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2023/24SEASON
THE STEPISTLEOF TIGHTROPETIMESeptember 19 – October 15, 2023MainspaceAPOEMFORRABIAOctober 17 – November 12, 2023ExtraspaceWITHROWPARKNovember 7 – December 3, 2023MainspaceGREENHOUSEFESTIVALJanuary 11-13 & 18-20, 2024Throughout the Tarragon building.GUILT ALOVESTORY February 6 – March 3, 2024Mainspace FINGERSBACKFebruary 27 - March 24, 2024ExtraspaceELTERREMOTOMarch 26 - April 21, 2024MainspaceCOMEHOME THE LEGENDOFDADDYHALLMay 14 - June 9, 2024Mainspace
Welcome to a new season at Tarragon!What a joy it is to welcome our audiences back to the theatre. Last year, we experienced some incredible highs during an important transitional moment for Tarragon, and you were with us along the way! We are grateful to you for being our foundation for over fifty years in Tkaronto and for celebrating the undeniable impact of theatre in our lives.Our 23/24 season promises to move, challenge and inspire us in ways that encourage us to look within ourselves and each other. Featuring six world premieres, a Toronto premiere, a returning festival, touring productions, and a new family initiative, the scope of award-winning artists we are featuring is undeniable. We are thrilled to celebrate some of Canada’s most lauded storytellers and playwrights who are returning to Tarragon as well as some new creators who are making a home with our theatre. Igniting the beautiful experiences fostered by intergenerational and interdisciplinary artistic practice, this season will empower our communities and examine the exceptional breadth of stories that make Canada uniquely vibrant.We also invite you to discover the many training and community engagement opportunities that will bring us together, uplift and uncover the ways we create, and embolden our mission of championing dramaturgy and new play development for all audiences to experience.It is an incredible moment for the theatre and we are delighted to have your continued support on this journey. We look forward to seeing you!From our family to yours, bon spectacle!Mike Payette - Artistic Director
THE LAST EPISTLE OF TIGHTROPE TImEA Tarragon Theatre/NAC presentation of the NAC/Neptune Theatre productionWritten and Performed by Walter BordenDirected by Peter Hinton-DavisSeptember 19 – October 15, 2023From legendary Canadian artist Walter Borden, The Last Epistle of Tightrope Time is a deeply personal reflection on Walter’s journey of life. An invigorating autobiographical performance Walter re-visits the show, initially written and performed in 1986 as Tightrope Time Ain’t Nuthin’ More Than Some Itty Bitty Madness Between Your Twilight & Your Dawn. Through a solo performance featuring 10 characters, Walter explores homosexuality from a Black perspective and offers an experience of the resiliency of the human spirit.TORONTO PREMIERE
A POEm FOR RABIAA Tarragon Theatre Production in association with Nightwood Theatre and Undercurrent CreationsWritten by Nikki Shaffeeullah Co-Directed by Clare Pruess and Donna-Michelle St. BernardOctober 17 – November 12, 2023An epic journey across time, oceans, and tectonic shifts in political history, A Poem for Rabia weaves the stories of three queer women from the same bloodline: Zahra, a disillusioned activist in 2053, navigating a Canada that has just abolished prisons; Betty, in 1953 British Guiana, caught between her new secretarial job at the Governor’s office and the growing national independence movement; and Rabia, an Indian domestic worker in 1853, abducted by colonial ‘recruiters’ and sent sailing from Calcutta to the Caribbean on an indentured labour ship.WORLD PREMIERE
WITHROW PARKWritten by Morris PanychDirected by Jackie MaxwellNovember 7 – December 3, 2023Three people gaze out their living room window as the days pass. Across the street in Withrow Park life goes on – or is it a dream? Then a knock at the door. Time has found them, hiding in plain sight. Or possibly it’s just a man in a wrinkled suit. But they must act, now, or forever be devoured by their own indifference. Logan Avenue awaits, and beyond it, heaven, perhaps. They can no longer live on the periphery of their own lives. They must invite the young man to dinner.With direction from Jackie Maxwell, and from the mind of Morris Panych, Withrow Park asks what we see in the darkness, and who is watching us from the light. WORLD PREMIERE
WORLD PREMIEREGUILT (A LOVE STORY)Written and Performed by Diane FlacksDirected by Alisa PalmerFebruary 6 – March 3, 2024An all-new play about pathos; the “unshakable monster that is guilt,” and the things we’re not supposed to talk about. Guilt (A Love Story) is a deep dive into a complex, uncomfortable, and highly human feeling. A state of being that most of us, especially parents, wrestle with inelegantly. Focusing on Flacks’ personal odyssey Guilt brings the perspective of a self-sacrificing Jewish mother who becomes the instigator of a family’s dissolution. Societal effects, causes and casualties and the feeling that we have when we’ve profoundly hurt others. This exploration may not pull punches, but don’t worry, it’s accompanied by laughs - because how else do we get through anything?Diane Flacks returns to Tarragon Theatre with Guilt (A Love Story) her 5th one-woman show.
