It may be November, but we're already dreaming of summer. Today we're thrilled to announce an advance lineup of five exceptional shows coming to the stage from June 7th-18th, 2023: Scott Joplin's Treemonisha, Aalaapi, Dragon's Tale, Loss and Nuit. With two world premieres, a new vision for a seldom seen opera, a rare revival of a seminal dance work and a hit from the touring circuit, June’s upcoming festival will feature an appreciable collection of theatre, dance, and opera.

Arts and culture lovers will enjoy works that travel through time, reclaim space, and open conversations.

Intrigued? Read on to learn what Luminato 2023 has in store:

Scott Joplin's Treemonisha

Originally written by Scott Joplin in 1911, Treemonisha tells the story of a young Black woman who leads her community into the revolutionary future.

Fusing European classical music with ragtime, folk, and gospel, Treemonisha is one of the few immediate post-slavery era pieces written by a Black person who actually lived through it.

Aalaapi | ᐋᓛᐱ

Immerse yourself in the sounds of the North – creaking snow, whistling winds, and voices in Inuktitut, French and English - and an intimate theatrical portrait of young women in Northern communities.

Dragon's Tale

An operatic celebration of Chinese tradition with a Canadian backdrop. Time-travel to ancient China with Xiao Lian, a contemporary Chinese-Canadian woman yearning for independence and bound by love, who discovers the rich history of dragon boating. From the creators of Tapestry Opera’s smash-hit Iron Road composer Chan Ka Nin and award-winning playwright and librettist Mark Brownell.

Loss

Written by Ian Kamau and his father Roger McTair, Loss is a live-art, multi-media performance that explores the trauma of loss in Afro-Caribbean communities. This intergenerational family story begins with Ian’s own winter of depression and slowly unravels the mystery surrounding the death of Ian’s paternal grandmother Nora Elutha Rogers. Featuring live music, video, and storytelling in an immersive and intimate experience, Loss is a healing ritual shared with the audience.

Nuit

Eight performers grapple with the hurly-burly of everyday life, pushing themselves to the limit. As tensions emerge in the harsh night, the dancers maneuver through this fiery demanding work. This unmissable remount of legendary Canadian choreographer Jean-Pierre Perrault’s seminal work explores the individual within the collective and is performed by some of Toronto’s finest contemporary dancers.

Become a Luminato Member & Save

Experience Luminato like a VIP! Members receive 1 free ticket to any 2023 performance (a $60 value!), 2 free drink vouchers ($20 value), and 25% off regular tickets with guaranteed priority booking.

Get free access to events, exclusive invitations, and year-round programming. Join today for only $50 to support and enjoy the best of Luminato.

Visit luminatofestival.com.