And suddenly, it is the end of November. For those of us in the Northern hemisphere, this means a time of shorter days and expanding nights. Here in Ottawa, brief sunrises accompany rumours of snow and the kind of cold that clears your mind. As we ease into darkness, I simultaneously…
Your generous support of the NAC’s National Creation Fund recently helped a new production make waves across the pond. After having its world premiere at the Shaw Festival in March 2023, Mahabharata, written and adapted by Ravi Jain and Miriam Fernandes of Why Not Theatre, had its…
New season, new Sarah! In truth, I am not so new… I started as Artistic Associate the day the NCF was born, arriving during a time of big dreams and big questions. The process of bringing the Fund to life was itself pure creation – feeling our way through the unknown, experiencing moments…
Summer times are different than before. They are now a mixture of devastation and joy. They are far more dramatic than they used to be. We are changed by this. Yet, as we head back into the proverbial school year, the time when everything starts churning at full tilt, when we pass through…
Donor support of the National Creation Fund provide the time, space and resources for performing artists to bring new works to their full potential. I Forgive You was created in response to a violent homophobic attack that left choral director Scott Jones paralyzed from the waist down in…
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As part of its “Vitrine sur l’admin” mentorship program, the National Arts Centre (NAC) had the pleasure of welcoming two enthusiastic mentees this spring: Shannon Lacroix and Kevin Monchaux. The aim of the program, set up by the Association des théâtres francophones du Canada (ATFC) and…
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“Creating something beautiful to celebrate the first five years of the National Creation Fund”: that’s what Sarah Garton Stanley (SGS) and Sarah Conn, co-editors of the book Materials for Creation, had in mind a year ago. Launched this month in Montréal and Toronto, the book is also a…
"Why not call it a month of creation?" asked my gifted colleague and co-editor, Sarah Conn, when we were talking about the lead up to the launch of our book: Materials for Creation. A great idea, and for those of you who follow me on the socials, thanks for giving me the head room to speak…
The NAC’S National Creation Fund’s Disability-driven Initiatives The National Creation Fund is continually working to reimagine accessibility and what it looks like on stage, in conversation and in the processes of creation and funding applications. As we mark National AccessAbility Week…
National AccessAbility Week, celebrated annually in Canada, serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and accessibility for persons with disabilities. “For the National Arts Centre, this is a time to reflect on how to best create a space where everyone can engage with and enjoy…
The National Creation Fund season runs on the school year calendar. Last Fall, when I was the new kid on the block, I had no idea what lay in store. In alphabetical order, I present the long list of shows - FOR JUST THIS YEAR - that the National Creation Fund has invested in that have been…
Thanks in no small part to Jully Black’s recent performance at an NBA all-star game, it has come to more general attention that “O Canada our home on native land” is another possible scan for the national anthem’s original wording of “our home and native land”. In recent weeks, in my role…
This one goes out in honour of the memory of Peter Herrndorf. Peter passed away on Saturday February 18th, and is survived by his family and thousands upon thousands who were lucky to have known him. The National Creation Fund was established under his watchful eye, and every success the…
2023 is dedicated to experiments. Here’s 12. One for each month. Why? Because that’s really what it’s all about. Experiments! Happy New Year! (And…in true storytelling style I am saving the most exciting news – about our latest investment – for the end). 1. Previous Track Record. You need…
Last month I asked what works of performance had changed the world around you. Responses were eclectic and fascinating. From Wagner's Parsifal at the Met, to a first experience with Holy Body Tattoo, through to Neworld's King Arthur, it was a list of introductions and recollection. I loved…