June at the Meighen Forum
Stratford, ON… June ushers in an exciting new season at the Meighen Forum, with audiences gathering for thought-provoking conversations, unforgettable performances and enriching cultural experiences. The season begins with an insightful conversation between Dr. David Goldbloom and the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, launching the David Goldbloom and Friends interview series. Further highlights include Pride Week celebrations hosted by award-winning comedian Gavin Crawford and Tales of an Urban Indian, Talk is Free Theatre’s acclaimed production that transforms a city bus into a moving stage, carrying audiences on a powerful and unforgettable theatrical journey.
Join Dr. David Goldbloom for an engaging conversation with the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, one of Canada’s most distinguished public figures. From her historic tenure as Canada’s 26th Governor General to her celebrated career as a journalist, broadcaster, writer and arts advocate, Madame Clarkson has helped shape Canada’s cultural and public life for decades. Filled with reflection and engaging stories, this special event offers a rare opportunity to hear from one of the country’s most respected and influential voices. (SELLING FAST)
Hosted by award-winning comedian Gavin Crawford, Pride Week celebrates queer voices, creativity and community through a series of lively conversations with some of Canada’s most exciting artists and entertainers. Featuring comedians Martha Chaves, Tom Hearn and Brandon Ash-Mohammed alongside screenwriter JP Larocque, these engaging events will explore everything from the evolving landscape of queer comedy in Canada to the importance of authentic representation on stage and screen.
Step aboard for one of the most unique theatrical experiences of the season. Performed on a moving city bus, Tales of an Urban Indian follows Simon Douglas as he navigates life between the reserve and the city with humour, resilience and heart.
The 2026 Meighen Forum will also include fan favourites such as Lobby Talks, Peer into the Playbill and Monday Night Music.
Celebrated Speakers
David Goldbloom and the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson (SELLING FAST)
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Saturday June 6
10:30 a.m. to noon
David welcomes The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson for a distinguished and delightful morning conversation. Serving as Canada’s 26th Governor General from 1999 to 2005, Madame Clarkson brought vision, dignity and a deep commitment to culture, citizenship and diversity to the office. She remains a public voice and a committed citizen. Beyond her historic tenure, she is an award-winning journalist, writer, broadcaster and film producer whose lifelong passion for the arts – particularly theatre – has shaped Canada’s cultural landscape. This special event is a rare opportunity to reflect on her extraordinary journey, her enduring contributions to Canadian public life and the insights of a remarkable leader.
Shakespeare’s Multiracial World with Professor Ayanna Thompson
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Friday June 12
10:30 a.m. to noon
Former president of the Shakespeare Association of America Ayanna Thompson joins Stratford Festival company member Jessica B. Hill for an exclusive interview. With insights drawn from her long career as a dramaturge, teacher and advocate, including editing The Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare and Race, Thompson will discuss how the study and performance of Shakespeare are inseparable from race, and how Shakespeare reflects our multiracial world.
The Greatness of Graham Greene
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Saturday June 20
10:30 a.m. to noon
In this intimate conversation, we will consider and celebrate the remarkable legacy of award‑winning actor and Stratford Festival company member Graham Greene, whose work has shaped the landscapes of both theatre and film. Guests will share candid stories, heartfelt tributes and critical reflections on Greene’s contributions as a theatre artist, exploring the craft, presence and integrity he brought to every performance. From behind‑the‑scenes memories to discussions of his pivotal roles, the event highlights the qualities – both on and off the stage – that made Graham Greene so widely admired. Artistic Director of Young People’s Theatre Herbie Barnes, accomplished playwright and director Yvette Nolan and Severn Thompson, Associate Artistic Director of the Blyth Festival come together in this conversation that offers an intimate look at Graham Greene’s artistry, influence and enduring cultural impact.
Shakespeare Through an Indigenous Lens
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Sunday June 21
10:30 a.m. to noon
How have Indigenous theatre artists made Shakespeare their own? Shakespeare’s own lifetime coincided with the beginnings of English colonization in North America, and today, artists work in decolonial ways to create art that reflects their culture and assert Indigenous sovereignty. Join Yvette Nolan, Waylon Lenk and Reneltta Arluk for a discussion of how Shakespeare and Indigeneity intertwine.
