Odyssey theatre cancels Theatre Under the Stars and brings creative magic to the virtual stage!!!

OTTAWA –Odyssey Theatre has made the difficult decision to cancel this summer’s Theatre Under the Stars production in Strathcona Park due to the global health crisis. Rather than going dark, Odyssey will launch A Virtual Odyssey–an innovative digital theatre series to captivateaudiences with creative and interactive online programsfor families, youth, adults and artists.“While we are disappointed not to presentour 35thseason, the safety of our audiences and artists comes first. But I am thrilled to launch an excitingonline theatre series that will bring Odyssey into the homes of our patrons,and reach new audiencesacross Canada. People can help support our artists while enjoyingOdyssey in a whole new way.” says Artistic Director Laurie Steven.

Bringing Professional Theatre Directly Into Your Home Steven, an award-winning director and playwright,along witha talented team of actors, designers and playwrights, are creatingentertaining online programs that will offer something for everyone.Anew podcast seriesis sure to enchant audiences. Odyssey’s Wondrous Talesis an 8-episode podcast where tricksters and sages, villains and heroines will transport you to far away mythic worlds. Writers and actors will perform new Canadian versions of diverse folktales from around the world.

Don’t miss arare chance to join actors and writers for a sneak peek offuture seasons, with live, interactive readingsof threeplays:Sheridan’s comedy classic, The School for Scandalbeing adapted for mask and movement in a neo-Goth style; a new translation and adaptation of Molière’s satire on medicine, The Imaginary Invalid,by Ottawa’s David Whitely; and, Steven’s own The Blue Demon, an original mythic fantasy in collaboration with Sri Lankan artists.

Odyssey is adapting its successful Youth Apprenticeship Programby offeringonline workshops for youth. Aspiring theatre artistswill join professional artists to explore acting, directing, writing and stage management. They will createtheir ownonlineperformanceshowcasing the talents of the next generation of theatre talent.Awebinar series, CommediaTalkswill offeranin-depth look at the art behind Commedia dell’Arte, the Renaissance Italian theatre formthat inspires our award-winning work. Through scenes, commentary, and interviews with actors, writers and designers, we will share 35 years of creating contemporary theatre featuringmask, movement, puppets and music.A livemask-making workshopwith Odyssey’s mask designer Clelia Scala is also in the works. People of all ages can learn to make stunning theatrical masksfrom objects found around the house.