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The Stratford Festival Continues Robust Programming in August

Global Theatre Week, Readers and Writers Week, and the return of Dante’s Inferno

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Summer is in full swing and so is the Meighen Forum! August begins with Global Theatre Week, a lively examination of how stories evolve and transform as they travel across cultures and through time. Next, we shine a spotlight on Readers and Writers Week, which features an outstanding lineup of guest authors, including Jane Urquhart, Stephen Greenblatt and Mark Sakamoto. They will delve into the historical and contemporary works that have inspired this season’s productions. Mid-month, acclaimed screenwriter and Dangerous Liaisons playwright Sir Christopher Hampton offers a captivating exploration of how changing forms of communication have influenced human connection, storytelling and desire. Closing out the month is the return of Dante’s Inferno: A Fusion of Text, Music and Thought, Daniele Bartolini’s immersive journey through medieval Italian spoken word.


Global Theatre Week (August 4–10) celebrates the power of storytelling across borders with a compelling series of panels exploring how theatre travels, transforms and transcends time. From ancient Greek ensembles to the global journey of Anne of Green Gables and the evolving identity of Canadian culture on the world stage, these thought-provoking events will deepen your appreciation for the universal language of theatre.


Readers and Writers Week (August 18–24) delves into the lives and legacies of extraordinary writers and thinkers during an inspiring weekend of literary conversation. From the parallel journeys of Jane Austen and Lucy Maud Montgomery to Shakespeare’s psychological depths and the powerful real-life story behind Forgiveness: A Gift from my Grandparents, these events offer a rich exploration of creativity, resilience and the enduring human spirit. Additional tickets released due to high demand!


Dante’s Inferno (August 28–30) Following its June debut at the Festival, award-winning director, playwright and immersive interdisciplinary artist Daniele Bartolini returns with Dante’s Inferno: A Fusion of Text, Music and Thought. This powerful performance of medieval Italian spoken word is elevated by original music from renowned composer Andrea Gozzi. Guided by Dr. Donato Santeramo of Queen’s University, the experience invites audiences on a journey through the absurdity and profound beauty of life.


August’s Meighen Forum also includes crowd favourites such as Peer into the Playbill, Meet the Festival, Monday Night Music and exclusive backstage tours and song and dance workshops.



Global Theatre Week

August 4 to August 10

This week will be a journey into the universality of theatre, culture and stories. Learn how theatre styles and stories are shared as they make their way around the world and live throughout time.


Readers and Writers Week

August 18 to August 24

The Meighen Forum brings together celebrated literary scholars, authors and artists to lead conversations on plays of this season.


Dante's Inferno: A Fusion of Text, Music and Thought

Presented by DopoLavoro Teatrale (DLT)Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson TheatreThursday, August 28 to Saturday, August 308 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Additional PerformancesThursday, September 11 to Saturday, September 13


Other Events Coming This Month

  • Special Lobby Talk(s)

  • Monday Night Music

  • Peer into the Playbill

  • Celebrated Speakers


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