The 52 Live:

Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto 

Live theatrical experience

Presented by Museum of Toronto in association with Luminato Festival

Wednesday, June 4 - Saturday, June 7
The City of Toronto Archives

$20

The Show

Hidden in archives, carved into city streets, woven through Toronto's history—the stories of women who built this city wait to be told. They represent 52% of Toronto's population, and in this groundbreaking performance, their voices rise to life.

Through 52 powerful vignettes, this innovative theatrical experience celebrates the women who have shaped our city. Created by the Museum of Toronto, The 52 Live unfolds against the dramatic backdrop of the City Archives, where 24 Canadian playwrights give voice to pioneers, artists, leaders, and changemakers.

Each performance features a different selection of the 52 women, and weaves together monologues and choral singing to celebrate women's contributions to Toronto's arts, politics, sports, technology, and business. Like shuffling a deck of cards, no two shows will be alike—offering fresh perspectives on the countless ways women have transformed our city. Audiences may wish to see more than one performance, or visit  the exhibition to learn about all of the 52 women.

Part of a larger initiative and exhibition exploring women's voices throughout Toronto's history, The 52 Live turns archival stories into living, breathing theatre. Step into a unique site-specific experience where the past meets the present, and hidden histories take center stage.

Run time:  60 Minutes - No Intermission

Location: The City of Toronto Archives

Show Information

In order to help you prepare for this performance, please read the following:

• Each of the 8 performances of The 52 Live will be different. Our ensemble of actors and performers will bring to life each of the 52 womens’ monologues over the course of 8 performances. At your performance, you will meet 7 of the 52 women.

• During this one hour performance, audiences will be guided through several different spaces within the Archives building.  You will be walking/moving between spaces; there will be seating in some areas, and in others there will be limited seating or standing only. Comfortable footwear is recommended.  An adventurous spirit is a must.

• Three of the spaces you will visit are on ground level; two are on the second floor, with about 20 stairs to climb.  There is one elevator available for those who require it. If you require use of the elevator, please contact us as outlined below.

• If possible, please avoid bringing large or heavy bags or backpacks to this performance;  As the Archives is a non-traditional theatre venue, space will be limited, and there is no coat/bag check to store your belongings. 

• When arriving at the Archives, you will check in a Box Office desk outside the venue. Doors to the venue will open 15 min before the ticketed performance start time. You may have to queue outside the venue if you arrive before the doors open.

• If you have accessibility needs of any kind, please let us know in advance by emailing hello@museumoftoronto.com.  We will do our best to assist you in order to provide an optimal theatre experience.

Additional information on the venue: Directions & Accessibility features of The Archives 

We look forward to seeing you at The Archives.

More about Museum of Toronto’s The 52: Project
Learn more about project through photos, artifacts, and video

Evalyn Parry, Director & Co-creator 

Shawn Kerwin, Designer & Co-creator 

Lillian Allen, Songwriter 

Juliet Palmer, Composer 

steph raposo, Technical Director, Lighting & Sound Designer 

Andrea Surich, Production Manager 

The playwrights: 
Twenty-four of Toronto’s most exciting and emerging artists have been commissioned to tell the stories of 52 historically significant women in the city through dramatic monologues. The playwrights on this project include 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. 

Performers: 

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

For full cast list visit: https://museumoftoronto.com/collection/meet-the-52/