The Soulpepper Podcast

In celebration of International Women's Day 2022, all the directors of our Mainstage season sat down to talk about their exciting upcoming work, their journeys into directing, and their aspirations for the industry. Join Jani Lauzon, Kim Senklip Harvey, Kim Collier, Meg Roe, and Weyni Mengesha for an intimate and inspiring conversation.

In celebration of International Women's Day 2019, five of Canada's groundbreaking artistic leaders sit down to ask each other questions about their journeys and aspirations as industry leaders. Join Andrea Donaldson (Nightwood Theatre), Mel Hague (Rhubarb Festival), Nina Lee Aquino (Factory Theatre), Weyni Mengesha (Soulpepper Theatre Company), and Kelly Thornton (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre) for an intimate and inspiring conversation. PLEASE NOTE: Around the 7 minute mark there are some technical issues with the audio, which lasts about 2 minutes. Sorry for the inconvenience, but keep listening - it's worth it.

Jesus Hopped the ‘A' Train takes us inside Rikers Island and asks the audience hard questions about justice, punishment, and redemption. Artistic Director Weyni Mengesha moderated a post-show conversation with those on the frontlines of Canada's justice system, including Anthony N. Morgan (Lawyer & Manager of Anti-Black Racism Unit, City of Toronto); Annamaria Enenajor (founder Cannabis Amnesty and Partner at RSED); Faisal Mirza (a criminal trial lawyer with Mirza Kwok); and Emily Lam (Partner, Kastner Lam LLP). This Community Conversation was recorded before the surge in the Black Lives Matter movement currently happening around the world, but we invite you to use your time to listen, reflect, and take action on dismantling the systems of oppression that permeate our society and our community.

Dear Mountain by Soulpepper Theatre Company

Crazy in Love (feat. Troy Adams) by Soulpepper Theatre Company

Pastime Paradise/La Habanera (feat. Divine Brown & Neema Bickersteth) by Soulpepper Theatre Company

The actors from the hilarious play Bed and Breakfast talk about playing several characters and the importance of queer representation in the play.

I'm Your Man (feat. Neema Bickersteth) by Soulpepper Theatre Company

Chelsea Hotel#2 / Piece of My Heart (feat. Hailey Gillis & Mike Ross) by Soulpepper Theatre Company

Adaptor Rosamund Small and director Peter Pasyk talk about the inspiration behind Pulitzer Prize-winner Edith Wharton's pioneering novella: Sisters. Ann and Evelina have created a little corner for themselves in New York at the turn of the century. When a handsome clockmaker comes to call, the powerful bonds of sisterhood are put to the test. The play shows us hidden heroism in everyday life. JOIN THE CONVERSATION USING #spSisters For more information, visit: Soulpepper.ca

Actor Sarah Afful and director Katrina Darychuk talk about the adaptation of Virginia Woolf's timeless masterpiece: Orlando. How many lifetimes does it take to find love? Destined to never age, Orlando's fantastical journey crosses continents, centuries, and genders to find true happiness. Join us for the inaugural Soulpepper Book Club! Pick up a copy of Virginia Woolf's Orlando, read along, and participate in online discussions using #SoulpepperBookClub – then gather post-show for an exclusive artist-led discussion with other book-lovers on July 6, July 8 or July 10! JOIN THE CONVERSATION USING #spOrlando For more information, visit: Soulpepper.ca Drone in D by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200044 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Actress and singer Alana Bridgewater and director Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu talk about Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, one of the ten-play Pittsburgh Cycle by August Wilson that chronicles the twentieth century African American experience and deals with issues of race, art, religion and the historic exploitation of black recording artists by white producers. For more information, visit: Soulpepper.ca

Actor Gregory Prest and director Tanja Jacobs reveal the funny and smart construction of La Bête, a play about a theatre troupe trying to get rid of a new and annoying guest. La Bête, by David Hirson, is playing at the Soulpepper Theatre Company in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit: Soulpepper.ca

