatre. Over 10 days, with two workshop productions. Featuring
Obeah Opera created, composed and written by Nicole Brooks and
With Individual Desire by Suzanna Fournier, as well as a National Play Reading Series and industry events.
HER2
Written by Maja Ardal, Directed by Kim Blackwell. A Nightwood Theatre production.
• Beth Brown is appointed Managing Director.
Free Outgoing
Written by Anupama Chandrasekhar, Directed by Kelly Thornton. A Nightwood Theatre production.
The Carousel
Written by Jennifer Tremblay, Translated by Shelley Tepperman, Directed by Megan Follows. A Nightwood Theatre production.
The New Groundswell Festival 2013
A National Festival of Contemporary Women’s Theatre. Over 10 days, with three festival productions. Featuring
Who Killed Snow White? by Judith Thompson
Adam’s Rib by Odelah Creations and
God’s Middle Name by Jennifer Overton, as well as an industry series consisting of masterclasses, workshops, readings and special events.
The Penelopiad
Written by Margaret Atwood, Directed by Kelly Thornton. A Nightwood Theatre production.
Between The Sheets
Written by Jordi Mand, Directed by Kelly Thornton. A Nightwood Theatre production
The New Groundswell Festival 2012
A National Festival of Contemporary Women’s Theatre. Over 11 days, with three festival productions. Featuring
Between the Sheets by Jordi Mand,
The Aftermath by Lisa Codrington, and
The Debacle by Ann-Marie Kerr and Susan Leblanc-Crawford, as well as an industry series consisting of masterclasses, workshops, readings and special events.
The Penelopiad
Written by Margaret Atwood, Directed by Kelly Thornton. A Nightwood Theatre production.
The Happy Woman
Written by Rose Cullis, Directed by Kelly Thornton. A Nightwood Theatre production.
Stockholm
Written by Bryony Lavery, Directed by Kelly Straughan, Choreographed by Susie Burpee. A Seventh Stage production in association with Nightwood Theatre.
The List
Written by Jennifer Tremblay, Translated by Shelley Tepperman, Directed by Kelly Thornton. A Nightwood Theatre co-production with the Canadian Stage Company.
Ruined
Written by Lynn Nottage, Directed by Philip Akin. An Obsidian Theatre production in association with Nightwood Theatre.
30th Anniversary Season
Celebrated with the 4X4 Festival and Director’s Summit, drawing upward of 16,000 audience members and 150 delegates from across Canada.
That Face
Written by Polly Stenham, Directed by Kelly Thornton. A Nightwood Theatre co-production with the Canadian Stage Company.
Yellowman
Written by Dael Orlandersmith, Directed by Weyni Mengesha. A Nightwood Theatre co-production with Obsidian Theatre.
• The Virtual Stage & Electric Company’s
No Exit
Conceived and directed by Kim Collier.
• Ryerson Theatre School’s
Serious Money
Written by Caryl Churchill, Directed by Eda Holmes.
The Directors Summit
Various masterclasses and panel discussions, including:
Staging Africa led by Yael Farber and Liesl Tommy,
Broadway Bound, a discussion with Brian Dennehy and Jennifer Tarver,
The Penelopiad Director’s Showcase featuring the work of ten emerging directors, and the director to director speed dating frenzy of The Market Place
Wild Dogs
Arranged for the stage by Anne Hardcastle from the novel by Helen Humphreys, Directed by Kelly Thornton. A Nightwood Theatre production in association with the Canadian Stage Company, as a part of the inaugural Berkeley Street Project season.
Bear With Me
Written by and starring Diane Flacks, Directed by Kelly Thornton. A Nightwood Theatre production.
a nanking winter
Written by Marjorie Chan, Directed by Ruth Madoc-Jones. A Nightwood Theatre production in association with Cahoots Theatre Projects.
Age of Arousal
Written by Linda Griffiths, Directed by Maja Ardal. A Nightwood Theatre production in association with Factory Theatre.
Artistic Director Kelly Thornton is the recipient of the YWCA Women of Distinction Award for her contribution to the advancement of women in the artistic field through training and mentorship.
Crave
Written by Sarah Kane, Directed by Jennifer Tarver. A Nightwood Theatre production.
The Danish Play
Written by Sonja Mills, Directed by Kelly Thornton. A Nightwood Theatre production (remount).
Mathilde
Written by Véronique Olmi, Translated by Morwyn Brebner, Directed by Kelly Thornton. A Nightwood Theatre production.
