Promotional poster for To a Flame featuring a black and white photo of a smiling performer with raised hands against a dark gothic window motif, with red and white text listing Erin Shields as playwright, the co-production partners, dates September 22 to October 4, 2026, and the Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre.
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To a Flame

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A  1s1 Theatre and Nightwood Theatre co-production
In association with Modern Times Stage Company and Why Not Theatre

Written by Erin Shields 
In collaboration with Dawn Jani Birley, Josette Bushell-Mingo, Lisa Karen Cox, Anna Hardwick, Birgit Schreyer Duarte
Directed by Josette Bushell-Mingo
 

September 22 – October 04, 2026
Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre – Performance Hall
 (877 Yonge St.)

To a Flame is an explosive theatrical feast of image and language that pulls us deep into a Victorian Gothic Horror. Three confined women await the conclusion of their stories in the ancestral home of the man they call Father. Secrets burn to be revealed, aches of the past refuse to be suppressed, and the very house itself vibrates with desire for revenge.

To a Flame is an explosive theatrical feast of image and language that pulls the audience deep into a Victorian Gothic Horror in which three confined women await the conclusion of their story in the ancestral home of the man they call Father. Secrets burn to be revealed, aches of the past refuse to be suppressed and the very house itself vibrates with desire for revenge. This groundbreaking work intertwines American Sign Language and English with vibrant movement and live music into a haunting, multi-sensory performance for Deaf and hearing audiences. Featuring celebrated Deaf performer and cultural leader Dawn Jani Birley, internationally-renowned director Josette Bushell-Mingo, and vivid text by Governor General Award-winning playwright Erin Shields, with the support of the company, this theatrical experience is not to be missed.

Previews – General Admission: $30.00 (plus fees & HST) 
Previews – Subsidized Admission: $15.00 (plus fees & HST)
 
General Admission: $65.00 (plus fees & HST)
Subsidized* Admission: $30.00 (plus fees & HST)
Low Income** Admission: $15.00 (plus fees & HST)
 
*Subsidized Tickets are available in LIMITED QUANTITIES, and are intended for arts workers, students, and seniors in financial need.
**Low Income Tickets are available in LIMITED QUANTITIES, and are available to anyone that needs a more affordable ticket option.
 

Previews: September 22 & 23, 2026
Performances: September 24 (opening) – October 04, 2026
Tuesdays – Saturdays at 7:30 pm. Saturdays & Sundays at 2:00 pm.

To be announced! 

We want to make sure that To a Flame can be enjoyed by as many patrons as possible. Between the intensity of any play and the heavier themes referenced in this piece, we are putting in place the following initiatives to proactively tend to our audiences’ needs.

Relaxed Environment: We want everyone to feel comfortable responding how they need to during the play. We will have relaxed entrances and exits, ushers to guide the way, and a quiet zone equipped with water, fidget toys, and comfy chairs for every show.

Mask-Mandatory Show: We will require all patrons and staff to wear masks throughout the duration of select performances.

Venue Guide: Our great friends at the Disability Collective have crafted a wonderful Venue Guide for the Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre. Here you can find details about how to find us and what to expect once you’re in the space. Check out the guide here.

Access Guide: Coming Soon!

For media inquiries, please reach out to publicist Katie Saunoris | KSPR at katiesaunoris@gmail.com