3 FINGERS BACKA double bill featuring Give It Up & The Smell of HorsesWritten by Donna-Michelle St. BernardCo-Directed by Cole Alvis and Yvette NolanFebruary 27 - March 24, 20243 Fingers Back is a double bill with a panoramic view of how we choose to treat each other: the captive, their captors and those who bear witness.When we run out of options, we find out who we really are. In Give It Up, two women strategize to survive interrogation, and the cost of freedom. In The Smell of Horses, three soldiers plot to extract information through their humanity and the confines of duty.From celebrated artist Donna-Michelle St. Bernard, this double bill of plays from her 54ology occupies different vantage points on the same world.WORLD PREMIERE
EL TERREmOTOWritten by Christine QuintanaDirected by Guillermo VerdecchiaMarch 26 - April 21, 2024Twenty years have passed since the three Jurado sisters lost their parents, and life just seems to continue on in their East Vancouver home. A birthday party, a failed proposal, and a missed connection fill the days and months until an earthquake nearly destroys the city, and brings forward a shocking turn of events that splits their world wide open.From Dora-Award winning playwright Christine Quintana El Terremoto is a dramatic comedy about how nothing matters, so everything matters.WORLD PREMIERE
COmE HOmE THE LEGEND OF DADDY HALLWritten by Audrey DwyerDirected by Mike PayetteMay 14 - June 9, 2024When John Hall is confronted by his ancestors, he is forced to revisit his entire life. Worlds collide as he travels back through time rediscovering life as a husband, father, son, war scout and freedom fighter. As he relives his dangerous past, John must decide – continue life as the oldest man, abandon everything and serve those on the earthly plane or exist in the Unknown. Based on true events, Come Home – The Legend of Daddy Hall is told through poetic text, music and song.A play about the afterlife, love, legacy and being legendary. Come Home asks where we come from, where we’re headed and what we may be asked to do when we get there.WORLD PREMIERE
GREENHOUSE FESTIVALA festival of creation at Tarragon TheatreJanuary 11 - 13 & 18 - 20, 2024Throughout the Tarragon buildingJustin Miller - Greenhouse Festival DirectorThe Greenhouse Festival returns! After the incredible success of the 2023 Greenhouse Festival Tarragon Theatre is excited to welcome an entirely new cohort of artist collectives! Greenhouse is an in-house incubation program that relishes in the discovery, mess, and joy of creating new work. Featuring public performances, building-wide activations and animations, and special presentations from celebrated creators, the Greenhouse Festival is the perfect way to experience the next generation of Tarragon artists.
TARRAGON’S FAmILY SERIES New for 2023/24Select SaturdaysBring your kids to the theatre!With support from The Steve and Sally Stavro Family Foundation We are excited to welcome the next generation of theatre-goers to enjoy the world of imagination and play with the Tarragon Family Series. With performances FREE for children under 12 and discounted tickets for parents/guardians, this family-friendly weekend programming will be sure to delight your little ones!