In this extended interview, the playwright of Innocence Lost: A Play about Steve Truscott talks about what fascinates her in the true crime story that rocked the country for decades and scarred a generation forever. Innocence Lost: A Play about Steve Truscott, by Bev Cooper, is playing at the Soulpepper Theatre Company in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit: Soulpepper.ca

One of Canada's most in-demand directors, Jackie Maxwell collaborates with Soulpepper for the first time on Innocence Lost: A Play about Steven Truscott. In this extended interview, she talks about this true-crime story, and her approach to bringing it to life on stage for today. Innocence Lost: A Play about Steve Truscott, by Bev Cooper, is playing at the Soulpepper Theatre Company in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit: Soulpepper.ca

Solange and Laurent hide in the woods to live a forbidden love and need to fight wolves and the weather after an accident. Adapted by Soulpepper Resident Artist Guillermo Verdecchia from a XIX Century French story. Featuring Alice Snaden as Solange, Christef Desir as Laurent, Derek Boyes as Papa, Leah Cherniak as Maman, Dan Mousseau as Dr. Leclerc and Marcel Stewart as Four Fingers. Special thanks to Liesl Low, Samantha Semczyszyn and Chris Scholey. Solange was produced, directed and sound edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. The Soulpepper Family Festival is made possible by CIBC. Thanks as well to the Government of Ontario. Soulpepper audio programs are generously supported by Richard Wernham and Julia West.

In a little cabin in the woods, an old woman is waiting for her husband to return with wood for the fire. When an unusual cold wind begin to blow, she is visited by animals trying to escape the weather. Winter Feast was written by Soulpepper Academy playwright Sina Gilani. Featuring Ghazal Azarbad as The Old Woman, Marcel Stewart as The Old Man, Alice Snaden as The Nightingale, Nicole Power as The French Hen, Christef Dezir as The Milk Cow, Dan Mousseau as The Baby Wolf, James Smith as The Wind, and Leah Cherniak as The Narrator. Winter Feast was produced, directed and sound edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. The Soulpepper Family Festival is made possible by CIBC. Thanks as well to the Government of Ontario. Soulpepper audio programs are generously supported by Richard Wernham and Julia West.

At bath time one night, Lionel and his Auntie receive unexpected news. It appears that, unbeknownst to them, Lionel is also the King of the Kingdom of Tin-Tin-Tin-Tin-Tin, and that his coronation is mere days away. When a winter-breathing dragon plunges his new kingdom into a permanent deep freeze, Lionel must attempt to rescue Tin-Tin-Tin-Tin-Tin from its icy fate. Adapted from Edith Nesbit's short story by Soulpepper Academy playwright Rosamund Small. Featuring Nicole Power as Lionel, Raquel Duffy as Auntie, Dan Mousseau as the Prime Minister, Marcel Stewart as Doug and Christef Desir as the Dragon, joined by Derek Boyes, Ghazal Azarbad, Alice Snaden and James Smith in a variety of roles. Special thanks to Liesl Low, Samantha Semczyszyn and Chris Scholey. The Book of Beasts was recorded, directed, produced and sound edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. The Soulpepper Family Festival is made possible by CIBC. Thanks as well to the Government of Ontario. Soulpepper audio programs are generously supported by Richard Wernham and Julia West through the Wernham-West Soulpepper Audio Project.

When a wild snow storm surrounds the family homestead, will Santa still find his way? Christmas in the Territory, a reimagined new holiday tale from Soulpepper Resident Artist Paula Wing, was adapted from the beloved novel Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Featuring Ghazal Azarbad as Laura, Alice Snaden as Mary, Dan Mousseau as Pa, Nicole Power as Ma, Marcel Stewart as Edwards and Christef Desir as Santa. Special thanks to Liesl Low, Samantha Semczyszyn and Chris Scholey. Christmas in the Territory was produced, directed and sound edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. The Soulpepper Family Festival is made possible by CIBC. Thanks as well to the Government of Ontario. Soulpepper audio programs are generously supported by Richard Wernham and Julia West.

