Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Postponed Indefinitely, Construction Work at Site to Continue

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is postponing indefinitely, its main stage season for 2020.

Alan Long, Director of Marketing and Development, says rehearsals usually need to begin late May or early June, and can’t see that happening at this time due to safety concerns. He adds it would be a huge risk, to move ahead and then have to cancel at the last minute, setting the festival up for a financial loss they might not be able to handle.

However, construction for upgrades to the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan site will continue, which Long hopes will be complete by Mid-July. Long says, the new amphitheater is being constructed and orientated in a way that when it is viewed by an audience, the stage backs out onto the river. Other upgrades include a new box office, a new bar and concession, a secondary path of the Meewasin Trail that will run right along the site and a donor board to acknowledge recent support for the festival. Long says a grand opening could still happen this summer or fall, leading towards programming for the 2021 season.

Artistic Producer Will Brooks says it is the festival’s top priority is to ensure the safety of staff, patrons, volunteers, and artists. Brooks says, “While it is unlikely that we will be able to hold significant in-person public programming prior to the summer of 2021, we will certainly try to avail ourselves of any opportunity that presents itself prior to that.”

Brooks also expressed immense gratitude to the staff, artists, board, volunteers, donors, sponsors, funders and core funders the Saskatchewan Arts Board (funding through Sask. Lotteries) and the City of Saskatoon. Brooks says these groups have ensured the ongoing health of the festival countless times over their 35 year history.