Tarragon Theatre, Toronto’s neighbourhood theatre, is thrilled to kick off its 2023-24 season with The Last Epistle of Tightrope Time, a solo play written and performed by Walter Borden, one of Canada’s most celebrated artists and activists. The show, directed by Peter Hinton-Davis, runs from September 19 to October 15, 2023 at the Mainspace, with the opening night on September 27.
The Last Epistle of Tightrope Time is a culmination of Borden’s decades-long exploration of his life story as a Black gay man who has witnessed and contributed to the history and culture of Canada. The show is a revised and completed version of Tightrope Time Ain’t Nuthin’ More Than Some Itty Bitty Madness Between Your Twilight & Your Dawn, which Borden began writing in 1974 and first performed in 1986. In this captivating and poignant performance, Borden portrays 10 different characters who represent various aspects of his identity and experiences, from his childhood in Nova Scotia to his involvement in the civil rights movement, the Stonewall riots, the AIDS crisis, and the theatre scene.
The show is a Tarragon Theatre/NAC presentation of the NAC/Neptune Theatre production, which was originally scheduled to play at the NAC in February 2022 but was cancelled due to the convoy disruption in Ottawa. Tarragon Theatre is proud to resurrect this production and share it with Toronto audiences.
“Walter Borden’s creation is as timeless as the man who penned it. I have followed the journey of this seminal masterpiece of legacy, poetism, and celebration for many years, and I am so honoured to have it open a brand new season of stories that highlight the resilience of our communities and humanity,” says Mike Payette, Artistic Director of Tarragon Theatre. He adds, “Prepare to be moved, to laugh and to be transported to parts of ourselves that deserve re-awakening, levity, and profound joy. This kind of an unforgettable passage of spirit and artistic mastery only comes once in a lifetime, and it is shared through the powerful voice and lens of one of our most beloved trailblazers in Canadian theatre.”
The Last Epistle of Tightrope Time is a rare opportunity to witness the life and art of Walter Borden, who has been honoured with the Order of Canada, the Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Award, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and many other accolades. The show is suitable for audiences aged 14 and up.
The Last Epistle of Tightrope Time runs from September 19 to October 15, 2023 at the Mainspace. Tickets range from $15 to $65 and can be purchased online at [showoneproductions.ca] or by phone at 416-531-1827. Rush tickets are available for $25 starting three hours before each performance. For more information and schedule, visit www.tarragontheatre.com
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