Ted becomes a celebrity with his "Ted Talks" and the new office turns into a chaos. Rick makes his last move to get Angela's attention and is forcibly invited to a boxing session with the Prime Minister. The sesquicentennial celebrations come to an end, with fireworks, music, and romance. Happy Canada Day! The Complete 150 is Soulpepper's debut audio-drama series. It's a satirical podcast created and written by Jason Sherman, produced, directed and edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. Featuring: Rick Roberts, Raquel Duffy, Grace Lynn Kung, Paul Soles, Oliver Dennis, Stuart Hughes, Gregory Prest, Raoul Bhaneja, and Brendan Wall. Advisory: Mature language.

The team is moving to a new office! As July 1st gets closer, Rick decides to make some decisions about his career, but the Virtual Reality headset is gonna cause him some more problems before he leaves. The Complete 150 is Soulpepper's debut audio-drama series. It's a satirical podcast created and written by Jason Sherman, produced, directed and edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. Featuring: Rick Roberts, Raquel Duffy, Grace Lynn Kung, Paul Soles, Oliver Dennis and Raoul Bhaneja. Advisory: Mature language.

Watersports! It's time for Rick to be part of another segment of the 150th celebrations, fight the "Not My 150" protesters, see the plans for his movie changing again and meet the new Deputy Minister. The Complete 150 is Soulpepper's debut audio-drama series. It's a satirical podcast created and written by Jason Sherman, produced, directed and edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. Featuring: Rick Roberts, Raquel Duffy, Grace Lynn Kung, Paul Soles, Oliver Dennis and Raoul Bhaneja. Advisory: Mature language.

Mark remembers the recent disastrous events he had organize for the celebration of the 150th birthday. A call from Phill changes the plans for the movie. The deputy Minister pays a visit. Ted won't leave the washroom. This is not a good day for Mark. The Complete 150 is Soulpepper's debut audio-drama series. It's a satirical podcast created and written by Jason Sherman, produced, directed and edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. Featuring: Rick Roberts, Raquel Duffy, Grace Lynn Kung, Paul Soles, Oliver Dennis and Diego Matamoros. Advisory: Mature language.

Ted writes a beautiful speech for Mark, but Angela and Deena find it too outdated. While Angela rewrites the speech, Deena has to find a way to keep Ted busy between his washroom breaks. Meanwhile, Mark realizes his feelings for Angela. The Complete 150 is Soulpepper's debut audio-drama series. It's a satirical podcast created and written by Jason Sherman, produced, directed and edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. Featuring: Rick Roberts, Raquel Duffy, Grace Lynn Kung, Paul Soles, Oliver Dennis and Courtney Ch'ng Lancaster. Advisory: Mature language.

A new speech writer arrives to replace Jake, interrupting Rick's attempt to reconnect with Angela. The Complete 150 is Soulpepper's debut audio-drama series. It's a satirical podcast created and written by Jason Sherman, produced, directed and edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. Featuring: Rick Roberts, Raquel Duffy, Grace Lynn Kung and Paul Soles. Advisory: Mature language.

The affair between Rick and Angela threatens his marriage and gets in the way of the premiere of his new movie. Angela is not happy with the outcome of this relationship. The Complete 150 is Soulpepper's debut audio-drama series. It's a satirical podcast created and written by Jason Sherman, produced, directed and edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. Featuring: Rick Roberts, Raquel Duffy, Grace Lynn Kung, Stuart Hughes and Michelle Monteith. Advisory: Mature language.

The sesquicentennial festivities are not getting any attention and Rick's world is about to implode. Everyone in the team is going to suffer the consequences. The Complete 150 is Soulpepper's debut audio-drama series. It's a satirical podcast created and written by Jason Sherman, produced, directed and edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. Featuring: Rick Roberts, Raquel Duffy, Grace Lynn Kung, Matthew Edison, Diego Matamoros and Oliver Dennis. Advisory: Mature language.

