When you perform outdoors, storms are always a factor – and we’ve weathered a few! Inclement weather is usually something we wish away, but not this year. This year, we’re inviting a big one…
Ruff 2024: THE TEMPEST
Pull up a blanket this summer (and maybe your umbrella!) for A Tempest, adapted by Makram Ayache and directed by Kwaku Okyere: Shakespeare’s dark and magical final play reimagined by two of the city’s most exciting artists. Join us beneath the trees this August to experience the wonder!
Ruff’s Winter Tale is back in February with Foul Papers: New Works in Early Stages of Development, digging into the themes, characters, and context of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Be a part of the process as we share some new pieces we’re dreaming up at Ruff: a new work in progress by Christine Horne and a contemporary dance collaboration between Patricia Allison and Jeff Yung, both inspired by The Tempest. More details to come!
Joining us in The Playground this May is dance artist Ming Bo Lam with Movement for Actors, a three-day workshop to dive deeper into the physical body as interpretative practice. And keep an eye out for private coaching opportunities with Ruff Leadership members through our Ruff Skills training program.
Ruff Reads is back in partnership with our favourite east-end bookshop, Queen Books! We’ll be announcing the Tempest-inspired reading lineup soon, but in the meantime be sure to follow Ruff Reads on Instagram (@shakesruffreads) for extra bookish content and conversations.
Our podcast Ruff Radio took off in a big way last year, and we can’t wait to bring you more in 2024. You can subscribe to Ruff Radio wherever you get your podcasts.
And as always, the Young Ruffian Apprenticeship Program will be back in the park with a new cohort of young artists for our paid training and mentorship program. We’ll announce details and begin accepting applications in May!
When illness and rain forced us to cancel nearly half of our performances last summer, you stepped up in a huge way to support us and keep us on our feet. Thank you!! Your donations help us keep all of Ruff’s programming pay-what-you-can or free, ensuring financial accessibility for all. If you’re able, consider supporting our Tempest season by clicking here and making a one-time donation or becoming a monthly donor. All donations receive a charitable tax receipt.
We can’t wait to share more with you soon.
With gratitude,
Patricia, PJ, Jeff, and Christine
Shakespeare in the Ruff Leadership Collective
2024: The Tempest
Ruff’s Winter Tale: Foul Papers
February 2024
New Works in Early Stages of Development
Ruff Radio
January-December 2024
Available wherever you listen to podcasts
Ruff Reads
March-June 2024
In partnership with Queen Books
The Playground
May 2024
Movement for Actors with Ming Bo Lam
Young Ruffian Apprenticeship Program
July-August 2024
Ruff’s training and mentorship program for young people.
Summer Mainstage Production: A Tempest
August-September 2024
Adapted from Shakespeare’s play by Makram Ayache
Directed by Kwaku Okyere