World Theatre Day Celebration
Friday | March 27, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Canada’s Theatre Museum, The Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA), The Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology (CITT), and The Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) invite you to join us for a World Theatre Day celebration in Toronto.
Event begins at 10:30am ET, doors open at 10:00am ET.
Entertainment and Comments: 10:30 am-11:30 am ET.
Free admission.
Registration is required as space is limited.
Film Screening: Thog's Hamlet
Wednesday | April 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM
A HAMLET LIKE NO OTHER…
Presented as part of National Canadian Film Day, Thog’s Hamlet is a rare chance to encounter an extraordinary piece of Toronto theatre history. Originally created in 1971 by Steven Bush and a young ensemble of performers, this radical reimagining of Hamlet features 2 Hamlets, 2 Ophelias, and many Ghosts. Youth-driven, politically alert, and formally unconventional, it was captured on the fly by the “free camera” of Richard Leiterman under René Bonnière’s direction.
The film stands as both a remarkable screen work and a rare record of a singular theatrical experiment. It preserves the raw energy, imagination, and communal drive of the original production, offering a chance to experience a bold and unconventional take on Shakespeare that still feels striking today.
The screening will be followed by a conversation and Q&A with Linda Butler and Steven Bush, members of the original creative team.
Many thanks to our partner at REEL CANADA.
Free admission. Space is limited; please RSVP to reserve your spot.
Film Screening: The Tempest
Wednesday | April 15, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Martha Henry as Prospero, The Tempest, Stratford Festival, 2018.
FORGIVE AND BE FREE.
Presented as part of National Canadian Film Day, this filmed production of Shakespeare’s great drama of loss and reconciliation was recorded at the Stratford Festival in 2018. Starring Martha Henry as Prospero, with stage direction by Antoni Cimolino and film direction by Barry Avrich.
A long-deposed ruler uses magical arts to raise a storm and bring within her power the enemies who robbed her of her throne and marooned her and her daughter on a remote island – but what revenge does she mean to take?
Thanks to REEL CANADA and the Stratford Festival.
Free admission. Space is limited; please RSVP to reserve your spot.
New Legend Library Interview
Debra Hanson
Debra Hanson's interview on Canada’s Theatre Museum Legend Library YouTube channel - screenshot
The new Legend Library interview is live!
In this interview, R.H. Thomson and award-winning designer Debra Hanson delve into how she works with actors and directors, her design philosophy, and her remarkable career from the Stratford Festival to her television work and beyond.
A celebrated Canadian set and costume designer, Debra Hanson is known for her work in some of Canada’s most beloved theatre, opera, and television productions. As Head of Design at the Stratford Festival she designed 32 productions, and designed for operas including Jenufa and Cosi fan tutte.
Her hugely successful career in film and television has garnered her awards and accolades from the Costume Designers Guild Awards , Canadian Screen Awards, Gemini Awards, as well as an Emmy. Her credits include The Handmaid’s Tale, Schitt’s Creek, Frankie Drake Mysteries, Orphan Black and Bomb Girls.
Past Event Highlights
Left to right: Anna Maria Tremonti and Ann-Marie MacDonald. Photo by Nick Uffen.
Left to right: Seika Boye, Christopher House, Jon Davies and Amy Bowring. Photo by Nick Uffen.
Our event programming reflects Canada’s Theatre Museum’s mission to connect the past, present, and future of Canadian theatre. As a story-based museum, we aim to hold space for many perspectives rather than a single narrative. This event recap highlights a few moments and reflections from recent programming.
Legend Library Live with Ann-Marie MacDonald and Anna Maria Tremonti
This year, Canada’s Theatre Museum was honoured to celebrate International Women’s Day with a conversation between two incredible women – acclaimed Canadian journalist Anna Maria Tremonti and novelist, playwright, actor and broadcaster Ann-Marie MacDonald.
Tremonti led a deep and thoughtful discussion about MacDonald’s celebrated career, delving into how her childhood, her politics, and her desire to include everybody were key drivers to creativity.
Presented as part of our Legend Library Live series, this event brought together a full and engaged audience for a warm and candid conversation about storytelling, creativity, and the power of women’s voices.
The full conversation will be available soon as part of our Legend Library collection.
Book Launch “Still With Us: Stories of HIV/AIDS and Dance in Canada”
Still With Us: Stories of HIV/AIDS and Dance in Canada, edited by Christopher House, is a collection reflecting on the devastating impacts of HIV/AIDS on Canada’s dance world. It stands as both an archive and a memorial, a celebration and a catalyst for contemplation.
Canada’s Theatre Museum and Dance Collection Dance co-presented the book launch, which featured a thoughtful conversation with editor Christopher House, assistant editor Jon Davies, DCD Executive and Curatorial Director Amy Bowring, and moderator Seika Boye. The event drew a strong turnout and created a meaningful sense of community in the room.
Couldn’t make it to the launch? Buy your copy now
Milestone Moments
World Theatre Day logo, courtesy of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT).
Left to right: Jean Cocteau, Arvi Kivimaa
Each month in our newsletter, we highlight important moments in Canadian performing arts history.
World Theatre Day Celebration
World Theatre Day, celebrated each year on March 27, was established in 1961 by UNESCO’s International Theatre Institute (ITI). The idea was first proposed by Finnish poet and theatre director Arvi Kivimaa in order to recognize theatre’s cultural importance and its role in encouraging dialogue, understanding, and connection between cultures. The first official World Theatre Day celebration took place in 1962, featuring an international message written by French poet and playwright Jean Cocteau. This tradition continues today, with a prominent theatre artist invited each year to reflect on theatre’s global significance. In Canada, the practice of appointing a national World Theatre Day ambassador has been in place for over a decade, with past ambassadors including Nina Lee Aquino (2018), Sunny Drake (2019), and Senator René Cormier (2025).
World Theatre Day is celebrated by theatre communities around the world through performances, public events, and the sharing of the annual message. In Canada, World Theatre Day celebrations are led by the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and L’Association des théâtres francophones du Canada (ATFC). Today, World Theatre Day is also an occasion for advocacy, highlighting theatre’s vital role in supporting community, cultural identity, and the national economy. Across Canada, theatre artists and organizations take World Theatre Day as an opportunity to call attention to the enduring power of live performance and its ability to bring people together.
There is no place like home!
Canadian theatre connects generations, regions and artistic traditions through work that continues to shape our cultural landscape. At Canada’s Theatre Museum, we celebrate this creativity by sharing the stories, voices and ideas that define theatre in Canada today and the ones that will shape its future.
Your contribution helps us create a national space where people gather, learn, connect and feel inspired by Canadian theatre. It strengthens a growing community of artists, audiences and theatre lovers who want to see theatre in Canada championed, celebrated and elevated.
With your support, we create experiences that highlight the artists who move us, the collaborations that shift the landscape and the emerging voices who are redefining what theatre in Canada can become.
