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Shakespeare in the Ruff | Shakespeare in the Ruff

Jan 11
0
Shakespeare in the Ruff 2023 Richard III

2023 Season Announcement

By | Announcements, blog

Ruff 2023: RICHARD III

Join us under the Withrow willows this summer for Richard Three, written by William Shakespeare and Ruff’s own Patricia Allison. Richard Three marks the first time Ruff has revisited a play (we first produced a Richard III ten years ago in 2013), but we promise that this Richard will be unlike anything you’ve seen before.

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Oct 13
0
Photo of two masked children playing in the audience

Towards Rebirth: from the other side

By | behind the scenes

The great thing about Shakespeare in the Ruff is that anyone can engage with their shows. No matter where they’re at in life, they can come experience some magic for a little while. There’s a sense of openness and of welcoming that even a pandemic couldn’t squash.

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May 30
1
Trees

A New Chapter For Ruff

By | Announcements

On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my pleasure to announce the incoming leadership of Shakespeare in the Ruff: Patricia Allison, Christine Horne, Kwaku Okyere, PJ Prudat, and Jeff Yung. These incredible leaders have experience on stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience of Shakespeare in the Ruff. Their creativity, community-mindedness, and compassion make them the undeniable leaders of this company.  

Since the announcement of Kaitlyn Riordan and Eva Barrie stepping down as Ruff’s leadership, the Leadership Search Committee has worked diligently and embedded Ruff’s five key values (creative audacity, anti-racism & decolonized practice, accessibility, education & mentorship, and respect) into the entire search and hiring process.  The Leadership Search Committee consisted of of board members Dasha Peregoudova, Cecile Peterkin, and Joseph Zita, and Ruff community members Rachel Forbes and Miquelon Rodriguez. For their dedication to the future of this company, we thank them. 

The board is excited for the new leadership to take the reins of Shakespeare in the Ruff in November 2021. We have had ten amazing years, where Kaitlyn and Eva have taken the company from inception to an institution in Withrow Park. There is no doubt in my mind, and in my heart, that the new leadership will continue the creative audacity to rediscover the work of Shakespeare that will break boundaries and move the community forward

— Fernando Alfaro, Chair of the Shakespeare in the Ruff Board of Directors

Patricia Allison (she/her) is a queer/ disabled choreographer and movement director. She comes from a contemporary dance background and spent a significant time studying canonical-counter discourse. Patricia lives with her wife and two birds named Larry and Wilbur who enjoy sitting on her shoulder while she types (the birds, not her wife). 

Christine Horne (she/her) is a mother and actor, last seen on stage as Hamlet in Why Not Theatre’s Prince Hamlet. She’s a fledgling gardener, excitable bird watcher, and avid reader aloud of children’s literature. Christine has received several awards for her work in theatre, television, and film, but she holds none so dear as when she was crowned The Queen of Weird Shakespeare by a passing cyclist while rehearsing Ruff’s Portia’s Julius Caesar.

Kwaku Okyere (he/him) is a queer Ghanaian-Canadian multidisciplinary theatre artist. Most recently, Kwaku played Oberon in the Dora-nominated ensemble of Theatre Rusticle’s acclaimed swan song production of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, performed at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, which recently presented Kwaku with the 2020 Queer Emerging Artist Award. Kwaku is also an emerging director, most recently having co-directed the 2nd Year Period Study Project at George Brown Theatre School with veteran director Jeannette Lambermont-Morey, and will return to GBTS this summer to co-direct the 1st Year Shakespeare Scene Study with the visionary Allyson McMackon.

PJ Prudat (she/her) is a Treaty 6 born, proud Michif/Métis/Cree (roots to Batoche, Red River, Qu’Appelle) & French/Scandinavian actor and writer.  She holds residencies with the Theatre Centre and Nightswimming and recently with Canadian Stage. PJ has performed as a company actor at the National Arts Centre (English Theatre), the Shaw Festival and in Indigenous~Creative-Led shows extensively across the country. Her maternal 3rd great-grandparents were Buffalo hunters; she loves cake, hats and poetry; and she’d prolly leave it all for the love of a horse.

Jeff Yung (he/him) is a settler on Treaty 13 territory. He is an actor, martial artist, and sometimes poet. Pre-pandemic Jeff appeared in Monday Nights as a member of the 6th Man Collective and in Hong Kong Exile’s Room 2048. Jeff is an avid gamer, anime watcher, movie/tv junkie, basketball fan, and bubble tea lover.

Apr 12
2

Our 2019 Season Announcement!

