44th Season: Artistic Director Statement from Joelle Peters
Connection. Belonging. These are a couple of core themes that we’ve woven through our 2026/27 programming. We invite you to join us throughout the season to experience them for yourself.
We kick things off next month with a cultural workshop by Nicole Joy Fraser called Ni Nagamoon (my song). Created in partnership with Carousel Players, we are excited to bring this workshop for young people to the heart of Regent Park.
Later this fall, you are not going to want to miss our 39th Weesageechak Begins to Dance Festival! From November 19-29th, six Indigenous creators from across Turtle Island (and overseas!) will share their works in development inside our very own Aki Studio. The Weesageechak Festival continues to be my most favourite festival in the city. It is the place to discover new Indigenous works and be invited into their special development process. Grab a festival pass and support the creation of contemporary Indigenous stories!
In 2027 we will present the Canadian Premiere of Haunted, a horror comedy written by Tara Moses and directed by the incredible Tara Beagan. With a script adapted specifically for Toronto, this satirical and hilarious play will haunt you in the best ways. And, because two Taras wasn't enough, I'm delighted to share we're adding a third with Tara Sky joining the cast. Full cast announcement to come, stay tuned.
Here for a limited time is Cian Parker and her deeply poignant and relatable solo work, Sorry for Your Loss. Coming to us all the way from Aotearoa, Cian is an amazing storyteller with an unforgettable story. I laughed, I cried, and I can't wait for you to do the same. Only at our Aki Studio for one weekend!
Also in our season: our longstanding partnership with the Paprika Festival, a performing arts festival celebrating the work of young and emerging artists.
GIIZIS Reads is an initiative we began last season to bring older plays written by Indigenous playwrights to life again in a present-day context. Giizis means sun in Anishinaabemowin, and is the name of our largest rehearsal studio inside our Minogitoon Workspace.
Let’s read!
We’re also thrilled to keep up the tradition with our celebration of 2 Spirit and Indigiqueer kin, the 11th edition of the 2-Spirit Cabaret! Stay tuned for more information about this awesome one night only party. You can’t miss it.
Curating this season has been a tremendous joy; you are in for a real treat.
Biindigen! Welcome!