Alan Dilworth, Artistic Director of Necessary Angel Theatre Company, today announced the Toronto cast of New by Pamela Mala Sinha. Produced in association with Canadian Stage and Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, New will run from April 25 to May 14, 2023 at Canadian Stage’s Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley St, Toronto, ON. Opening night is April 28. For tickets and more details visit www.canadianstage.com.

The year is 1970 and the arrival of a Bengali bride to a small university town shakes up a tight-knit group of Indian immigrants, including the husband she’s never met. Tradition and counterculture collide for three women and their husbands as their perceptions of identity, sexuality, and the meaning of freedom are challenged by the spirit – and actions – of this fearless young woman.

“New is a brilliant play,” says director Alan Dilworth. “It is the kind of writing one craves but does not always have the opportunity to see. New is smart, sexy, complex, and very funny. This is a play about transformation and the human spirit. This is a play about three South Asian couples living in an apartment building in 1970’s Winnipeg. This is a play about everyone.”

The cast of New in Toronto includes Fuad Ahmed, Shelly Antony, Dalal Badr, Alicia Johnston, Ali Kazmi, Pamala Mala Sinha, and Mirabella Sundar Singh.

Pamela Mala Sinha is an award-winning Canadian actress and writer working internationally in theatre, television and film. She was Necessary Angel’s inaugural Playwright in Residence, and this is her fourth professional collaboration with director Alan Dilworth. Pamela was the recipient of Dora Awards for Outstanding New Play (playwright) and Outstanding Lead Actress for her solo debut play, CRASH. Her second play, Happy Place, premiered in Toronto in 2015 at Soulpepper. CRASH’s US debut was at New York’s Signature Theatre in 2017. The film version of CRASH is currently in development with Necessary Angel and Riddle Films. As one of few artists selected nationally to receive a prestigious Project Imagination commission from Soulpepper Theatre Company, New, her third play, had its world premiere at Royal MTC in November of 2022.

Tickets for New in Toronto are on sale now and range from $25-$55 with arts workers, student and seniors discounts available. For information or to purchase tickets, visit www.canadianstage.com.

New

Necessary Angel Theatre Company in association with Canadian Stage and Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre

Written by Pamela Mala Sinha

Directed by Alan Dilworth

Cast: Fuad Ahmed, Shelly Antony, Dalal Badr, Alicia Johnston, Ali Kazmi, Pamala Mala Sinha, Mirabella Sundar Singh

Set Designer: Lorenzo Savoini

Costume Designer: Michelle Bohn

Lighting Designer: Hugh Conacher

Sound Designer: John Gzowski

Intimacy Director: Sharon Bajer

Fight Director: Darren Martens

Cultural Consultant: Rubena Sinha

Stage Manager: Sandy Plunkett

Production Manager: Rick Banville

April 25-May 14, 2023

Previews: April 25 to April 27, 2023

Opening Night: Friday, April 28 at 8 p.m.

Runs until May 14: Tuesday - Saturday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. on May 6 and 13; Sundays at 2 p.m.

Warnings: Strong language, mature content.

Running time: Approximately 2 hours, 25 minutes (including intermission).

Photo: Mirabella Sundar Singh in New. © 2022 Dylan Hewlett.