By | Announcements

Welcome to a business meeting of your two Ruffian Co-Artistic Directors:

Eva: Hi my friend!

Kaitlyn: Hey Evie B!

Eva: You’re so far away from me at the moment, all the way across the country.

Kaitlyn: Staring at the Rockies covered in mist this morning, very portentous. How’s TO?

Eva: I’m staring to the CN Tower covered in mist. So I guess we’re living in a pretty portentous world. [Eva quickly googles the definition of portentous]

Kaitlyn: We sure are.

Eva: I guess we should start considering what play to do this summer? Though this mist and this PORTENTOUS feeling is making me feel like it’s not summer at all.

Kaitlyn: It does feel like ‘Winter is coming…’. [this is not a plug for HBO]

Eva: Enough about seasons, Kaitlyn, we need to talk about what Shakespeare play we are doing.

Kaitlyn: “Now is the winter of our discontent.”

Eva: We did that one.

Kaitlyn: “Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.”

Eva: Kaitlyn, focus!

Kaitlyn: Nothing is ‘springing’ to mind….sorry.

Eva: I forgive you.

Kaitlyn: Exactly! Forgiveness!

Eva: It’s a powerful act. Some might say a magical act. Have you ever forgiven someone who really hurt you?

Kaitlyn: Yes, and it felt like the biggest release I’ve ever experienced.

Eva: Kind of like you were being released from stone?

Kaitlyn: After what felt like 16 years!

Eva: Was it hard to forgive?

Kaitlyn: I did it instinctually, in that instance, because it was hurting me to hold on to it. So I guess it was harder to hold onto than to forgive, but it took some time. I think our society is weary of forgiveness at the moment though, and maybe I am too?

Eva: I think that’s true. Do you think it’s connected to the fact that we don’t know how to properly repent?

Kaitlyn: Good question. Have you ever repented? Did you know how?

Eva: I have. It took longer than I wish it could have. I needed to really confront who I was, and my actions. That’s a terrifying thing to do. I don’t know if you feel this too, but don’t you think we live in a world where we can never be wrong?

Kaitlyn: I do feel that on a larger level, for anyone other than Donald Trump for some reason, but personally, I am wrong all the time, and somehow, you’re still my friend 🙂

Eva: Even when we have a country in between.

Kaitlyn: Exactly.

Eva: Are you thinking what I’m thinking?

Kaitlyn: Croissants!

Eva: And…

SHAKESPEARE IN THE RUFF IS PROUD TO PRESENT,
with the generous support of Crow’s Theatre:

THE WINTER’S TALE

Shakespeare’s magical dive into repentance & forgiveness

Directed by Sarah Kitz

Kaitlyn & Eva: Oh hey Sarah! Fancy seeing you here. Why do you think The Winter’s Tale is perfect for today?

Sarah Kitz. Photo by Alejandro Santiago

Sarah Kitz. Photo by Alejandro Santiago

Sarah: Hi Kaitlyn & Eva! Thanks for having me! It’s very fancy to be here!
The Winter’s Tale is a play for us now. It is a fairy tale (improbable things happen), which is another way of saying it is a myth about humanity. Fairy tales are not escapism but doors in the floor into the basement of the human psyche. Isn’t it the perfect time to have a show where we plumb the depths of patriarchy with an eye to coming out the other side by listening to and believing women? And isn’t it interesting to do that on a human artifact that’s hundred of years old, which has been used as a tool of colonialism, which is a container for so many conflicted feelings, to which we owe no undue reverence, which we will bash about to see what is has to say to us now.
This play is also an investigation of inheritance. In a culture that doesn’t know what it has to pass on, and a younger generation that has been violently disinherited and doesn’t know what is rightfully theirs, the intergenerational relationship is one of anxiety.

 

Eva: Kaitlyn! Maybe we should also tell folks who’s playing Paulina!

Kaitlyn: I think it’s too early for that.

Eva: But it’s so fun!

Kaitlyn: In a month we can announce the whole cast, so let’s not say any-

SHAKESPEARE IN THE RUFF IS MEGA-PROUD TO PRESENT,
with the generous support of Crow’s Theatre (K: cool! what’s this all about? E: tune in next week to find out)

THE WINTER’S TALE

Shakespeare’s magical dive into repentance & forgiveness, and some bad-ass ladies

Directed by Sarah Kitz
And featuring JANI LAUZON as Paulina!

Kaitlyn & Eva: Jani! Welcome! Why are you excited about this play and this part?