The war veteran Bill Kluger arrives to start the countdown clock, but his war stories (and inappropriate behaviour) may take this party to an unexpected direction. The Complete 150 is Soulpepper's debut audio-drama series. It's a satirical podcast created and written by Jason Sherman, produced, directed and edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. Featuring: Rick Roberts, Raquel Duffy, Grace Lynn Kung, Matthew Edison, William Webster and Derek Boyes. Advisory: Mature language.

The preparations for the party get disrupted after a touching video, submitted by an octogenarian, is evaluated by the team. The Complete 150 is Soulpepper's debut audio-drama series. It's a satirical podcast created and written by Jason Sherman, produced, directed and edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. Featuring: Rick Roberts, Raquel Duffy, Grace Lynn Kung, Matthew Edison, William Webster and Oliver Dennis. Advisory: Mature language.

An old friend visits Rick and tries to convince him to accept the film in China. Meanwhile, the team hears some very bad news about the mascot. The Complete 150 is Soulpepper's debut audio-drama series. It's a satirical podcast created and written by Jason Sherman, produced, directed and edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. Featuring: Rick Roberts, Raquel Duffy, Grace Lynn Kung, Matthew Edison, Stuart Hughes and Gregory Prest. Advisory: Mature language.

Jake is devastated because his novel was rejected by every editor in town, while Deena tries to deal with a suspicious proposal. The Complete 150 is Soulpepper's debut audio-drama series. It's a satirical podcast created and written by Jason Sherman, produced, directed and edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. Featuring: Rick Roberts, Raquel Duffy, Grace Lynn Kung, Matthew Edison, Oliver Dennis and Gregory Prest. Advisory: Mature language.

A trip to Expo '67 in a virtual reality machine, created by Guy LaGuerre's “nephew”, gets Mark disconnected from reality. The Complete 150 is Soulpepper's debut audio-drama series. It's a satirical podcast created and written by Jason Sherman, produced, directed and edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. Featuring: Rick Roberts, Raquel Duffy, Grace Lynn Kung, Matthew Edison, Diego Matamoros and Gregory Prest. Advisory: Mature language.

Mark receives an unusual offer from his agent, while the team tries to deal with a crowd in animals costumes, waiting for the mascot auditions. Things get really weird when the new Deputy Minister of Heritage pays Mark a visit. The Complete 150 is Soulpepper's debut audio-drama series. It's a satirical podcast created and written by Jason Sherman, produced, directed and edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. Featuring: Rick Roberts, Raquel Duffy, Grace Lynn Kung, Matthew Edison, Oliver Dennis and Diego Matamoros. Advisory: Mature language.

Mark and the team try to find a location for his important speech, and its Pitch Day for Grant Chasers desperate to get a piece of federal funding. The Complete 150 is Soulpepper's debut audio-drama series. It's a satirical podcast created and written by Jason Sherman, produced, directed and edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. Featuring: Rick Roberts, Raquel Duffy, Grace Lynn Kung, Matthew Edison, and Anand Rajaram. Advisory: Mature language.

It's Canada's hundred-and-fiftieth birthday, and Ottawa's throwing a party! Not just any party - a nationwide, year-long celebration of everything that makes this country worth celebrating! But a party this big needs a personality just as big to run it, and nobody's bigger in Canada than Mark Armitage, much loved and admired actor-director-producer-writer-actor (wait, we said that), hand-picked by the Prime Minister to make sure that July 1st, 2017 will be a day unlike any other day in this nation's glorious past, present or future! There's just one problem, which Mark and his crack staff soon discover: how do you throw a birthday party for a country that doesn't want it? Mark, Angela, Deena and Jake try to film their vetted and approved Sesquicentennial Public Service Announcement, when the new Deputy Minister arrives with her own agenda. The Complete 150 is Soulpepper's debut audio-drama series. It's a satirical podcast created and written by Jason Sherman, produced, directed and edited by Gregory J. Sinclair. Featuring: Rick Roberts, Raquel Duffy, Grace Lynn Kung, Matthew Edison, and Brenda Robins. Advisory: Mature language.

