Ash Knight, Artistic Executive Director of Pleiades Theatre, today announced the company’s 26th season, featuring two fall readings, and two mainstage productions including the Toronto premiere of Hagar by Aksam Alyousef, a co-production with Hagar Collective and Canadian Arabic Orchestra - Maple Arts this November, and the world premiere of Tyson’s Song by Peter N. Bailey in May 2024.

Visit pleiadestheatre.org more information.

“This is a huge season for Pleiades, the largest in its twenty-six year history,” said Knight. “We have two full productions, multiple readings, workshops, and shows in development. I am keen to introduce audiences to the wealth of storytelling in Canada coming from rarely heard voices. This season we cover the West Indian, West Asian, and South Asian diasporas partnering with organizations who can bring authenticity to our productions. Join us for something different which redefines the Canadian theatrical landscape.”

Choti Choti Batain (Public Reading)

A love letter to South Asian mothers. A reading at Decolonise Your Ears. This story takes place in Brampton, and as a father’s death brings a family to its knees, the mother of the household attempts to divorce her dead husband to find freedom again. Choti Choti Batain was inspired by the playwrights’ own experiences with patriarchy in South Asian/Punjabi culture and the sacrifices immigrant families must make to survive.

Co-produced with Red Beti Theatre, SAWITRI Theatre, and the Punjabi Arts Association

Written by: Sanskruti Marathe and Davinder Malhi Dramaturgy by Sarena Parmar

Cast: Kirandeep Kaur Kahlon, Neha Modgil, Sanskruti Marathe, Navjot Singh (workshop), Davinder Malhi (reading), Anuradha Grover-Tejpal, Kavita Taluja, Jasleen Kaur, and Jagvinder Judge

Cultural Consultant: Sarabjeet Arora

Directed by Ash Knight

Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton , ON - Oct. 21, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.

Visit plainstage.com for tickets and more information.

After The Trojan Women (Public Reading)

"Women have been leading laments since before the war began; after the soldiers are back in the dark earth, now the women remain.” Through their intertwined experiences, this play explores the profound connections and the suffering of women in war that span generations, going back to ancient Troy.

Co-produced with Canadian Arabic Orchestra-Maple ArtsTM

Written by: Amena Shehab and Joanna Blundell, Dramaturgy by Ash Knight

Cast: Roula Said, Saja Kilani, Hiyam Mahrat, Basima Takrouri, May Tartoussy, Roselyn Kelada-Sedra, and Zaynna Khalife

Directed by Rahaf Fasheh

Unitarian Congregation in Mississauga, ON - Oct. 28 at 7:30pm & 29 at 6pm; OR Buddies in Bad Times Theatre in Toronto, ON - Nov. 8 & 9, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

Visit Tickets (Mississauga) Tickets (Toronto) for tickets and more information

Hagar (Production)

In a world marred by turmoil and desperation, 'HAGAR' unfolds the gripping odyssey of a determined mother striving to find safety with her infant son. Amidst the chaos of a war-torn Syria, the play delves into the shadows of our troubled reality, exposing the vulnerability and resiliency of refugee women in a ruthless world.

Co-produced with Hagar Collective and Canadian Arabic Orchestra - Maple ArtsTM

Written by Aksam Alyousef

Starring Amena Shehab

Directed by Morgan Norwich

Playing at The Theatre Centre in Toronto, ON - Nov. 8 - 12, 2023.

Visit theatrecentre.org for tickets and more information.

Tyson’s Song (Production)

Tyson’s Song is a thought-provoking exploration of friendship and identity. Bryan and Tyson are two best friends out on their last boys night out, but when the evening goes awry, the two Black men are compelled to examine their pasts, and the true bonds of their friendship. Tyson’s Song examines the dominant thoughts surrounding Black masculinity and mental health.

Written by Peter N. Bailey Dramaturgy by Ash Knight

Directed by Ash Knight

Playing at Factory Theatre, Studio in May 2024. Visit pleiadestheatre.org for more information.

"Get Out of Your Head: An Acting? Workshop”

Welcome to Pleiades’ new "Get Out of Your Head: An Acting? Workshop” led by Ash Knight. Explore the world of acting and unlock your creative potential. Dates for the workshop vary, be sure to check out pleiadestheatre.org and socials @pleiadestheatre for updates on upcoming workshops and events throughout the year.

Our Vision

Sharing 1st and 2nd Generation Canadian Stories.

We want to redefine what it means to be “Canadian” (because for too long, that definition has been too narrow) by sharing stories from 1st and 2nd generation Canadians with each other, Tkaronto, and the world. Our mandate is to encourage 1st and 2nd generation storytellers (particularly artists of colour, but through intersectionality, also Deaf artists, artists with disabilities, artists living with mental illness, New Gen artists, 2SLBTQIAP artists and Indigenous artists) to create:

• INSPIRATIONS: new, relevant stories exploring their experiences;

• TRANSLATIONS: sharing stories from other languages for all audiences;

• ADAPTATIONS: exploring existing works through their lens.

Founded in 1997 by John Van Burek, then led by Andrey Tarasiuk 2017-2023, Pleiades is now under the leadership of Artistic Executive Director Ash Knight.