Jani Lauzon, photo by Helen Tansey

Jani Lauzon, photo by Helen Tansey

Jani: I am a Shakespeare junky. Love every opportunity to perform his text.  As for The Winter’s Tale, the play is so beautifully written and grounded in what is also a modern theme, the poisonous, disastrous emotion of jealousy that breaks down all possibilities of being in right relationship with each other. I am also fascinated by the metaphor of stone and it’s consequence when our hearts are shunned, shut down, and silenced. I understand that well having been through it in my life. As for Paulina, she is a woman who refuses to be ruled, she has a “truth-telling tongue”. She is called many things as a result: “bawd”, “hag”, “crone”, mankind witch”. But Paulina refuses to play the part assigned to her. Women in this play are on trial, through the character of Hermione. As she is often referred to as “grace”, it is grace itself that has been turned to stone. Paulina uses her magic to bring grace back into the world. Besides, playing Paulina has been on my bucket list for many years. This gives me the opportunity to cross that one off the list!
Eva & Kaitlyn: You were in a production by Shakespeare in the Rough, the company that used to perform in Withrow Park. How do you feel about returning to Withrow Park for another summer?

Jani: I am really looking forward to being back in the park. It was such an honour to play Shylock in Merchant of Venice surrounded by the trees, the bats, and the amazing, warm and supportive audiences that attend. I want to continue to be the kind of artist who has something to learn. Rehearsing in the park, playing outside and reaching audiences that are genuinely interested in this kind of theatre experience keep me humble as an actor. I don’t want to ever loose that.

 

Kaitlyn: I’m pretty excited, Eva. I wish it were summer already!

Eva: No no, I wish it were WINTER.

 

THE WINTER’S TALE coming to Withrow Park August 2019

Jan 22
0

Darwin Lyons leads the Young Ruffians!

By | Announcements | One Comment

Darwin LyonsWe are over-the-moon about our new Youth & Development Coordinator, Darwin Lyons! Darwin’s main role is to run the Young Ruffian Apprenticeship Program, and there’s no one better for the job. Not only was Darwin the Artistic Producer of The Paprika Festival from 2015-2017 (a youth led theatre festival and year round training/mentorship program for young artists), she also created the inaugural Acting program at Centauri Arts, and was a facilitator at Heydon Park Secondary school, a school that proudly uses alternative models of learning for women. We can’t wait to see what she does she with Young Ruffian Program!

Here’s some rapid-fire questions for Darwin:

What’s your favourite Shakespeare play?
A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Which, in your opinion, is the most over-rated Shakespeare play?
Macbeth

What are you most excited for in the Young Ruffian Program?
I’m excited to see the work the Young Ruffians come up with – every time I work with people in that age group the work fascinates and inspires me

What’s a book/movie/poem/show/play you turn to when you need inspiration?
Mary Oliver’s When Death Comes

What inspired you as a teenager?
As a teenager I was really inspired by my peers. I remember feeling like the people around me were so smart and strong, and like we had this amazing potential to make change.

Describe your role with Ruff in less than three words.
Circle learning

Best thing about Withrow Park?
Beautiful, huge nature in the middle of the city, a wonderful community of people and a very large hill that makes me a better biker

A little known fact about you that surprises people:
I don’t like mushrooms

If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Be able to communicate in the language of whoever I am with

If you could have a mediocre power, what would it be?
To learn new skills very quickly

To apply for our Young Ruffian Program, check back here in the Spring, or follow us on Instagram! (@shakespeareruff)

Jan 08
0
Eva Barrie in a Midsummer Night's Dream

We Doubled Our Leadership!

By | Announcements

Shakespeare in the Ruff is happy to appoint Eva Barrie as our Co-Artistic Director! Eva, who has been the Associate Artistic Director for two years, will join Kaitlyn Riordan at the helm.

The “Old Ruffians”, Troy Sarju, Sienna Singh and Jahnelle Jones-Williams

We asked three Ruff experts to interview Eva about this new role: Sienna Singh, Jahnelle Jones-Williams and Troy Sarju – graduates of the Young Ruffian Program, who became our Young Ruffian Chorus in Portia’s Julius Caesar. As emerging artists and future leaders themselves, they interviewed Eva and gave her some advice.

Sienna: What excites you most about this new role? What do you think will be the biggest challenge?

What I’m most excited about are the challenges! One of which will inevitably be fielding the question of “who really calls the shots?” (aka “who has the last call?” or “who wears the pants” [at the time of writing, both Kaitlyn and I are wearing skirts]). I’m collaborative in my art-making, so naturally, I’m collaborative in my leadership style. Kaitlyn and I have worked together closely, and most major decisions were made together. Now the financial and organizational structure of the company match how we best work. So, we aren’t really splitting leadership, we’re doubling it. That opens up a lot of exciting possibilities.

