The 52: Live Theatrical Experience

Dates

Wednesday, June 4 – Saturday, June 7, 2025

Times

6:30 PM & 8:30 PM (each evening)

Location

City of Toronto Archives
255 Spadina Road, Toronto, ON

52 Women. 24 Playwrights. 1 Stage.

What happens when Toronto’s most powerful stories are performed live? The 52 Live brings the city’s history to life through theatre, monologue, and music — spotlighting women who shaped Toronto as we know it today.

Inspired by The 52: Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto exhibition, this performance features a rotating lineup of stories written by 24 Canadian playwrights and performed by a dynamic cast. No two shows are the same — each evening reshuffles the voices, the moods, and the energy.

Experience untold stories, familiar names, and unforgettable performances in the intimate setting of the Toronto Archives. Admission is free, but seating is limited — arrive early to claim your spot.

This live production is presented by Museum of Toronto in association with Luminato Festival.

The Cast
Marie Beath Badian, Nova Bhattacharya, Yolanda Bonnell, Chloe Cha, Diane Flacks, Barbara Gordon, Marcia Johnson, Leesa Levinson, Shira Leuchter, Ange Loft, Karin Randoja, Lisa Ryder, Ashley Naomi Skye, Mirabella Sundar Singh, Meghan Swaby, Diana Tso

Creative Team
Evalyn Parry, Director + Co-Creator, Shawn Kerwin, Designer + Co-Creator, Lillian Allen, Songwriter, Juliet Palmer, Composer, Christine Duncan, Conductor, Marie Beath Badian, Creative Consultant, Steph Raposo, Technical Director & Sound Designer, Allison Spearin, Stage Manager, Andrea Surich, Production Manager

The Playwrights
Kanika Ambrose, Erin Shields, Ophira Calof, Marcia Johnson, Marjorie Chan, Anna Chatterton, Diane Flacks, Falen Johnson, Sarena Parmar, Julie Tepperman, Aida Jordao, Ashley Naomi Skye, Ali Joy Richardson, Coleen MacPherson, Jo SiMalaya Alcampo, Jordi Mand, Julia Hune-Brown, Keira Loughran, Lisa Ryder, Meghan Swaby, Sedina Fiati, Shandra Spears, Cheri Maracle, and Sharada Eswar.

The 52 Live Theatrical Experience runs 1 hour, no intermission
Museum of Toronto engages professional artists under the terms of the Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA) with Canadian Actors’ Equity Association (CAEA)