Gnit, playwright Will Eno’s bizarrely funny and moving contemporary take on Henrik Ibsen’s Peer Gynt, debuts at the Shaw Festival. Written by the playwright of Middletown and directed by Artistic Director Tim Carroll, a young man’s journey to discover his True Self starts previews June 19 at the Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre.

Peter Gnit (Qasim Khan), his very name the result of a typo, leaves home to find his purpose in life, abandoning his sick Mother (Nehassaiu deGannes) in the process. A ‘people person with good problem-causing skills,’ Peter falls in love with Solvay (Julia Course) before likewise deserting her to continue his quest for his elusive Self. Though his travels take him around the world to fame, fortune, infamy and poverty, Peter never misses an opportunity to miss the opportunity to learn what he really needs to know.

Gnit also features Patrick Galligan, Mike Nadajewski and Gabriella Sundar Singh*.

The Shaw’s production of Gnit features set and costume design by Hanne Loosen, lighting design by Kevin Lamotte and music direction, original music and sound design by Claudio Vena. The production team includes stage manager Michael Duggan and assistant stage manager Sang-Sang Lee.

On stage at the Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre (10 Queen’s Parade) from June 19 to October 4, Gnit is recommended for audience members 14+. Running time is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one intermission.

*Christopher Newton Intern, Gabriella Sundar Singh, is generously supported by Marilyn & Charles Baillie.

New for the 2025 season: all performances now begin one hour earlier. Matinee performances start at 1 p.m. and evening shows start at 7 p.m.

The Shaw Festival’s 2025 season runs through to December 21, with a playbill featuring

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Anything Goes, Wait Until Dark, Tons of Money, Major Barbara, Murder-on-the-Lake, Gnit, Blues for an Alabama Sky, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and A Christmas Carol. This season’s Spiegeltent lineup includes Dear Liar, La Vie En Rose, Ella and Louis, May I Have The Pleasure?, The Roll of Shaw – Through the Wardrobe, The Frogs, Coffee Concerts, Speakeasies, What’s In Your Songbook and Gospel Choir.

Direct bus service from Downtown Toronto and Burlington to Niagara-on-the-Lake is available on the Toronto-Niagara Shaw Express. Luxury buses are standard size wheelchair accessible, offer free Wi-Fi and have an on-board host. $39 return per person. Ticket to a 2025 performance is required. Please pre-arrange with the Box Office. Schedule is subject to change. Please confirm dates and times with the Shaw Festival Box Office.

For more information, to purchase performance tickets or a seat on the Toronto-Niagara Shaw Express, please contact the Shaw Festival Box Office at 1-800-511-SHAW or visit www.shawfest.com.