Bear With Me
Written by and starring Diane Flacks. A Nightwood Theatre production in association with Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.
Cast Iron
Written by Lisa Codrington, Directed by ahdri zhina mandiela. A Nightwood Theatre production in association with Obsidian Theatre, followed by a tour to Barbados.
FemCab
Celebrating 25 Years of Nightwood Theatre with special guest Gloria Steinem.
Djanet Sears is a finalist for the Lou Siminovitch Prize in Theatre
China Doll
by Marjorie Chan is a finalist for the 2005 Governor General’s Award.
The Danish Play
Written by Sonja Mills tours to the Aveny-Teatret (Copenhagen, Denmark), The Magnetic North Festival (Edmonton), and the National Arts Centre (Ottawa).
China Doll
Written by and starring Marjorie Chan, Directed by Kelly Thornton.
• Nightwood and Buddies In Bad Times launch the inaugural
Hysteria Festival: A Festival of Women
uniting women from all artistic disciplines to showcase their work in a jam-packed 10 day event.
Busting Out!
A professional theatre program for girls aged 12 to 16, is launched.
• Kelly Thornton is the recipient of the prestigious Pauline McGibbon Award for excellence in direction.
Finding Regina
Written by Shoshana Sperling, Directed by Kelly Thornton. A Nightwood Production in association with the Globe Theatre (Regina) and Theatre Passe Muraille (Toronto).
• Nightwood launches the Emerging Actor Program.
• The Nightwood office moves to the beautiful historic Distillery District.
The Danish Play
Written by Sonny Mills, Directed by Kelly Thornton. A Nightwood Theatre Production.
The Adventures of a Black Girl in Search of God
Written and directed by Djanet Sears. A Nightwood Theatre and Obsidian Theatre co-production.
Write From the Hip
Nightwood’s in-house play development unit, is launched.
Anything That Moves
Written by Ann-Marie MacDonald (lyrics and book), Allen Cole (music), and Alisa Palmer (book), Directed by Alisa Palmer. A Nightwood Theatre co-production with Tarragon Theatre.
Funny Business – A Tip of the Hat to Lily Tomlin
Hosted by Diane Flacks at Harbourfront World Leaders Conference.
Smudge
Written by Alex Bulmer tours to Halifax.
• Kelly Thornton is appointed as the incoming Artistic Director.
Anything That Moves
by Ann-Marie MacDonald is presented as part of the du Maurier World Stage.
Smudge
Written by Alex Bulmer, Directed by Alisa Palmer. Presented by Nightwood Theatre in association with S.N.I.F.F. Inc. The play, which is the first professional production written by a visually impaired playwright, garners great critical acclaim.
20/20 Vision
A new mentorship program, is designed for Nightwood’s 20th Anniversary.
One Flea Spare
Written by Naomi Wallace, Directed by Alisa Palmer.
A workshop production of The Striker
Written by Caryl Churchill is presented as part of the du Maurier World Stage Festival.
Random Acts
Written by Diane Flacks. A Nightwood Theatre co-production with Mything Productions and Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, followed by a nation-wide tour.
Green is the Colour of Spring
Written by Jay Pitter. A Nightwood Theatre production in association with Creativity Cave.
Harlem Duet
Written and directed by Djanet Sears. A Nightwood Theatre production. Winner of four Dora Mavor Moore Awards, the Governor General’s Award. and the Chalmer’s Award for Best New Play.
- Alisa Palmer is appointed as the incoming Artistic Director of Nightwood Theatre.
Afrocentric
Written by David Odhiambo, Directed by Maxine Bailey. A Nightwood Theatre production in association with Sugar ‘n Spice.
Mango Chutney
Written by Dilara Ally, Directed by Diane Roberts. A Nightwood Theatre Production
The Coloured Girls Project
is initiated, cumulating in an in-house workshop.
- Alisa Palmer and Diane Roberts are appointed as the Artistic Co-Directors of Nightwood Theatre.
Wearing the Bone
Written by Alisa Palmer
Oedipus
Written by Ned Dickens, Directed by Sarah Garton Stanley. A Die in Debt presentation in association with Nightwood Theatre.
Charming and Rose: True Love
Written by Kelley Jo Burke, Directed by Kate Lushington.
Calypsos and Coups
Written by M. Nourbese Philips has a workshop production with b current.
Love and Other Strange Things
Written by Lillian Allen
Dryland: A Story Cycle
Written by Pauline Peters
- Diane Roberts is appointed Associate Artistic Director.