Tarragon Theatre and Performance at the Creative SchoolTarragon is thrilled to once again partner with Toronto Metropolitan University and Performance at the Creative School. Tarragon playwrights are commissioned to develop a new work specifically tailored to the graduating acting class culminating in a showcase at Tarragon Theatre. Public performances will be in the Tarragon Extraspace November 22nd – 25th and Nov 29th – Dec 2nd. Tarragon Theatre is a proud Fringe Festival venue. Join us July 5th - 16th 2023For more information and the full festival schedule visit fringetoronto.comGUESTPRESENTATIONS
4 mINUTES 12 SECONDSA Studio 180 Theatre ProductionWritten by James FritzApril 20 - May 12, 2024Di and David have devoted their lives to giving their son, Jack, every opportunity they never had. But a startling incident outside the school grounds threatens to ruin everything they’re striving for. As events begin to accelerate, Di and David begin to question whether they can trust Jack, his closest friends, or even themselves. Studio 180 Theatre (The Chinese Lady, Indecent, Oslo, You Will Remember Me) returns to Tarragon with the Canadian premiere of James Fritz’s taut, darkly comic, and deeply provocative Olivier Award-nominated drama. A thrilling exploration of issues of consent, privilege and the insidious opportunities new technology offers.UPTO OFFFORTARRAGONSUBSCRIBERS!
Come as a groupGroup discounts and added value programming like talkbacks or workshops are available for bookings of 10 tickets or more. Bring your social group, school, or corporate event. Join us for a showTickets range from $15 - $65 with discounts available for students and arts workers!23/24 subscriptionsTarragon subscriptions offer patrons wishing to see multiple plays in our season the very best value – nearly 30% off the cost of regular tickets. 7- and 5-play packages are available, with discounts offered for arts workers, students, and during previews. See every Tarragon production with the 7 Play or choose any five of seven Tarragon productions with the 5 Play.Other ways to save Previews: Tickets for preview week (the first week of every production) are $35. Back Row: Back row tickets are available in advance for all performances for $30.Rush: Starting 3 hours prior to show time, any remaining seats are sold online, by phone or in person for $25. TICKETINFORMATION
Choose the type of subscription that best fits your schedule and budget, and book online or by phone. Discounts are available for students, arts workers, and preview performances.Why subscribe to Tarragon? • Save money – Tarragon Subscriptions allow you to plan 5-7 trips to Tarragon this year!• Flexible scheduling and no exchange fees – you can reserve tickets to any show at any point in the season, and change your dates and shows whenever you’d like at no cost. (subject to availability)• Unable to attend one of our productions? Bank it! You can use your subscription ticket to bring a friend to another production (up to twice per season).• Invitations to special events• Be the first to see the newest work from Canada’s finest creators.AVAILABLE SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGES:1) Regular SubscriptionAttend any performance during the run of the play. Each play runs for 4 weeks. This is our most flexible package.2) Preview SubscriptionSee it first! Attend any preview performance before opening night for a fraction of the cost of regular tickets.3) Arts Worker SubscriptionWork in the arts? Let us know and get your discounted subscription! We happily invite professional artists of all kinds to join us with lower-priced subscription packages.(Offers the same flexibility as regular subscriptions) Arts workers must have valid arts worker ID to claim tickets.4) Student SubscriptionLearn about our student subscriptions onthe next page.SUBSCRIPTIONINFORMATION
Tarragon Theatre is a creation and playwrights’ theatre. We support work that investigates artistic form, incorporates non-traditional practices and methods of storytelling, and integrates other disciplines such as movement, music, and non-text based performance – all toward creating enriching and provocative theatre experiences for the artist and audience.Learn more about the creation process with our special programs, free to attend throughout the season!Engage in dialogue about the workARTIST TALKBACKS Stay with us post-show on select Tuesday evenings and Sunday afternoons to join in discussion with members of the cast and creative teams to talk about the play.TARRAGON LOBBY GALLERYTarragon is excited to offer our lobby space to