Sign up now – Episode 1 launches May 9 A PODCAST SERIES - IN PRODUCTION It's Canada's hundred-and-fiftieth birthday, and Ottawa's throwing a party! Not just any party - a nationwide, year-long celebration of everything that makes this country worth celebrating! But a party this big needs a personality just as big to run it, and nobody's bigger in Canada than Mark Armitage, much loved and admired actor-director-producer-writer-actor (wait, we said that), hand-picked by the Prime Minister to make sure that July 1st, 2017 will be a day unlike any other day in this nation's glorious past, present or future! There's just one problem, which Mark and his crack staff soon discover: how do you throw a birthday party for a country that doesn't want it? A satirical podcast written by Jason Sherman, produced by Gregory J. Sinclair, in their first collaboration since their award-winning CBC radio shows Afghanada, National Affairs, and P.M.O. Soulpepper's debut Audio-Drama series is currently in production and will premiere May 9th, with new episodes released each Tuesday and Thursday, until Canada Day 2017.

This jam packed show will feature new material alongside some of Sharron's award winning stories and songs that have helped build her reputation as the "Redheaded Canadian Goddess of Cabaret" (the Skinny-U.K.) from Scotland, to London, to South Africa and all across North America.

Tom Allen and John Millard (CPR Salon) bring you a fascinating exploration of songs we know but didn't know were composed by Canadians. The Lost Book of Canadian Songs reunites some of the CPR singers (John Millard, Anna Atkinson, Mark Rainey, Tom Allen and Suba Sankaran) to take a look at Canadian songs from the far corners of the 20th century and beyond - including such classics as My Way, Aquarius, Something to Talk About, Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens, I'll Never Smile Again, K-k-k Katy, Tumblin' Tumbleweeds, Peg o' My Heart, Oh What a Feelin'!, Put Your Head on My Shoulder, Sugar Sugar, Darktown Strutter's Ball and more!

Award-winning actor and blues musician Raoul Bhaneja returns to Soulpepper for the third instalment of "Raoul's Blues Interviews" where he jams with and chats with blues luminaries and founders of the Toronto music scene. He is joined for this one by the legendary Paul James who began his career over 40 years ago playing everywhere from the bars of Yonge Street to Yorkville to stadiums with Bob Dylan! Raoul will be joined by another Canadian music legend and veteran, his long-time collaborator Terry Wilkins on upright bass.

Patricia O'Callaghan, Robert Kortgaard, and Andrew Downing are back, and promise another intimate, eclectic, and powerful evening of song. Combining originals with old favourites…the nostalgia of Newman, the tragic heroines of Weill…with a bunch of new repertoire; from Brel to Bizet to Bowie, they'll have you tapping your toes and drying your eyes…well, maybe not at the same time.

In 1968 a grand experiment in co-operative living, alternative education and pan-libertarian Hippie idealism was birthed right here in the heart of Toronto. A seven-year experiment in counterculture, free love, sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Actor, Raconteur, and former Rochdale College resident Robert (Bob) Nasmith with Musician, Actor, and ‘60s music-enthusiast Brendan Wall explore the songs and stories of Toronto the Good's very own Haight/Ashbury with the music of Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, The Band, and Downchild Blues Band.

Toronto actor and musician Raoul Bhaneja interviews and performs with notable Canadian blues performers in an intimate cabaret setting. Building on a component of his Dora nominated musical Life, Death and The Blues, the evening intersects autobiography, story telling, and song. After a successful evening in September 2015 with Danny Marks, Raoul is joined this evening by Canadian roots and blues legend Ken Whiteley, accompanied long time Toronto musician and member of Raoul and The Big Time Terry Wilkins on the upright bass.

