The TACTICS Mainstage Series brings two locally-grown productions to the GCTC stage

Blissful State of Surrender by Sanita Fejzić (A Blissful State Production) and Heartlines by Sarah Waisvisz (A Calalou/RAFT Theatre Projects Production), both presented by TACTICS in their 2022 Mainstage Series in association with the Great Canadian Theatre Company, are start-to-finish Ottawa creations which connect the local to the global and the past to the present in order to tell timeless human stories of struggle, resistance, and the complexities of love.

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GCTC unveils 2021-22 season

In March 2020, Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC) opened the Canadian premiere of Sean Devine’s Daisy, only to close it the very next day due to the pandemic. This December, the play will triumphantly return to the stage as the first show of GCTC’s much anticipated 2021-22 season, and marks the theatre’s return to in-person theatre after a 20-month hiatus. It’s the first of five plays in GCTC’s 2021-22 season, which will run from December 2021 to June 2022. Find all the details below.

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Eric's Farewell

During the last year, in this suspended state of trying to be calm and brave, I have also paid attention to the signs, external and internal. Among the cacophony of global signals—the earth is burning, fascism is back, I should have bought Zoom stocks—but one sign of personal significance has drowned out all others: it’s time for me to make this position available to someone else.

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Happy Holidays from GCTC

Several seasons ago, I dispensed with holiday programming in December. I am loath to inadvertently elevate one faith above another and I am acutely aware of the pressure that many people feel throughout this month. The pressure to consume, to celebrate, and to confirm the joy of others can be an overwhelming task for those who are susceptible to the void.

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Community Spotlight: Kel MacDonald

Since March, theatre communities have been fragmented. Instead of connecting over drinks while waiting for shows to start, theatre lovers bump into each other in online waiting rooms. They chit chat in the comments on Facebook streams and reminisce over year-old photos of packed auditoriums.

For artists like Kel MacDonald, it’s just not the same.

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Natalie MacLellan
On Our 2020/21 Season

We have asked for, and graciously received, your patience as we tried to find a solution that would allow GCTC to deliver live theatre, according to the standard of excellence prescribed by our mandate. You have responded with messages of support and encouragement, which have given our staff the boost in morale that has allowed us all to keep focused on the task at hand.

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Late June Update

Greetings from the home office…

Thank you to all who continue to support GCTC during difficult times. I write today with an increasingly familiar feeling that we are all on a tightrope together, adapting to its sway and stretch, as triggered by the weather. One moment, I am almost resigned to losing balance and tumbling into the chasm, but a few seconds later, my footing improves and I experience a surge of hope—hope that we can use our resources to make a meaningful impact, regardless of the storm that continues to howl.

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Natalie MacLellan
Update on anti racism

We stand in solidarity with Black colleagues, friends, neighbours, donors, artists, stakeholders, storeowners, doctors, lawyers, politicians, firefighters, carpenters, dentists, restaurateurs…all Black citizens who are fighting to live with the freedoms and opportunities promised by a democratic society.

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Natalie MacLellan
An Update from Eric Coates, Artistic Director

In my first professional gig, I was fortunate to work at the Stratford Festival in the extraordinary company assembled by artistic director John Neville during his tenure, 1986-89. As a young actor, I enjoyed the windfall of being on stage with some of the most accomplished actors of the generation. Many of them—Goldie Semple, Susan Wright, Nicholas Pennell, Peter Donaldson, Richard March—left us far too soon, but they each made an impact on me that has endured. Goldie’s generosity, Susan’s ferocity, Nicky’s precision, Peter’s wisdom, and Richard’s wit are all part of an aspirational roadmap that would serve any traveler.

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Daisy and Unholy Posponed

We thank you for your patience and understanding in this challenging time as we work with you to ensure the health of our community. On behalf of all the artists, staff, and volunteers who contribute to GCTC, we send this message of goodwill and strength to our friends, patrons, donors, sponsors…to everyone.

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Natalie MacLellan