showcase visual artists from Toronto and beyond! With a team of curators, Tarragon presents work that supports current productions. We’ve had sculpture, painting, illustration, photography and more brighten our lobby in previous seasons. Be sure to take that extra moment to appreciate the work of the finest creators. If you are interested in showing your work at Tarragon please contact: education@tarragontheatre.com TARRAGON TALKSJoin us prior to the show every Sunday of preview week to hear from invited artists and community leaders to deepen your experience of the show’s subject matter and artistic approaches.IN DEVELOPMENTTarragon Theatre continues its commitment to the development of new Canadian plays, with several programs supporting emerging and established playwrights. A highlight of our development process is the PLAY READING WEEK, an annual event that brings together playwrights, directors, and actors to showcase and receive feedback on works-in-progress. As well, Tarragon is proud to collaborate with Nightswimming Theatre for PURE RESEARCH. An opportunity for artists to explore new ideas for creation through a rigorous and immersive research process.BEYONDTHESTAGE
STUDENT SUBSCRIPTIONSThe perfect option for those attending high school or post-secondary education.We know that money is tight for those of you still working on your studies, and we’re happy to offer highly discounted subscriptions. Take a break from your books and take in some theatre! Students must have valid student ID to claim tickets.COURSES AT TARRAGONTarragon provides support for creative growth and opportunities for practical professional development. We offer courses in elements of playwriting, dramaturgy, directing, scene study, and physical theatre with some of the best practitioners in the field. Visit our website for more information.YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS UNITThe Young Playwrights Units (YPU) are a paid training experience for young artists (aged 18-28) who are curious and passionate about playwriting. This program offers a group of dedicated young creators a rigorous and supportive context in which to develop some of their first works. Generously supported by TD Bank Group and The Metcalf Foundation, YPUs are a perfect opportunity for Tarragon to develop the next generation of Canadian artists. FOR SCHOOLSTarragon offers student matinee performances, and student workshops with Tarragon artists. Learn more about how to bring your school to the theatre, or the theatre to you. email: education@tarragontheatre.comEDUCATION ATTARRAGON
PACKAGES &SEATINGMAPSPRE JUNE 30 POST JULY 1REGULAR$315REGULAR$340REGULAR$260REGULAR$35PREVIEWS$172PREVIEWS$185PREVIEWS$140STUDENTS$84STUDENTS$90STUDENTS$67ARTSWORKERS$140ARTSWORKERS$150ARTSWORKERS$112
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For over 50 years, Tarragon has been a home for creative exploration. Our home in the Annex – in the Tarragon Village – is a nurturing space for artists to realize adventurous new ideas, and a portal for audiences to enter and journey through with us in their hearts and minds.Our 2023/24 season continues this work by fostering both the new generation artist and audience member, while actively bolstering the stories and voices of more seasoned artists whose identities have evolved in their work as creators. This season offers stories from - and for - every stage of life. Our investment in audiences is expanding to ensure that theatre is available as a tool to individuals from all walks of life. We are making a focused effort to integrate accessible offerings and accessible ticket prices, ensuring that Tarragon is a reliable source of theatre and storytelling with more diverse publics, fostering a space of creativity, care, and meaningful inclusion for all.Our donors make it possible for Tarragon to remain deeply committed to supporting creators through commissions, workshops, and dramaturgy, and to invest in the audience experience in our space. Your support allows Tarragon to be Canada’s Neighbourhood Theatre for artists and audiences alike.Join us! For more information about deepening your commitment to this work as a Tarragon donor, please contact our Development department or visit tarragontheatre.com/ways-to-give/“Every project and new creation has an exciting element of danger because it’s never been done before.” - Mike Payette
/ SEASONSPONSORSEDUCATION/COMMUNITY BUILDINGAWARDS/RESIDENCIES/INTERNSHIPSGOVERNMENT AND PROGRAM SUPPORTThe Steve and Sally Stavro Foundation
CONTACTUSTARRAGON THEATRE BRIDGMANAVE.TORONTO ONMR X TARRAGONTHEATRE.COM