JUNO Award-winning Toronto musician, composer and producer David Buchbinder is collaborating with The Ward's editors and a crew of stellar musical compatriots including Andrew Craig and Michael Occhipinti to bring to life the “Songs and Sounds of a Lost Toronto Neighbourhood.” This is the first iteration of a proposed multi-part creation.

Inspired by the seminal environmental novel by the Canadian naturalist Fred Bodsworth, The Last Curlew follows the 10,000 km migration of the critically endangered Eskimo Curlew. This timeless, powerful and heart-breaking story is told with music by Alexina Louie, Ralph Vaughan-Williams and R. Murray Schafer, and features harpist Lori Gemmell, TSO Violinist Etsuko Kimura and Dancer/Choreographer Julia Aplin, along with actors Jenny Young (Dearie) and Deborah Drakeford (Grandma).

"The New Toronto" connects the dots between the Canadian artists dominating today's charts, and the confessional songwriters who paved the way for them. The music of Drake, Justin Bieber, and The Weeknd meets the music of Bruce Springsteen, Alanis Morissette, and others. Soulpepper Academy graduate Richard Lam leads a team that includes company favourites Anna Atkinson and Andrew Penner, alongside new faces Anika Johnson, Benjamin Camenzuli and Marcel Stewart.

Join Suzanne McKenney, Steve Hunter and special guest Colleen Allen on saxophone as they explore Kansas City's hotspots, history and the raucous energy that seemed to ooze from that era as they deliver a passionate show with a lot of heart and force. "Kansas (Sin) City" is a ninety minute "knock on the back door" filled with classic 1930's boogie-woogie tunes, stories, history, and how the jump blues era evolved into rock n' roll.

Soulpepper presents highlights from its weekly Cabaret Series, featuring intimate musical performances from established artists, exciting talent, as well as unexpected collaborations from Toronto's diverse musical community. Award-winning composer and performer Bryce Kulak's new cabaret features his music from the film The Man That Got Away and the stage works Bears, Bohemians in Brooklyn, The Judgment of Paris, From Weimar to Vaudeville, and his most recent piece La Casati, which premiered as part of Reframed at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Bryce incorporates more of his solo piano material and updates a selection of cover songs from his old 78-speed record collection. Eccentric, inventive, and thought-provoking songs conjure early theatre music, the jazz age, and vaudeville. Featuring Tom Allen on trombone, plus some surprise guests. It's a fresh bouquet of cabaret; won't you join us?

Soulpepper presents highlights from its weekly Cabaret Series, featuring intimate musical performances from established artists, exciting talent, as well as unexpected collaborations from Toronto's diverse musical community. Back by popular demand, the Polka Dogs and special guests Nichol Robertson on guitar and Soulpepper artist Anna Atkinson interpret the renowned songwriter Hank Williams. Included in the program are Polka Dog hits that will make the evening a rockin' interpretation of modern and traditional songwriting.

Soulpepper presents highlights from its weekly Cabaret Series, featuring intimate musical performances from established artists, exciting talent, as well as unexpected collaborations from Toronto's diverse musical community. Toronto's Kalabash is a contemporary jazz sextet that experiments with the layering of rich jazz harmonies over the folk and popular rhythms of the Caribbean, from Reggae, Son and Salsa in the North, to Calypso, Soca, Rapso and Zouk from the Eastern Caribbean. This program explores the “shades of blue” of the Caribbean Sea, reflected in the sextet's exploration of these varying musical traditions and elements, and how they are fused to create a unique musical fabric.

Toronto actor and musician Raoul Bhaneja interviews and performs with notable Canadian blues performers in an intimate cabaret setting. Building on a component of his Dora nominated musical Life, Death and The Blues, the evening intersects autobiography, story telling, and song.

Clip of the song "Alligator Pie" from the production recording of Soulpepper's Alligator Pie.