Eva and Kaitlyn rehearsing a pre-show speech (it definitely required a bit more rehearsal…)

This doesn’t mean we don’t disagree – we do, and that’s great. Conflict is a necessary part of theatre. I have a deep respect for Kaitlyn, and we both have a deep respect for the power of theatre. At the end of the day, what’s best for our community guides our decisions. The challenges that comes from disagreement – having to articulate, having to listen, and having to put your ego aside – help us grow as artists.

A second, ever-present challenge is that I love Shakespeare… sometimes. As a biracial feminist, it’s pretty tough for me to approach the work without cringing. There’s a lot about Shakespeare that’s connected to colonialism, white supremacy, and patriarchal structures, and I spend long swaths of time wondering if/how I’m reinforcing those systems by presenting Shakespeare (you know, your regular Sunday brunch thoughts). I’m excited to truly grapple with this conflict. You can’t wrestle something if you’re watching from the sidelines, you’ve got to get in the ring. I don’t expect an easy answer – I’m not looking for easy anyway. Sienna, text me in a few years and I’ll let you know what I’ve mulled over.

Sienna: If you could swap bodies with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Beyoncé. Any other answer is a waste of a magical swap.

Jahnelle: Why do you like working with Ruff?

The people. I’ve surrounded myself by some pretty stellar hearts. From the Danforth barista that knows my usual, to the artists that open their hearts to the park, to the ever-supportive Board of Directors, to my drum-beating rock star Old Ruffians, I couldn’t ask for a better community.

I’m especially grateful for my work-wife, Kaitlyn. When we first chatted about my joining the company two years ago, I shared the fact that I hadn’t always felt welcomed into Shakespeare, and that despite it being so “universal”, I never saw families that looked or sounded like mine, and that was something I wanted to change. She’s never made assumptions, she’s never been afraid to ask questions, and she’s always listened with an open heart. She’s a true partner, and I couldn’t ask for better.

Jahnelle: What is your favourite dish? And why? (ex.bowl, plate)

Little ceramic ramekins. I think people make souffles in them (I once warmed nacho cheese in one). They can be so hot and so cool: my life goal.

Troy: If there is anything my time with Ruff has taught me, it is that community is very important. How is implementation of inclusive performances (such as partnering with Autism Ontario, live captions, etc) important to community-building?

It’s important because it’s okay if you don’t understand someone. It’s okay if their lived experiences are different than yours. It’s okay if they are fighting different fights than you. We tend to feel safe with people similar to us, and afraid when someone challenges what we understand as “normal.” If we get stuck on certain ideas of “normal,” then we are limiting our possibilities. Sameness breeds sameness (as President Michelle Obama says). Vibrant communities need to be challenged and need different and diverse voices in order to grow. Otherwise, what are we all doing here?

Troy: If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

To be able to body-swap with Beyoncé.

Advice from the Old Ruffians

Sienna:
My advice to Eva is to trust the company and it’s history over the past 7 years. Remember the love, hard work, and spirit that has gone into each and every show, and the community that has been created around them. And remember, Jack and Diane will always be there for you!

Jahnelle:
Always remember:
1. To drink your water because the sun is no joke.
2. There is not limit on how many times you can make the cast do something ‘uno mas’.

Troy:
Getting an everything bagel is normally a great choice but sometimes everything can be too much and that’s okay too. Get the bagel that you need and be present with your bagel.

The Old Ruffians on Eva

Keeping it serious with Christine Horne at the “Portia’s Julius Caesar” photoshoot

Sienna:
Eva will be an amazing Artistic Director for Ruff because of her true love of the work, the company, and the people involved. Seeing her get excited about the work (or even just a silly joke) is so fun and intoxicating. She has such innate leadership qualities, knowing when to step in, and when to step back. Her brain is full of ideas, and I can’t wait to see which ones she will bring to the company! Best of luck Eva!

Jahnelle:
Eva brings her heart and her smarts to her work and I know that she will make sure to fight for innovative shows, accessibility, and diverse casts, only enhancing all the great things about Shakespeare in the Ruff.

Troy:
Eva will be a great Artistic Director of Ruff because she allows every single individual to blossom in any creative space she is a part of. She is a very capable leader. I am so happy for Ruff and looking forward to all of the great things the company will accomplish, now with TWO astounding women leading the artistic charge.