Weyni Mengesha

Industry Pro Newsletter: Kennedy Center, Soulpepper, Opera Australiaâ€"Major Theatres Face Leadership Shakeups
by Alex Freeman - Feb 3, 2025

This week’s theatre news highlights key shifts in leadership, policy, and industry trends. From calls for cultural organizations to expand their audiences to the reintroduction of legislation supporting performing artists, financial sustainability remains a pressing theme. On Broadway, Hell’s Kitchen earns a GRAMMY, while Sardi’s prepares to welcome back Broadway Bets. Leadership changes at the Kennedy Center, Syracuse Stage, and Soulpepper Theatre signal transitions across major institutions, and international headlines bring further challenges, including the cancellation of Coraline and Opera Australia’s ongoing turmoil. As the industry navigates these developments, adaptation and advocacy remain at the forefront.

Weyni Mengesha Will Complete Her Tenure as Soulpepper's Artistic Director
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2025

Soulpepper Theatre Company announced that after almost seven years of visionary leadership, Weyni Mengesha will step down from her role as Artistic Director on August 31, 2025.

TABLE FOR TWO Comes to Toronto Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Jan 14, 2025

 Soulpepper Theatre Company & Obsidian Theatre Company will present the World Premiere of TABLE FOR TWO, a candid exploration of today’s online dating landscape, where swipes, likes, and matches collide with cultural traditions and personal aspirations.

Feature: Ilana Lucas Picks the Top Toronto Theatre of 2024
by Ilana Lucas - Jan 1, 2025

What did our critic have to say about Toronto's Top Theatre of 2024?

Five Toronto Theatre Companies Join Three-Year Creative Collaboration Initiative
by Stephi Wild - Nov 29, 2024

The Artistic and Executive leaders of Soulpepper Theatre, Bad Hats Theatre, The Musical Stage Company, Obsidian Theatre, and the Toronto Fringe have announced a Creative Collaboration Initiative that will evolve over the next three years.

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME to Make Canadian Premiere this Fall
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 19, 2024

The Canadian Premiere of Heidi Schreck’s WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME will be presented at Soulpepper’s Michael Young Theatre this fall. The play allows audiences to explore the dynamic relationship between individuals and the foundational principles of their country. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Review: A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE at Soulpepper
by Ilana Lucas - Jun 24, 2024

Tennessee Williams’ sprawling classic about what happens when the unstoppable force, fading, fluttering Southern belle Blanche DuBois (Amy Rutherford), meets the immovable object of her brother-in-law, pragmatic, animalistic Stanley Kowalski (Mac Fyfe) proves a night of searing theatre, with Weyni Mengesha’s effectively musical direction providing an electric backdrop for a simmering contest of wills.

Talk Is Free Theatre Announces 2024/25 Season THEATRE. EVERYWHERE.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 5, 2024

Talk Is Free Theatre unveils its 24/25 season lineup, featuring a diverse range of productions and innovative performances.

SIZWE BANZI IS DEAD & More Nominated for 44th Annual Dora Mavor Moore Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 28, 2024

The Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts revealed the 228 nominations for the 44th Annual Dora Mavor Moore Awards. See the full list!

Soulpepper Theatre to Present A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE This Summer
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 23, 2024

Soulpepper Theatre brings Tennessee Williams' classic A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE to the stage this summer. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Norm Lewis, Myles Frost, and More to Be Honored at NAACP Theatre Awards
by Blair Ingenthron - May 11, 2024

The NAACP Theatre Awards has revealed the honorees for the 30th Annual Awards Ceremony, taking place on June 3rd in Los Angeles.

A STRANGE LOOP, KIM'S CONVENIENCE & More Set for Soulpepper Theatre 24/25 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 9, 2024

​Soulpepper Theatre has unveiled its 2024-25 season featuring 8 shows. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.

AGE IS A FEELING Comes to Soulpepper Theatre This Month
by Stephi Wild - May 7, 2024

Soulpepper Theatre will present the Canadian Premiere of Age is a Feeling, the award-winning smash hit by Dora-award-winning artist Haley McGee (The Ex-Boyfriend Yard Sale).

HAMLET (SOLO) to be Presented at Soulpepper Theatre This Month
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 2, 2024

Experience the magic of Shakespeare's HAMLET (SOLO) at Soulpepper Theatre, performed by the talented Raoul Bhaneja. Learn how to purchase tickets!

A STRANGE LOOP To Have Canadian Premiere In 2025!
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 30, 2024

The Musical Stage Company, Soulpepper Theatre, and Crow's Theatre will collaborate to present the highly anticipated Canadian premiere run of Michael R. Jackson's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical, A STRANGE LOOP.

Soulpepper to Present Punctuate! Theatre's FIRST METIS MAN OF ODESA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 11, 2024

Soulpepper will present Punctuate! Theatre’s multi-Dora Award-winning production of FIRST MÉTIS MAN OF ODESA. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Soulpepper And Obsidian Theatre Present THREE SISTERS, February 29- March 17
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 7, 2024

Soulpepper and Obsidian Theatre present 'Three Sisters' from Feb. 29 to March 17, 2024. This collaboration brings together two of Canada's leading theatre companies to present a powerful and innovative adaptation of the beloved Chekhov play, set in Nigeria.

Soulpepper Launches 2024 Season With CASEY AND DIANA and DE PROFUNDIS: OSCAR WILDE IN JAIL
by Stephi Wild - Jan 9, 2024

Soulpepper Theatre will launch its 2024 season with two highly anticipated productions: the Toronto premiere of Casey and Diana, by Nick Green and directed by Andrew Kushnir, after an acclaimed sold-out run at Stratford Festival in 2023; and the World Premiere of De Profundis: Oscar Wilde in Jail adapted and directed by Gregory Prest with original music and lyrics by Mike Ross and Sarah Wilson.

Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Toronto Awards; Voting Ends 12/31
by BWW Awards - Dec 26, 2023

It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

2 Weeks to Vote for the BWW Toronto Awards; RENT, 'DA KINK IN MY HAIR, & More Lead!
by BWW Awards - Dec 18, 2023

There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!