Feminist theatre actively works to challenge traditional power structures in performing arts by prioritizing women and gender-diverse voices in creative leadership, storytelling, and production roles. These companies develop new works, mentor emerging artists, and create spaces for underrepresented perspectives in theatre.
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Nightwood Theatre, as Canada’s oldest feminist theatre company, shows how leadership and inclusivity can transform an industry. Let’s explore how they’ve shaped Canada’s cultural scene and continue to inspire change.
Nightwood Theatre
Founded: 1979
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Website: nightwoodtheatre.net
Leadership: Andrea Donaldson (Artistic Director), Naz Afsahi (Managing Director)
Nightwood Theatre stands as Canada’s oldest professional feminist theatre company. In 2025, they’re moving to a new 6,500 sq ft facility at 877 Yonge Street, featuring a 2,600 sq ft performance hall and dedicated rehearsal space. Their partnership with Tapestry Opera marks a significant expansion of their capabilities.
2024-25 Season Productions
- “What the Constitution Means to Me” – Co-production with Soulpepper featuring Amy Rutherford, exploring citizenship and democracy at Michael Young Theatre.
- “Where the Spirits Sit” – Tamara Podemski’s workshop production featuring a musical journey through the Anishinaabe calendar.
- “Hypothetical Baby” – Rachel Cairns’ exploration of reproductive lives and choices, co-produced with Howland Company at Factory Theatre.
- “Shedding a Skin” – Amanda Wilkin’s one-woman buddy comedy directed by Cherissa Richards at Buddies in Bad Times.
Sarasvati Productions
Active: 1998-2023
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Leadership: Hope McIntyre (1998-2020), Frances Koncan (2020-2021)
Sarasvati Productions transformed Winnipeg’s theatre scene by merging professional theatre with community activism. For 25 years, they brought women’s stories to the stage through festivals, original works, and community projects. The company made theatre accessible by tackling tough social issues with sensitivity and often humour, reaching beyond traditional venues to tour Manitoba and work with community groups.
Their signature event, FemFest, ran from 2003 to 2023 and became known as Canada’s main festival for female playwrights. The festival featured their popular “Bake Off” competition, where playwrights created ten-minute scenes in just eight hours. Alongside FemFest, they ran the International Women’s Week Cabaret of Monologues, which toured Manitoba communities, and the One Night Stand series for developing new works.
Key Productions and Programs
- “The Naked Woman” (2014) – Comedy about an 84-year-old widow choosing freedom.
- “Fefu and Her Friends” (2014) – Revival of María Irene Fornés’ classic.
- “The Seduction Theory” (2016) – Drama exploring women’s experiences in the 1950s.
- “Can You See Me Now” (2017) – Stories of women experiencing homelessness.
- “Tomboy Survival Guide” (2017) – Acclaimed production featuring Ivan Coyote’s personal storytelling about gender identity and survival.
- “Breaking Through” (2017) – Two-year mental health awareness project.
- “New Beginnings” (2018) – Community-based production featuring a guest appearance by former news anchor Sylvia Kuzyk.
- Annual Comedy Nights – Fundraising shows featuring local women comedians.
- Regular community workshops and school touring productions.
While the company closed in 2023, their legacy lives on through the artists they mentored and their model of community-engaged feminist theatre. They showed how theatre could both entertain and create social change, making space for voices that needed to be heard.
Imago Theatre
Founded: 1987
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Website: imagotheatre.ca
Leadership: Krista Jackson (Artistic & Executive Director)
Imago Theatre distinguishes itself through bilingual productions and experimental work. Their accessibility initiatives, including Pay-What-You-Decide tickets and relaxed performances, make theatre available to diverse audiences. They’re celebrating 10 years of artist residencies this season.
2024-25 Season Productions
- “The Wolves” – Sarah DeLappe’s intense look at a high school girls’ soccer team, co-produced with Geordie Theatre at Segal Centre.
- “Adventures” – Gillian Clark’s new work exploring hope and hopelessness, presented at Centaur Theatre as part of the WinterWorks festival.
- “Scorpio Moon” – World premiere of Adjani Poirier’s drama about forgiveness on a hot Montreal summer night at Studio Mile-Ex.
- “Upside Down” – Mireille Tawfik’s free digital series exploring accessibility and digital theatre creation, available online.
Pro Tip: Sign up for their newsletters to stay in the loop about upcoming shows and special events. You really don’t want to miss what’s coming next.
Want to Learn More?
- Visit their websites for show schedules and tickets.
- Follow them on social media for behind-the-scenes content.
- Check out their development programs if you’re an artist.
Remember, supporting feminist theatre isn’t just about buying tickets – it’s about being part of a movement that’s making the arts more inclusive and representative. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to theatre, there’s never been a better time to get involved.