Forum Play Readings
Love, Tom and “Have You Talked To My Mother?”: A Double-Bill Play Reading
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Thursday June 11
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This double-bill reading features recollections from Tom Patterson’s life, the founder of the Stratford Festival.
Love, Tom is a collection of letters written to his parents during his service in World War II, beginning at the age of 20. “Have You Talked to My Mother?” transports us to the Festival Theatre on July 2, 1957, where Tom recounts an unexpected journey of generosity that helped bring his dream to life. Julia Rank wrote both pieces for a one-man reading featuring Scott Beaudin as Tom Patterson.
Film Screening
Antoni Cimolino: Staging Greatness with Q&A
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Saturday June 13
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fresh off the Hot Docs film festival, come watch This Above All: The Theatrical Life of Antoni Cimolino. Antoni, the Stratford Festival’s longest-serving artistic director, began his Festival journey as an actor four decades ago. As he prepares for his final season, this documentary offers an exclusive insight as Antoni reflects on his legacy. With candid and powerful interviews from actors, directors and collaborators, the film presents a raw portrait of a leader closing an extraordinary chapter while paving the way for the Festival’s future.
A Q&A with Antoni will follow.
Pride Weekend
June 13 to 14
Celebrate Pride with a week of lively conversations and unforgettable guests, hosted by award-winning comedian Gavin Crawford. Join us as we explore authentic queer stories, representation and community.
Laughing Out Proud: Queer Comedy in Canada
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Saturday June 13
10:30 a.m. to noon
Join us for an insightful panel featuring some of Canada’s favourite comics as they share their experiences within comedy. This discussion will dive into the triumphs and challenges of working as a queer comedian in a traditionally straight comedy world. Grande dame of Canadian comedy Martha Chaves and comedian and drag queen Tom Hearn will bring their wit, candour and personal stories to explore the ever-evolving industry. Hosted by award-winning comedian Gavin Crawford.
The Importance of Being Authentic: Beyond Queer Stereotypes
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Sunday June 14
10:30 a.m. to noon
Over a century ago, Oscar Wilde used wit and subversion in The Importance of Being Earnest to subtly hint at queer relationships. Today, queer characters are more visible in mainstream entertainment, but often fall into stereotypes. Join comedian Brandon Ash-Mohammed and screenwriter JP Larocque for a panel discussion on authentic queer representation on stage and screen: what’s working, what’s missing and why it matters, with comedian and host Gavin Crawford.
Monday Night Music
Larry’s Jazz Guys (SELLING FAST)
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Monday June 22
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Night Music favourite Larry Larson and his “Guys” return with their signature sound, featuring a delightful mix of beloved jazz standards and new gems that are sure to become classics! The Lazaridis stage is transformed into Larry’s own “living room,” where this affable trumpet player, known for his warm sound and engaging storytelling, welcomes you to settle into your seats for a memorable evening.
Forum Performances
Tales of an Urban Indian
Pick up and drop off: East of the Festival Theatre on Richard Monette Way
June 24-June 28
Varying times
With the audience aboard a moving city bus, Tales of an Urban Indian follows Simon Douglas, a contemporary Indigenous man navigating life between the reserve and the city. Through one actor’s shape-shifting performance, Simon’s world unfolds with biting wit and raw humanity. Since premièring in 2009, Talk is Free Theatre’s acclaimed production of Darrell Dennis’s play has toured across Canada and five continents, with over 750 performances.
Runtime: 90 minutes with no intermission. No latecomers will be admitted.
Audience Advisory: This production contains coarse language and depicts adult situations.
For Special Access bookings, please contact our Box Office: 1.800.567.1600.
Looking forward to July
As audiences being planning their summer visits, the Meighen Forum offers plenty to look forward to in the months ahead. Music lovers can enjoy an evening of world-class jazz celebrating Duke Ellington with the Brian Barlow Big Band, while theatre enthusiasts won’t want to miss The Amateurs, a one-night only reading of a new script in development by Slings & Arrows creators Susan Coyne, Bob Martin and Mark McKinney. Performed by festival company members and directed by Chris Abraham in collaboration with Crow’s Theatre this special event offers audiences a rare glimpse into the early development of a witty and heartfelt new Canadian series.
