Nightswimming Theatre: Greek Myths, Canadian Dramaturgy

In 10 years, the Toronto theatre company, Nightswimming, will be an international dramaturgical centre, devoted to theatrical innovation through creation residencies, commissions and international exchanges.

This is the company's dream, and it has already taken the first step: in partnership with seven theatre schools across Canada, and with Canada Council support, it is developing a seven-play cycle, City of Wine by Ned Dickens.

The playwright, artistic director (Brian Quirt) and producer (Naomi Campbell) will travel to the schools to complete the scenario and develop, rehearse, produce and present this 12-hour work with more than 150 students in their final year of training. This is the first such initiative on this scale in Canada.

The full cycle will be presented in May 2009 at the City of Wine Festival, produced by Nightswimming in Toronto. The Festival will enable the students to see the work of their contemporaries from across the country and provide a unique spotlight on them as they graduate into the professional theatre. It will also feature a session exploring performance training in Canada and a symposium on the issues of leadership and civic responsibility that are central to the plays.

“Through the City of Wine project, we are developing a new model for professional training through play development. It will challenge students to work at the highest standard possible with professional artists and institutions, and bring them in contact with their fellow students across Canada… It will not only be a remarkable learning opportunity for the students… but also a process of educating them about life in the real world of Canadian theatre.”