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Artword Theatre's own productions 2006 onwards 1999 to 20061993 to 1998
written, directed, adapted, conceived by Ronald Weihs,
designed by Judith Sandiford, produced by Artword Theatre

2006 onwards: Artword productions in other facilities

February 15 & 16, 2008 in Hamilton at the Downtown Arts Centre
February 21 to March 9, 2008 in Ottawa at the new Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre mainspace
Artword remounts an Artword favourite.
If Cows Could Fly is a musical play about growing up Jewish in Smiths Falls in the Ottawa Valley, written and performed by Allan Merovitz, with an onstage Klezmer band (Henri Oppenheim, accordion; Frank Rackow, clarinet; Ronald Weihs, fiddle). Directed and dramaturged by Ronald Weihs, designed by Judith Sandiford, produced by Barry Karp and Artword TheatreGhost Ship poster.


September 30, 2007, 3:30 & 8 pm, in Toronto at the Trane Studio, 964 Bathurst St.
Ghost Ship, a new workshop production about the Senegalese migrants to Europe. Directed by Ronald Weihs, script by Judith Sandiford and Ronald Weihs, music direction and performance by Waleed Abdulhamid, performed by Seifu Belachew, Muoi Nene, Alexandra Semakula, Stella Umeh. Funded by the Ontario Arts Council.

1999 to 2006 in the new Artword Theatre, 75 Portland Street

January 26 to February 19, 2006 The Gambler, a new play by Ronald Weihs, based on the novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky and the true story behind the novel. Directed by Molly Thom. For the thrill of the game and the love of one woman, Dostoevsky risked everything. Starring: David Ferry, Irene Poole, Karl Pruner, with Brett Christopher, Claire Jenkins & special guest star Jennifer Phipps.
The final show in the 75 Portland Street building.


November 9 to December 3, 2005 (Alternative) Market of Tales,
a theatrical evening of African-based story, song, dance and music, created by the AfriCan Theatre Ensemble under the direction of Ronald Weihs. Music direction by Waleed Abdulhamid, design by Judith Sandiford. Performed by Seifu Belachew, Teddy Masuku, Aktina Stathaki, Alexandra Drossos, Muoi Nene, Selam Teclu.
March 30 to April 17, 2005 Fate of a Cockroach
AfriCan Theatre Ensemble and Artword Theatre present the Canadian première of the renowned comedy by the acclaimed Egyptian playwright Tawfik al-Hakim -- a lively satire of political and personal relationships, in a new translation by Ronald Weihs and Emad Nafeh. Directed by Ronald Weihs, music direction by Thomas Baker, designed by Judith Sandiford, graphics for projections by John Williams. Performed by Tony Adah, Shannon
Kitchings, Pasha Mckenley, Muoi Nene, Kurt Spenrath, Aktina Stathaki
January 25 to February 13, 2005
The Full Nelson
Written and performed by Donald Carr, directed by Ronald Weihs, designed by Judith Sandiford.
The Full Nelson is a virtuoso multi-media voyage invoking the spirit of Nelson Mandela, a high-voltage view of the universe and a Black man in it.
November 20, 2004
AfriCan Theatre Ensemble Soirée AfriCan Theatre Ensemble and Artword Theatre present a gala evening of food, fun and entertainment. Featuring highlights from ATE's work-in-progress Market of Tales, and ATE's spring productionThe Fate of a Cockroach by Egyptian playwright Tawfik al-Hakim. Directed by Ronald Weihs. Buffet dinner 7 pm, show in theatre 9 pm. $40 ($20 for children), includes meal.
May 14 to 30, 2004
Death and the King's Horseman
by Nigerian author Wole Soyinka (Nobel Prize 1986). Death and the King's Horseman, set in 1945, is based on a true incident. A Yoruba King has died, and the great chief Elesin, the King's Horseman, is expected to accompany him to the next world. A British colonial officer tries to interfere, with disastrous consequences.
Directed by Ronald Weihs, choreographed by Yinka Farinde, designed by Judith Sandiford.
A collaborative production by AfriCan Theatre Ensemble and Artword Theatre. Starring Donald Carr as Elesin, the King's Horseman and Tony Adah as the Praise-Singer. With Sistah Lois Jacob, Ian Morfitt, Catherine Harrison, Ayo Adewumi, Jude Idada, Chima Osakwe, Kurt Spenrath and as the Market women and girls: Rebecca Fisseha, Funmi Olumade, Consuela Smith, Randi MacQueen, Yemi Jiboye, Tolani Adeleke-Rufai, Toyin Dada, Dara Dada.

