Menu
Back
What's On
Explore
About
Are you an artist?
Check out our programs designed to help you.
Learn MoreKeep up to date! Sign up for the Belfry’s E-News.
The Belfry Theatre audiences have been responding enthusiastically to 1939, a production we are proud to have on our stage. After a successful run, great reviews, and positive feedback, we have sadly made the difficult decision to end the run on Sunday, November 10, due to serious health and wellness concerns within the cast.
1939 was part of a larger response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Its creation was guided by extensive consultations with Indigenous Elders and Survivors and tells important stories of continued anti-Indigenous racism and systemic cultural erasure through Residential Schools.
We thank our audiences, sponsors, and all who have supported this production. The Belfry will offer a refund all ticket holders who are impacted by this situation. Box Office will be in contact.
We look forward to seeing you at the Belfry for our next production.
Thank you for your support.
It’s 1939, the year of King George’s first Royal Tour of Canada, and rumour has it that a Residential School in Northern Ontario is on the itinerary. As the Welsh English-teacher rehearses her students for a performance of All’s Well That Ends Well for the King, the Indigenous actors discover surprising parallels between their various cultures and Shakespeare’s script—and set out to make his bittersweet comedy their own.
Why I Chose This Play
Jani Lauzon and Kaitlyn Riordan have crafted a play full of empathy and humour. They have found a way of addressing the tragedy of Residential Schools that gives the Indigenous students agency and pride. And I love the surprising way in which Shakespeare—the ultimate colonial icon—is given new vitality and significance. – Michael Shamata
Notes
Initially produced at the Stratford Festival in 2022, 1939 was born of both family legacy and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and has been guided by Indigenous Elders, Survivors, and ceremony throughout its development.
1939 was originally commissioned by the Stratford Festival, Ontario, Canada. Special thank you to Shakespeare in the Ruff who, through the Canada Council, helped support the initial script development.
A Belfry Theatre and Canadian Stage joint production in association with The Stratford Festival.
Articles
Intermission Magazine – 1939 finds tremendous power in the things left unspoken >
The process of researching and consulting during the development of the play, 1939 >
APTV News – ‘1939’ play imagines youth at a residential school doing a Shakespeare production >
Statement
The Belfry Theatre endeavours to stage stories that offer multiple perspectives on the world around us. 1939 is an important work of art, and we are excited to share it with our audiences.
1939 was originally commissioned by the Stratford Festival, where it premiered in 2022, and is part of a larger response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The script was guided by Indigenous Elders, Survivors, and extensive consultations throughout its development. It tells the important stories of continued anti-Indigenous racism and systemic cultural erasure through Residential Schools.
1939 leads with empathy and humour and seeks to give Indigenous students agency and pride while still addressing the tragedy of Residential Schools. It exists in relation to a larger body of Indigenous work, both at the Belfry and elsewhere.
“Bold and unexpected…sparkles and compels…”
“A gripping tale of heart and humanity… a stunning success.”
“A moving and powerful must-see play ”
“1939 finds tremendous power in the things left unspoken…some of 1939’s most haunting messages come from the things we don’t see...1939 never tells you how the students are feeling: It shows you. The play trusts its audiences to fill in gaps and make connections, and it overwhelmingly succeeds… ”
Audiences experience our work on many levels – some people like to prepare in advance and others prefer to be surprised when they see the show. We’ve created a host of live and digital experiences to help you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of our plays.
Our live talk show, hosted by CBC Radio’s Gregor Craigie, returns for its 12th season! Attend in-person, watch it live on Facebook, or catch it later on Vimeo or YouTube. B4Play features artists from the upcoming show, along with experts from the community, who illuminate themes in the play.
Following the third Thursday performance of each show, actors return to the stage to answer your questions and provide insight into the play you have just experienced. These Q & A sessions last approximately 20 minutes.
For patrons with low or no vision, we offer one VocalEye performance during most Mainstage productions. Trained Audio Describers provide descriptions of the visual elements of the show, allowing people with low vision to enjoy the theatrical experience without missing any of the details.
Upstage is our in-house magazine, published in conjunction with our Mainstage productions. Each issue focuses on the upcoming production and features an article on the play and more information about the production and the theatre.
Read More