Teatro Live! is a renowned theatre organization based in Old Strathcona, Edmonton. It stages its performances at the Varscona Theatre, offering a rich subscription series of four plays each year, along with unique events such as concerts, variety shows, and readings. Let’s delve into the history, mission, and artistic vision of this remarkable company on edmonton-trend.
Founding of the Organization
The origins of the legendary Teatro Live! date back to 1982 when playwright Stewart Lemoine founded the organization under the name Teatro La Quindicina. Its first production, All These Heels, premiered at the Edmonton Fringe Festival, marking the beginning of a successful journey. For several seasons, the troupe performed exclusively at the festival before expanding its collaborations with other local theatre groups and touring across Canada.
Three times, Teatro Live! took its acclaimed production Pith! to New York City. In 1994, the company became a resident theatre company at Varscona Theatre, where all of its performances have taken place ever since.
Notably, Teatro Live! strives to create an environment where both seasoned professionals and emerging actors can develop their talents. Its unique ensemble-based approach extends beyond the stage, shaping an organizational model in which artists participate at all levels, from management to administration. For decades, the troupe has been a creative powerhouse, designing productions that reflect the tastes of audiences while showcasing the actors’ strengths and distinctive artistic voices. The majority of its original plays were written specifically for Edmonton’s theatre artists, ensuring a deep connection between the performers and their material.
The Artistic Vision of Teatro Live!
For over 40 years, Teatro Live! has focused on producing original works by Stewart Lemoine. In recent seasons, the company has expanded its repertoire to include plays by other writers whose works align with Lemoine’s signature storytelling and comedic ethos.
Two fundamental principles define the organization:
- Comedy as a Core Element – Whether through farces, romantic adventures, mystery thrillers, or murder mysteries, comedy is ever-present. Even the most serious plays performed by the troupe are infused with irony and wit.
- Language as a Key Component – The company prioritizes expressive, witty, and tonally precise works, where dialogue plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative. Recent seasons have included adaptations of plays by celebrated playwrights such as Neil Simon, Noël Coward, and Maxwell Anderson.
The organization’s primary mission is to promote comedic works by Canadian playwrights, grounded in strong narrative structures, as well as modern classics by authors from different eras. Additionally, Teatro Live! actively supports the creation of new comedies and musicals, ensuring a fresh and evolving artistic landscape.
Commitment to Fighting Racism and Discrimination
Since its inception, Teatro Live! has been vocal in opposing systemic racism and discrimination faced by Indigenous, Black, and marginalized communities in Canada and beyond. The troupe and its leadership have long acknowledged issues that were historically ignored or silenced.
In spring 2020, the organization implemented a Respect and Inclusion Policy, which strictly prohibits discrimination in any form among its members. As part of its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, Teatro Live! organizes anti-racism training sessions and welcomes individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, and socio-economic statuses into its productions.
For more than four decades, Teatro Live! has remained at the forefront of Edmonton’s theatre scene, continuously evolving and enriching the city’s cultural landscape. Its dedication to comedy, storytelling, and inclusivity makes it a true gem in Canadian theatre, ensuring that audiences can enjoy fresh, compelling, and socially conscious performances for years to come.