April 23, 24 at 8 pm, April 25 at 5 pm, 2004 (Alternative)
Fire, Air, Earth, Water
Butoh dance and choreography by Meiko Ando. Visual design, lighting and projections by Judith Sandiford, a collaborative project based on the four elements, a world of flux and change. With live music performance by Roderick Zalameda.
November 27 to December 14, 2003
Sur
A new play by Ronald Weihs, based on a short story by Ursula K. Le Guin
Directed by Ronald Weihs, produced by Artword Theatre, music direction by Thomas Baker, set and costume design by Judith Sandiford, lighting by Jason Golinsky. Performed by Angie Doerksen, Amber Godfrey, Maya Nadel, Sheona McGraw, Alicia Payne, Candice Smth, Tim Vant.
"If Captain Scott can do it, why can’t we?" In 1909 a group of nine South American women set off – in secret, in order not to upset the men – on an expedition to the South Pole. A delightful feminist fable.
Monday December 9, 2002, 7:30 pm (in the main): a free public workshop reading of
The Gambler, a new play by Ronald Weihs, based on the novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky, directed by Molly Thom. With Dan Lett, Tracey Ferencz, Joan Heney, James Kirchner, Kimwun Perehinec.
November 5, 2002 at 8 pm (pwyc): Fire, Air, Earth and Water
Artword Theatre presents a new dance collaboration-in-progress by choreographer/dancer Meiko Ando and visual artist Judith Sandiford. Based on ancient theories of the creation of the world, a world of flux and change, the choreography is inspired by the
Butoh style of dance. Full production coming April 23-25, 2003
October 27 to November 10, 2002: Cu'Fu? (So Who Did It?), Stories of a Sicilian Family, written and performed by Charly Chiarelli, directed by Ronald Weihs, designed by Judith Sandiford. Charly's hit show, back for the fifth time at Artword by popular demand.
June 14 to July 28, 2002 Toronto the Good!
Artword Theatre's summer musical.
Written and directed by Ronald Weihs.
Music direction by Thomas Baker.
Designed by Judith Sandiford and Catherine Hahn.
A musical with singing, dancing and general carrying-on, based on 1890’s original sources: (gossip columns, court reports, temperance tracts, song sheets, vaudeville routines, and more!
Cast: Ann Bisch, Alastair Love, Michelle Piller, Susanne Schneider, Robin White.
April 4 to 6, 2002 (Artword Alternative): Onibaba, a dance work in the Butoh style based on Japanese legends of the witch Onibaba,, created by dancer/choreographer Meiko Ando, with music performed by Roderick Zalameda. Visual design and projections by Judith Sandiford. Guest musicians, Leyla Tshongo and Greg Hopen.
March 1 to 24, 2002: Mangiacake! Charly Chiarelli is back!
Charly goes back to Italy and finds out he isn't as Sicilian as he thought. In fact he's a Mangiacake! Return of the sold-out production last year.
Written and performed by Charly Chiarelli, directed by Ronald Weihs, designed by Judith Sandiford.

March 20 to 23, 2002 (Artword Alternative) and in this room . . ., Dancer/choreographer Michael DuMaresq's new work, an exploration of childhood memories, opening the doors of our past. With dancers Leanne Dixon, Darryl Tracy and Bonnie Kim. Lighting design by Judith Sandiford.
June 21 to July 14, 2001: If Cows Could Fly
written and performed by Allan Merovitz,
back again in a streamlined version, directed by Ronald Weihs,
with Klezmer and Yiddish music by the Simcha Klezmer Band
(Jarl Anderson on piano and mandolin, Ronald Weihs on fiddle)
February 8 to March 4, 2001: Cu'Fu?
The hit show that toured the country and played on BRAVO television. Hilarious and touching stories about growing up Sicilian in Hamilton. Written and performed by Charly (Calogero) Chiarelli. directed by Ronald Weihs. Back for a fourth Artword mainstage run, along with the premiere of Charly's new play
April 3 to 29, 2001: Mangiacake! World premiere of Charly Chiarelli's brand new show!
Charly goes back to Italy and finds out he isn't as Sicilian as he thought. In fact he's a Mangiacake! Written and performed by Charly Chiarelli, directed by Ronald Weihs, designed by Judith Sandiford.
February 16 to March 12, 2000 If Cows Could Fly
(How To Grow Up Jewish in Smiths Falls)
written and performed by Allan Merovitz,
directed and dramaturged by Ronald Weihs,
music directed and performed by Anne Lederman, designed by Chris Bryden
premiere of the new full-length production

