Transforming an inspired idea into a large-scale creation for the stage is only possible with major financial and artistic support. Lead donors David and Margaret Fountain have enabled five Canadian theatre companies to co-produce a uniquely Canadian story that will be seen by a wide, national audience across four cities.
“During the best of times and the worst of times, the performing arts have always provided us with entertainment, inspiration, diversion and a means to experience the joy of being alive. We are proud to be a part of making this landmark theatrical project possible,” said Mr. and Mrs. Fountain. Added Margaret, “Fall on Your Knees is one of my favourite books, and when the National Arts Centre approached us with the proposal of turning this important Canadian novel into a play, I was inspired by the idea of the story coming to life on stage.”
A significant investment from the NAC’s National Creation Fund made the development workshops possible. Marking its fifth year in 2022, and fuelled entirely by generous donors from across the country, the National Creation Fund invests in the development of compelling and ambitious new Canadian works. Heather Moore, Executive Producer of the Fund, said the chance to invest in Fall on Your Knees and bring it to the stage was irresistible.
The Toronto premiere at Canadian Stage would not have been possible without a consortium of donors who came together to underwrite the run. Lead by Canadian Stage board members Alexandra Baillie and Sara Angel, they gathered a group of generous theatre-lovers to bring Fall On Your Knees to the Bluma Appel Theatre.
“We owe enormous thanks to Alexandra and Sara and to the incredible donors who stood behind this herculean effort. Thank you!” said Brendan Healy, Artistic Director at Canadian Stage.
Fall On Your Knees at Canadian Stage was generously underwritten by:
The William & Nona Heaslip Foundation – lead production underwriter
Gail & Mark Appel, Alexandra Baillie, Katy Graham Debost, Kiki Delaney, Catherine Graham, and Michelle Koerner – supporting production underwriters
Sara Angel and Julie Sutherland – performance underwriters
Developed with support from the National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund
And lead donors Margaret Fountain, C.M., DFA(hc), DHL,(hc) and David Fountain, C.M.
We acknowledge the support of The Canada Council for the Arts
Produced with the support of the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council.
In this issue of CS Grid, Topdog/Underdog Dramaturge Jordan Laffrenier touches on the relationship between brothers Booth and Lincoln and how their stories echo the realities of many. Jordan also offers insight on acclaimed playwright Suzan-Lori Parks and what she has said about plays’ ability to rewrite history while navigating between theatre and real life.
We’re celebrating 40 years of Dream in High Park by bringing back our inaugural Shakespeare production from 1983, A Midsummer Night’s Dream!
Making his High Park directorial debut, in this edition of CS Grid, we interviewed Dream in High Park veteran performer Jamie Robinson on his thoughts leading this milestone production, why this play is beloved by audiences and why you need to check it out.
Canadian Stage sends its love to the family and friends of Daniel Brooks who passed away peacefully on Monday. A beloved artist at Canadian Stage, Daniel was most recently on stage in 2022 with Other People, a play that he wrote and performed in. Our Artistic Director, Brendan Healy, shares some thoughts on his experience of working with Daniel on that show and on the generous gift of mentorship that Daniel offered him and others over two decades. Daniel will be greatly missed.
In advance of the premiere of No Save Points, “a play you can play,” in this edition of CS Grid, we catch up with artist Sébastien Heins and his mentor David Rokeby, BMO Lab Associate Director. We’re fascinated to learn more about the inner artistic workings behind this innovative new theatre production and how the Canadian Stage residency allowed Sébastien to expand on his artistic endeavours.
