STAGE TUBE: Promo - Stratford Festival's Forum Livestream

Stratford Festival is livestreaming all of its speakers, entertainers and more from the 2013 Forum. Click below for a short promo!

From the serious to the light-hearted, Forum events will offer a variety of riffs on themes running through the playbill, in particular themes of community, especially communities in conflict, and the role of the outsider in those communities.

These themes open the door to lively discussions on a number of topics that continue to inspire artists working in various media, including film-makers, comedians, novelists and composers. Forum events include performances and showcases, improv and stand-up comedy, speakers, active explorations and workshops, panels and debates, music, screenings, conversations and exhibits.

Participants range from Shakespeare scholar Stanley Wells to military leader John de Chastelain to comedian Colin Mochrie.

UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS

Breaking with Tradition: Fiddler on the Roof and the 1960s Generation Gap: July 12 at 11 a.m. With Marlis Schweitzer, associate professor of theatre at York University.

Elizabeth and Mary, Rival Queens: A Study of Leadership Lost and Won: July 10 at 11 a.m.

Barbara Kyle, author of Blood Between Queens, to be published in May 2013, will sign books following her talk.

Stephen Lewis: Disability, Disillusion and Self-Discovery: August 17 at 10 a.m.

Stephen Lewis's talk will touch on themes that pertain to such diverse productions as The Thrill, Tommy and Taking Shakespeare. Leader of Ontario's New Democratic Party in the 1970s, Mr. Lewis later became Canada's ambassador to the United Nations and the UN's special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. He is currently the Board Chair of the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

The Playwrights Crucible: July 11 at 11 p.m.

Put the heat on a sharp playwright, a bold director and four top-rate actors and what do you get? A new play created right in front of your eyes. Created by Joanne O'Sullivan.

Alex Bulmer: The Insight of Blindness: August 16 at 11 a.m.

Canadian-born writer and theatre artist Alex Bulmer, now based in the U.K., shares her experience creating Disable-led Art after losing her sight. Her work includes Breathe, a multidisciplinary performance piece that opened the sailing events at the London Olympics.

Astrology and Shakespeare: The Secret Key to The Merchant of Venice: August 1 at 11 a.m.

With Priscilla Costello, counselling astrologer.

Anti-Semitism and The Merchant of Venice: August 21 at 11 a.m.

Len Rudner and Frank Bialystok from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and Shakespeare expert Vivian Rakoff look at the confrontation of synagogue and state in The Merchant of Venice.

Writing about the Right to Die: August 15 at 10:30 a.m.

With journalist, broadcaster and author Ian Brown (The Boy in the Moon), author Zoe FitzGerald Carter (Imperfect Endings) and playwright Judith Thompson (The Thrill). Moderator: Alex Bulmer.

The Foreign Exchange, with Donna Michelle St. Bernard: August 11 at 5:30 p.m.

Honorary "Foreign Ministers" are invited to illuminate and ignite candid conversations about race and culture.

Shakespeare in Kabul: August 22 at 11 a.m.

With Stephen Landrigan and Qais Akbar Omar, authors of Shakespeare in Kabul. The authors will sign copies of their book following the talk.

Alisa Solomon: Fiddler's Fortunes: September 21 at 10 a.m.

Former theatre critic and cultural and political reporter for The Village Voice, Alisa Solomon directs the Arts and Culture concentration in the MA program at Columbia Journalism School. She will discuss the long-lived legacy of Fiddler on the Roof.

Shylock Appeals: October 5 at 10:30 a.m.

Witness the appeal of Shylock's sentence as argued by prominent lawyers before a court of outstanding CanadIan Judges.

Israeli Folk Dancing: June 23 and September 21 at 12:30 p.m.

Created in the early 20th century by settlers in what later became the state of Israel, Israeli folk dancing is now a fixture at Jewish celebrations all over the world. Learn a few of the dances that the grandchildren of the characters in Fiddler on the Roof might have done at their weddings.

How to Disappear Completely: August 11, 15 and 17 at 2 p.m.

Itai Erdal performs this award-winning solo work, demonstrating his approach to theatrical lighting while also reflecting on the events that followed his mother asking him to take her life. Surprisingly funny, incredibly personal, this unique show continues to tour internationally. Produced by The Chop Theatre.

The Power of Women / Women in Power: August 18 at 7 p.m.

With author, playwright and activist Susan G. Cole, scholar Margaret Jane Kidnie and other panelists to be announced.

Who Chooseth Me: August 11 at 11 a.m.

Practising psychoanalyst Mavis Himes speaks with Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino about the insights psychoanalysis can bring to The Merchant of Venice.

Late Night with Lucy: July 5 and 19, August 9 and 23 at 11:30 p.m.

By popular demand, Lucy Peacock presents a second series of after-hours cabarets with special guest performers.

What's Past is Prologue: Classical Theatre in Our Times: August 18 at 10:30 a.m.

With artistic directors Peter Hinton, Jackie Maxwell, Bill Rauch and others. Chaired by Antoni Cimolino.

Reform it Altogether: Directing Shakespeare Today: July 14 at 11 a.m.

With directors Chris Abraham, Tim Carroll, Antoni Cimolino and Martha Henry. Chair: David Prosser.

Screening: Budrus: August 14 at 2 p.m.

An award-winning documentary about a Palestinian community organizer who united Fatah and Hamas members with Israeli supporters to save his village from destruction. Includes a post-screening chat with producer Ronit Avni.

Tommy Guitar School: July 20 and August 24 at 6 p.m.

Bring your electric guitar and learn some riffs from the score of Tommy.

All for Fun and Fun for All: July 7 and October 6 at 10:30 a.m.

This interactive, fun-filled workshop on The Three Musketeers immerses 10- to 12-year-olds in the historical time period and introduces the basics of swordplay.

Screening: Hollywoodism: Jews, Movies and the American Dream: July 14 at 8 p.m.

Based on Neal Gabler's best-selling book An Empire of Their Own, this award-winning feature-length documentary tells the story of the men who founded Hollywood. All were immigrants, or children of immigrants, who wanted to reinvent themselves as Americans. In the process, they reinvented America. The screening includes a talk by director Simcha Jacobvici.

The 2013 season began on April 23 and runs until October 20, featuring Romeo and Juliet, Fiddler on the Roof, The Three Musketeers, The Merchant of Venice, Tommy, Blithe Spirit, Othello, Measure for Measure, Mary Stuart, Waiting for Godot, two new Canadian plays, Taking Shakespeare and The Thrill, and The Forum. For more information, visit www.stratfordfestival.ca.

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