The Wonder Quartet
Written by Diana Braithwaite
- Title of Artistic Coordinator is changed to Artistic Director
Dark diaspora… in DUB
Written by ahdri zhina mandiela, Directed by ahdri zhina mandiela and Djanet Sears. Nightwood Theatre presents a b current production.
A Fertile Imagination
Written by Susan G. Cole, Directed by Kate Lushington.
Princess Pocahontas and the Blue Spots
Written by Monique Mojica. A Nightwood Theatre co-production with Theatre Passe Muraille. Princess Pocahontas is currently in curricula for Aboriginal Studies across North America.
National Tour of Good Night Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet)
Written by Ann-Marie MacDonald
- Kate Lushington is appointed Artistic Coordinator. Lynda Hill is appointed Associate Artistic Coordinator.
The Herring Gull’s Egg
Written by Mary Vingoe, Directed by Maureen White.
The Paraskeva Principle
Written and performed by Francine Volker, Directed by Jo Ann McIntyre.
Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet)
Written by Ann-Marie MacDonald, Directed by Banuta Rubess. Winner of the Chalmers’ and Governor General’s Awards and nominated for Dora Mavor Moore awards, the play goes onto to extraordinary acclaim with productions all across Canada, the U.S., Europe and Asia.
Up Against the Wallpaper
Written by Kate Lushington and The Clichettes (Johanna Householder, Louise Garfield, Janice Hladki), Directed by Maureen White. Produced alongside a special added attraction –
Too Close to Home written and performed by Kim Renders.
- Maureen White becomes the Artistic Coordinator.
- Nightwood Theatre now independent of the Theatre Centre.
The Kingdom of LoudAsCanBe
Written and directed by Kim Renders. A Nightwood Theatre school tour in association with Theatre Direct.
The Last Will and Testament of Lolita
Written by Banuta Rubess. A Nightwood Theatre co-production with Theatre Passe Muraille.
War Babies
Written by Margaret Hollingsworth, Directed by Mary Vingoe. A Nightwood Theatre production in association with Toronto Free Theatre.
My Boyfriend’s Back and There’s Gonna be Laundry
Written and performed by Sandra Shamas
This is For You, Anna
Collectively created by Suzanne Khuri, Ann-Marie MacDonald, Banuta Rubess, Maureen White, Aida Jordao and Patricia Nichols. After premiering, the production tours Southern Ontario and the UK and is featured at the du Maurier World Stage Festival.
The Groundswell Festival is launched!!!
Mary Vingoe is appointed Artistic Coordinator.
Re-production
Written by Amanda Hale
The Edge of the Earth is Too Near, Violette Leduc
Written by Jovette Marchesault
Pope Joan
Written by Banuta Rubess, Directed by Cynthia Grant. Nominated as a finalist for the Chalmer’s Award.
Love and Work Enough – “A Celebration of Ontario’s Pioneer Women”
A collective creation, tours across Ontario to over 150 schools and wins the Dora Mavor Moore award for Best Production in the children’s category.
Nancy Drew (Goes in Search of her Missing Mother)
Written by Beverly Cooper and Ann-Marie MacDonald
La Musica – “an interlude in a divorce”
Written by Marguerite Duras
Peace Banquet – Ancient Greece Meets The Atomic Age
Collectively created by Micah Barnes, Sky Gilbert, Dean Gilmour, Cynthia Grant, Charis Polatos, Kim Renders, Judith Rudakoff, Philip Shepherd, Maureen White
Smoke Damage: A Story of the Witch Hunts
Written by Banuta Rubess
Antigone
Adapted by Patricia Keeney-Smith
The inaugural FemCab is launched!!!!
Mass/Age
A collective creation
Hooligans
Written by Jan Kudelka and Mary Vingoe, Directed by Cynthia Grant.
Epilogue
Directed by Cynthia Grant
The Audition Directed by Dean Gilmour
Specimens Directed by Thom Sokoloski
For Rachael Directed by Kim Renders.
Presented by Theatre Autumn Leaf and Nightwood Theatre in repertory.
The Yellow Wallpaper
Adapted from the story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Flashbacks of Tomorrow/Memorias del Manana
Music by Companeros, Directed by Cynthia Grant. A collective presentation by Nightwood Theatre and Open Experience Hispanic-Canadian Theatre.
Glazed Tempera
Inspired by the works of Alex Colville
Nightwood Theatre joins with Buddies in Bad Times to launch the Rhubarb! Festival.
The True Story of Ida Johnson
Collectively created as an adaptation from the novel by Sharon Riis