The Stratford Festival, Canada’s premier theatre company, is using its annual Shakespearean and classic theater productions to address cross-border themes, with ‘Macbeth’ and ‘Annie’ featuring messages for American audiences. This year’s production of ‘Macbeth’ explores themes of power and corruption, drawing parallels to current political dynamics on both sides of the border.
In ‘Annie,’ the orphaned protagonist delivers a message of hope and resilience, echoing sentiments about the challenges faced by marginalized communities in both Canada and the United States. The festival is also highlighting the role of everyday citizens, such as a coffee shop owner, in shaping the narrative of cross-border relations. This approach aims to foster a deeper understanding of shared issues and encourage dialogue between the two nations.