November 10 to December 18, 1999 Cu'Fu? Back by popular demand, in the new theatre!
The Artword hit written and performed by Charly (Calogero) Chiarelli,
directed by Ronald Weihs, designed by Judith Sandiford

October 27 to 30, 1999 An Artword revival Dancing Barefoot with Patti
choreography by Michael Du Maresq, danced by Leanne Dixon
poetry and music by Patti Smith, lighting design by Judith Sandiford.
The first production by Artword in the new theatre at 75 Portland Street

1993 to 1998 at Artword Theatre, 81 Portland Street, Toronto

Artword Theatre closed for renovations, and the move next door, from July 1998 to April 1999


April 15 to 18, 1998 Dancing Barefoot with Patti
New choreography by Michael Du Maresq, featuring Leanne Dixon, based on Patti Smith's poetry, lighting design by Judith Sandiford.
Artword's final show at 81 Portland Street

November 11-30, 1997 Whoever You Are based on Judith Merril's science fiction classic. Written and directed by Ronald Weihs. Set and Lighting Design: Ronald Weihs, Judith Sandiford. Music by Eugene Martynec and Geordie McDonald. Cast: Chad Hershler, Rhonda Lee Stephenson, Don Ciaschini, Hume Baugh.
April 11 to 28, 1996 world premiere Cu'Fu? (So who did it?)
And remounted for an extended run September 20 to December 15, 1996

A Sicilian's response to life's perplexing moments. Written and performed by Calogero (Charly) Chiarelli. Directed by Ronald Weihs. Designed by Judith Sandiford.
March 21 to 23, 1996 Echo and Narcissus
A mirror for our time. Conceived and directed by Ronald Weihs
Choreographed and performed by Hedy Minten and Michael Du Maresq
Design by Judith Sandiford

June 22 to July 9, 1995 Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde Scripted and directed by Ronald Weihs. Original music by Timothy Minthorn. Designed by Judith Sandiford, choreography by Hedy Minten. Performed by Hedy Minten, Michael Spence, Scott Bell and Bruce Beaton
A love story in a war zone. Set in the time of Homer, this play recounts an incident in the bitter siege of Troy by the Greek army. Troilus, a Trojan soldier, falls in love with Criseyde, whose father has fled to the Greeks. Troilus' best friend, Pandarus, acts as a go-between and persuades Criseyde to come to a secret rendezvous with Troilus. Criseyde's choices, and her reasons, form the core of this great love story.

July 7 to 24, 1994 me2
a new theatre work based on short stories by Alberto Moravia
with Mhairi Fyfe, music by Archie Hughes,
directed by Ronald Weihs, designed by Judith Sandiford

March 10 to 27, 1994 Mama Says: You Are What You Do
A musical play written and directed by Ronald Weihs, based on interviews with people about how they build and create their lives through their work.
Cast: Scott Bell, James Kirchner, Catherine Smith, Rhonda Lee Stephenson, James Thompson
Artword's first production at 81 Portland Street

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Artword Theatre • Artistic Director: Ronald Weihs • Managing Director: Judith Sandiford
from 1993 to 1998 at 81 Portland Street, Toronto; from 1999 to 2006 at 75 Portland St. Toronto
Feb 2006: Toronto premises closed
2007 moved to Hamilton, office: 166 Prospect Street South, Hamilton ON L8M 2Z4
2009: opened performance space: 15 Colbourne St, Hamilton ON L8R 2G2
email: artword@artword.net