Mike Payette, Artistic Director
It has been an eventful few months at Tarragon as we ride the C-times with the many exciting transitions the theatre is experiencing – from artistic leadership to staff engagement to re-examining our values – our theatre is teeming with possibility in one of the most challenging times for our sector. It is the act of looking forward that allows us to come together and meet the hurdles of today.
While we celebrate fifty years of a strong legacy of creating and premiering new Canadian work, what guides us presently is both the investigation of what it means to be a Canadian Playwright, and the environment we wish to foster so that we actively encourage all forms, generations, and journeys of storytellers. Certainly, the unpacking of what it means to be Canadian and what it means to be a playwright is, in part, advancing our vision of what we foresee to be the next chapter of Tarragon. It is in the spirit of deep listening and continued learning that the Tarragon family can build upon a storied foundation, and in doing so, embolden our home to be our country’s neighbourhood theatre.
Our vision is of a space that welcomes and supports all walks of life; a place where folx can benefit from impactful experiences through the lens of care and curiosity for our artists, our audiences, and our communities. On a personal note, I am so grateful for the generous and warm welcome I have received coming into this vibrant city, and it’s an honour to build this new home for myself amid such a dynamic and courageous theatre community.
Respect and love,
mp
For more on Tarragon Theatre’s reopening, listen to Mike Payette on CBC’s Metro Morning.
To be featured in the Monthly Membership Profile, please contact Theresa Gerrow. We look forward to sharing the positive steps you are taking in building a stronger artistic community!