Three women in Victorian-style dresses lean toward the camera in a dark, theatrical portrait. The woman in the center reaches one hand forward, lit by a warm amber glow, while the women on either side stare ahead with tense, alert expressions. The background is shadowy and minimal, creating a moody Gothic atmosphere.
Left to right: Nickeshia Garrick, Dawn Jani Birley, Juliana Monk. Photo by Dahlia Katz. Costume design by Jung-Hye Kim
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ASL video thumbnail for To a Flame showing a person in glasses and a black blazer signing in front of a dark gothic arch background.

To a Flame

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

Written by Erin Shields 

Directed & Choreographed by Josette Bushell-Mingo
Starring Dawn Jani Birley, Nickeshia Garrick, and Juliana Monk, accompanied by cellist Beth Silver 
Dramaturg and Associate Directed by Birgit Schreyer Duarte

Assistant Directed by Andrea Donaldson

Set and Costume Design by Jung-Hye Kim 
Lighting Design by André du Toit
Composer and Co-Sound Design by Deanna H. Choi 
Co-Sound Design by Jenna Geen
Projection Design by Laura Warren
Stage Managed by Sally Roberts
Assistant Stage Managed by Michelle Soicher
Production Managed by Maya Royer
Technical Direction by Micah Champagne 

 

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 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.

To a Flame was originally commissioned by Nightwood Theatre. It was initially developed by Nightwood Theatre and later 1s1 Theatre with further development support from Why Not Theatre. It also received a reading as part of the Heidelberger Stückemarkt in Germany [International Theatre Festival] in May 2026, where it was awarded the International Author’s Prize. 

To a Flame was inspired by workshops involving the following collaborators: Dawn Jani Birley, Josette Bushell-Mingo, Lisa Karen Cox, Anna Hardwick, Birgit Schreyer Duarte.

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.

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!

Mask-Mandatory Show – Sept. 26 at 2:00 PM: We will require all patrons and staff to wear masks throughout the duration of the performance. Clear masks will be available on arrival.

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

To A Flame recounts experiences of audism, racism, misogyny, violence, captivity and medical torture. The show contains projections of violent imagery and non-graphic depictions of sexual activity.