Since its inception in 1979, Nightwood Theatre has been a beacon of progressive and intersectional artistry. And It remains Canada’s pre-eminent feminist theatre under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director Andrea Donaldson. Born and raised in Toronto, Donaldson describes herself as “a theatre kid now in her middle age” who is an unwavering optimist with a high-revving motor: “I know what I want, and though I have a very calm exterior, I drive with a lot of energy!”
As Artistic Director, Donaldson is responsible for the theatre’s programming and ancillary activities, but this is not a solitary task. She collaborates closely with Managing Director Naz Afsahi and their dedicated team. “We are a company that punches way above our weight,” she says with pride, and that strength comes from “a sincere energy to offer as many rich opportunities of connection as possible for the artists and audiences we serve, through our intersectional work.”
The journey of leading such an influential theatre company has been deeply rewarding for Donaldson. She speaks fondly of Nightwood’s consistently passionate and deep-hearted stakeholders, ranging from artists, audiences, donors, core team and Board of Directors. And she’s almost pinching herself as she sums up her job’s amazing value proposition: “I get to live my beliefs, learn and grow from those around me, and I’m rewarded for being myself.”
Nightwood Theatre’s recent partnership with Tapestry Opera to establish a collaborative performing arts space marks a significant chapter in the theatre’s legacy. The venture was born out of necessity when the two companies, along with dozens of other artists, were forced to vacate their shared studio space in the Distillery District in 2022. Aubrey Reeves from Business / Arts facilitated a “transformational connection” to Andrea Adams from St. Clare’s, one of Canada’s largest non-profit developers of supportive and affordable housing. “Andrea Adams is the angel here,” gushes Donaldson. St. Clare’s offered the two arts organizations below-market rent in the lower level of one of St. Clare’s housing sites. Presented with this novel and affordable opportunity at 877 Yonge St., “Tapestry and Nightwood will get to continue our 20-year tradition of running a space together, which now includes a performance venue as well!”
Once threatened, the future of Nightwood looks bright. “We hope to create a vibrant and accessible hub for artists and community to be inspired together,” Donaldson enthuses. The company sees exciting potential to rejuvenate the area just north of Yonge and Bloor with cultural offerings and a whole vertical community on top. Her excitement about the partnership and this expansive opportunity is palpable: “All of us share the love of taking something rough and making it beautiful,” she explains, likening the challenge of renovating and transforming a new space to the artistic process of developing, directing and mounting a new play.
“The space will be ready for our 2024/25 season due to some incredible help from various extraordinary champions, including City Councillor Dianne Saxe, University-Rosedale,” Donaldson confirms. And those interested in witnessing this monumental transformation can keep abreast by subscribing to Nightwood Theatre’s mailing list. A recently-released a teaser trailer for Big Red Oak’s documentary short film, “A Stage For All” chronicles Nightwood Theatre’s and Tapestry Opera’s journey to 877 Yonge.
Nightwood Theatre’s current season has opened with A Poem for Rabia, on stage until November 12, and will continue with Universal Child Care in February, 2024 and Mad Madge in April, 2024, which is presented in partnership with VideoCabaret and directed by Donaldson. Last year’s Dora Award-winning, sold-out hit Love You Wrong Time (produced by Bad Muse Collective and presented by Nightwood) is also currently on tour.
As the bell rings and Donaldson steers Nightwood Theatre towards its bold new future, what matters most is not going to change. The company will continue punching way above their weight by pursuing – with renewed vigour – its inspiring mission of offering rich opportunities for connection, challenging the status quo, and celebrating intersectional work.
© Arpita Ghosal, SesayArts Magazine, 2023
