Soulpepper Theatre Unveils Vision to Strengthen Community Through Storytelling Initiative

Soulpepper Theatre has unveiled its transformative three-year strategic vision, titled “Stories for a Stronger City.” This initiative aims to expand access to the power of theatre, welcoming more artists, partner companies, and audiences while fostering a sense of belonging and social cohesion within the community.

Weyni Mengesha

Over the next three years, Soulpepper plans to enhance its civic role by presenting more exceptional productions and developing innovative partnerships with some of Toronto’s most dynamic theatre companies. In addition to its on-stage work, the organization will introduce new and expanded free community programming, turning its venue into a lively hub for artistic activity. This effort seeks to combat the rising tide of social isolation in Toronto, which has been highlighted in the Toronto Foundation’s 2023 Vital Signs Report. The report revealed alarming statistics: 50% of adults in the city experience feelings of depression weekly, and 37%—approximately 925,000 people—report loneliness at least three times a week. By broadening its artistic offerings and hosting a variety of free events, Soulpepper is directly addressing these pressing issues while exploring new paths to sustainability.

Weyni Mengesha, Soulpepper’s Artistic Director, emphasized the power of storytelling in promoting social cohesion. She envisions a space where every visitor can engage in shared experiences, deepening their connections with one another and fostering a greater understanding of their community. The theatre is committed to becoming a place of congregation and discovery, realizing its potential as a crucial arts institution in the city.

Gideon Arthurs

Gideon Arthurs, the Executive Director, shared the organization’s goal of tackling the loneliness epidemic head-on by leveraging their space and creativity to create numerous opportunities for Torontonians to gather. He highlighted the vision as a roadmap to making Soulpepper a theatre that is accessible to all, integral to the city’s cultural health and social fabric.

The “Stories for a Stronger City” initiative will unfold in two key phases. The first phase, already in progress, involves increased investment in artists and a doubling of productions. Upcoming announcements will reveal exciting new partnerships with various theatre companies, ensuring a continuous stream of performances. This phase also aims to reinvigorate Soulpepper’s new work development program, offering vital support to artists as they create new narratives for the Canadian canon.

The second phase, launching in late 2024, will significantly enhance community and education programs. These free activities will aim to foster connections among individuals, utilizing the power of theatre to cultivate belonging and bridge diverse perspectives. By reimagining itself as a community hub, Soulpepper aspires to become an essential component of Toronto’s civic infrastructure.

The Board of Directors, led by Chair Robin Cardozo, expressed strong support for this ambitious vision, viewing it as a critical evolution for the organization. “Stories for a Stronger City” promises to reshape Toronto’s cultural landscape, creating a space where shared experiences can flourish and the bonds that unify the community can be rebuilt. This new chapter is set to benefit not only Soulpepper but all Torontonians, enhancing the city’s resilience.