SpeakEasy Theatre

General Manager Markian Tarasiuk recently spoke to the Globe and Mail about SpeakEasy Theatre's specific troubles securing grants with the Canada Council. The article points out "Artists don’t like to complain about the Canada Council because they fear it may jeopardize their grants or the council’s own funding from the federal government." Markian has had this exact fear, but since we are not reapplying anytime soon, felt he could chat with them about it. Here is the full t...Continue reading

SpeakEasy Theatre's statement on the 2020 season: Dear patrons, supporters, and colleagues, It is with a heavy heart that SpeakEasy Theatre formally announces that this year’s Pull Festival will not be moving forward. Although our future is uncertain we want to acknowledge everyone who’s been involved with Pull in its (so far!) eight-year history. Created in 2012 by Kayvon Khoshkam and Jameson Parker the festival quickly became a crowd favourite and has engaged with hundreds ...Continue reading

PHT is extremely honoured to present THE SHIPMENT and open eyes and conversations about racism and Black identity on the north shore. We are incredibly proud o...f the SpeakEasy Theatre cast for their integrity, generous honesty and no-holds-barred commitment to this work. The vital importance and need for this show was glaringly obvious at last night’s performance as Omari Newton was directly and abruptly challenged onstage by an uncomfortable audience member. Omari Newton describes it best in his powerful post. READ IT.

Happened during tonight’s performance. Omari conveys the events and sentiment best. We’re so proud of this show and the bravery of our cast.

THE SHIPMENT opens tonight @phtheatre in North Van!! Your last chance to catch this show! On until Oct 12th! Ticket link in bio > by @artleftcreative

It’s tech day @phtheatre !! Thank you to everyone who attended a performance @firehallartscentre - if you missed out we are on in North Van until Saturday! Tix in bio -

"For once we get to see a play that stars black people that isn’t about slavery and that doesn’t exploit the trauma of black folks. For once we see a black cast that is having a good time. A cast that is laughing and joking and poking fun at others. For once we see a black cast telling a story about white people."

Theatre at its very best

The Shipment left me thinking and that’s always a good thing. I share playwright Lee’s worry that in satirizing black stereotypes, The Shipment might inadvertently be perpetuating them just as Clockwork Orange unintentionally encouraged violence amongst the already unhinged. What do you think?

In fact, if you're easily offended by topics like systemic racism, privilege, stereotypes, depression, or sweaty comedians... you should see this show anyway.

"What's meaningful about SpeakEasy's production is that they have completely made it their own" - Young Jean Lee was interviewed on CBC Q this morning. She chats her process and The Shipment here in Vancouver. We open tomorrow!

"The Firehall Arts Centre Launches 2019/2020 Season with Young Jean Lee’s Provocative Play The Shipment." We're less than a week away!

What's happening in Vancouver theatre in September? I think you know.