On August 13, 2025 we had a special evening with acclaimed designer Astrid Janson, whose work in Canadian theatre has long fused politics and satire with striking visual design. In conversation with director, dramaturg, and librettist Matthew Jocelyn—former Artistic & General Director of Canadian Stage and former head of France’s Atelier du Rhin, and a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres—Astrid reflected on her design experience. She revisited her early days at Toronto Workshop Productions (TWP), her bold collaborations with Deanne Taylor and Michael Hollingsworth of VideoCabaret, and her more recent work with Djanet Sears.

This event explored how costume and set design can embody political critique and spark theatrical provocation. Janson’s designs for “The War of 1812” and “Trudeau and the FLQ”, currently featured in our Preview Exhibition, are great examples of that. Both plays are part of “The History of the Village of the Small Huts”, Michael Hollingsworth’s legendary play cycle that reflects on Canadian history through a sharp, fast-paced form of political theatre. Janson’s costume work—outrageous, symbolic, and darkly funny—brings satire to life: to define power, vanity, and chaos onstage.

In addition to her theatrical work, Astrid also touched on some of her other design adventures—EXPO’86, Conklin Calgary Stampede, and more—that reflect her enduring passion for political theatre.

Location: Canada’s Theatre Museum at The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres
189 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M5B 1M4
Terrace Level Lobby, 3rd Floor

Scroll down to see photos of Astrid Janson’s costume designs for the VideoCabaret productions, courtesy of photographer Michael Cooper.

Questions about this event? 

437-881-7402

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