SASKATOON - In William Shakespeare’s play, “As you like it”, he quotes, “, and all the men and women merely players.” This may best describe the celebratory season of Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, the province’s premier summer festival.
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan was founded in 1985 by Gordon McCall, who also served as the company’s first artistic director.
Kayvon Khoshkam, spokesperson of the Saskatoon summer festival and artistic director, says, “The original board included John Wright and Henry Woolf, with the festival initially produced under Nightcap Productions.”
Khoshkam stated that Gordon McCall remains connected to the festival’s legacy today, and will be the keynote speaker at the Special Event on April 23 —Shakespeare’s Birthday. This evening will celebrate 400 years of Shakespeare’s enduring influence and 40 years of SOS festival, marking the exciting season ahead.
Seeing Saskatoon’s riverside as an ideal home for the unique summer festival, and after staging several productions and events there, McCall knew the natural setting shaped the company’s early identity. Immersive staging that includes underground tunnels, real car crashes onstage and even train tracks installed by the railway company are all part of the experience.
“While the festival’s exact location shifted slightly in its first decade, it has remained in the same region for 30 years. In 2020, the dream of a permanent home was realized with the construction of dedicated festival structures, ensuring a lasting presence on the riverbank.,” adds Khoshkam.
What Shakespeare production debuted in June of 1985? McCall directed A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
“One of the most memorable moments from the early years actually came in the second season, when the company needed to raise $15,000 in advance of rehearsals for The Tempest (1986). To achieve this, local actor David Beairsto lived on a boat in the river for two weeks, dressed as William Shakespeare and reciting sonnets. Every donation pulled his boat a little closer to shore — a fittingly theatrical fundraiser.”
Khoshkam acknowledges that if you told the first company of actors back in 1985 that the festival would be thriving 40 years later, they likely would have been shocked. As Shakespeare eloquently stated, “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.”
“At the time, many doubted that Saskatchewan audiences would embrace Shakespeare as a summer tradition. Live theatre is always a risk, but against all odds, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan has flourished, proving that there was, and still is, a deep love for the Bard under Saskatoon’s summer skies.”
Many highlights in 40 year history of SOS
There have been highlights over the years says the artistic director, noting that one of the festival’s proudest achievements is the successful capital campaign that led to the construction of their permanent site. This was a monumental step forward, establishing one of Canada’s most picturesque and well-equipped outdoor Shakespeare festivals.
It was also ascertained that another milestone for the theatre company was their bilingual production of Roméo et Juliette, which featured English and French performances and famously opened with two real cars colliding onstage.
“This production toured nationally, including a run at the National Arts Centre, and marked the beginning of our commitment to co-productions — most recently seen in our collaboration on The Dark Lady by Jessica B. Hill.”
Â鶹´«Ã½AV asked if there are challenges with running an annual summer theatre festival, with the response, “Even with our newly developed site, each season requires an enormous logistical effort. Unlike most theatres, which operate year-round in fixed locations, our festival is still a temporary village, built each summer and dismantled before winter.”
Like many industries, COVID-19 took a heavy toll on the theatre industry, and the effects are still felt today.
“Classical theatre, in particular, depends on audiences who value and sustain it. Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan has always been a festival for the people, thriving on the kindness and support of those who attend and believe in its mission.”
Khoshkam says they are continuously inspired to keep the festival going year after year. “The magic of shared experiences. Shakespeare’s works have endured for over 400 years, and our festival has now become a 40-year tradition in its own right. We are continuously inspired by the artists who reimagine these timeless stories and the audiences who return year after year, making our festival a cherished part of their summers. The love for both the plays and the community that gathers to watch them is what keeps us moving forward.”
40th anniversary celebration
The 40th anniversary kicks off with a major celebration on April 23, Shakespeare’s Birthday. Founder Gordon McCall will deliver the keynote speech, with Jeff Rogstad as MC and plenty of surprises throughout the evening.
“On our Main Stage, we’re honouring our roots by bringing back A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Artistic Director, myself, Kayvon Khoshkam, with a unique 1985 Saskatoon setting. Alongside it, we’re thrilled to present The Tragedy of Richard II, directed by Skye Brandon — one of the few Shakespeareans plays never before staged in our 40-year history.
As a non-profit organization, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan relies on a mix of grant funding, corporate sponsorships, donor contributions, and ticket sales from our summer season. Every bit of support helps ensure that they can continue bringing these timeless stories to life for generations to come.
We dare think, Shakespeare would be proud. “Some are born great; some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
