National Arts Centre reveals diverse lineup for 2025-26 season

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There is always something new and creative to discover at the National Arts Centre, whether it's an edgy modern-dance show or a surprising take on an orchestral classic.
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With four stages under its hexagonal roof and a skilled team of specialized artistic programmers in charge of six different genres of performing arts, the NAC's schedule gets filled with gems well in advance.
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The 2025-26 calendar is no exception. Between September 2025 and spring of 2026, dozens of concerts, theatrical productions and dance events will be shoehorned into the building, including no fewer than nine world premieres. One show calls for a skateboard ramp at centre stage, while another is described as a Macbeth-meets-biker mashup.
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The season will also mark a farewell for maestro Alexander Shelley, who has been leading the NAC Orchestra for more than a decade — and whose two young sons were born in Ottawa. Shelley has designed a final season that will include a big opera production of Puccini's Tosca, an all-Canadian edition of the Great Performers series, a seasonal presentation of Handel with an all-Canadian cast of vocalists, four world premieres and more.
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The first, scheduled for January 2026, is co-produced by Toronto's Soulpepper Theatre and written by Natasha Mumba, a graduate of Ottawa's Canterbury arts high school and now based in Toronto. Entitled Copperbelt, it's the story of a Zambian-born woman who's made a life for herself in Toronto, but is compelled to return to her homeland when her estranged father falls ill.
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The second Aquino-directed world premiere is cicadas, created by David Yee and Chris Thornborrow. Commissioned by the NAC, it's an eco-thriller set in Toronto in 2035.
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The English theatre season also features a family play described as a live theatrical cinema experience starring Canadian DJ Kid Koala, who performs live on piano and turntables every night of the Dec. 3-13 run. The tale of a small-town mosquito trying to make it big in music also uses puppeteers, miniature sets, a string trio and cameras to tell its story.
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Another six shows will be presented by the Indigenous theatre department under the artistic leadership of Kevin Loring. They range from the inter-tribal collaboration that drives Nigamon Tunai to the world premiere of Tomson Highway's latest, Rose, to an allegorical circus piece from New Zealand, Te Tangi a Te Tūī.

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Cision Canada

20 hours ago

• Cision Canada

Pizza 73 Celebrates the Heart of Oil Country with Free Heart Pizzas for Fans

EDMONTON, AB, June 22, 2025 /CNW/ - Pizza 73, the beloved Alberta-born pizza chain and official pizza partner of the Edmonton Oilers, is celebrating Oilers Country after an unforgettable season that brought pride, passion, and unity to fans across Alberta. On Monday, June 23, from 1–4 p.m. MT, fans can visit one of seven participating Pizza 73 locations to receive a free Heart Pizza — a one-day-only, walk-in offer created to honour Oil Country's passion and pride. The Heart Pizza is a cheese or pepperoni medium pizza featuring a heart cut out in the center — symbolizing Edmonton's unwavering love for its team. "As an Alberta brand and long-standing partner of the Edmonton Oilers, we feel every moment of the season right alongside the fans," said Adam Williamson, Marketing Director at Pizza 73. "This team gave the city so much to be proud of, and this is our way of showing appreciation to the heart of the community — Oil Country." As a long-standing partner of the Edmonton Oilers, Pizza 73 has always been committed to supporting local communities and celebrating what brings Albertans together — especially their unwavering love for hockey. Participating Pizza 73 Heart Pizza locations — walk-in only, limit one per person: 10424 122 Street, T5N 1M3, Edmonton 10839-101 St, T5H 2S7, Edmonton 11435 Kingsway Ave, T5G 3E8, Edmonton 5003-118 Ave, T5W 1B8, Edmonton 9561 - 118 Ave NW, T5G 0P9, Edmonton #123 -16 Westway Road, T5T 4R4, Spruce Grove 5433 Gateway Blvd., T6H 2H3, Edmonton About Pizza 73 Pizza 73 was founded in 1985 in Edmonton, Alberta, and remains Canadian-owned and operated to this day. Today, there are over 100 Pizza 73 restaurants across Western Canada. Guided by their core promise, "Better meal. Better deal," the brand is celebrating 40 years in Western Canada this year. Its mission is to make every occasion with Pizza 73 an enjoyable and memorable experience by offering the highest quality fresh products and exemplary service. For more details and to stay updated, visit and follow Pizza 73 on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X. Campaign creative is by Zulu Alpha Kilo, with PR outreach led by spPR Inc.

CBC

2 days ago

• CBC

Cree reimagining of Macbeth makes makes Treaty 1 territory debut in Brandon

A reimagining of Macbeth — set in a time before colonization and rooted in the Cree worldview, language and tradition — is set to be performed on Treaty 1 territory for the first time this weekend. Pawâkan, a production from Akpik Theatre — a professional theatre company founded in the Northwest Territories in 2008 that now tours across Canada — transforms Shakespeare's classic tale of ambition and betrayal into a celebration of Indigenous culture. Audiences in Manitoba will now get to see it for the first time, with performances on Sunday and Monday at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium in Brandon. Playwright Reneltta Arluk says it centres Indigenous voices, showing the strength and complexity of Cree life before colonization. Part of that, she says, is using laughter as healing. "Indigenous people ... our laughter is such a huge part of who we are as people. There's a lot of humour in this play," Arluk said. While the story draws loosely from Macbeth, it has been completely rewritten to elevate Cree perspectives and language. The main character, Macikosisân, is consumed by a cannibal spirit known as "the one who walks alone" — whose name is only spoken when snow is on the ground — symbolizing greed and violence, Arluk said. The three witches of Shakespeare's play are reimagined as the wiyôyôwak, spiritual beings who challenge the characters to reflect on identity and spirituality. Pawâkan was born out of time spent with students and elders in the Cree community of Frog Lake First Nation, on Treaty 6 territory in northern Alberta, and during her residency across various reserves, Arluk said. Macbeth became a tool to talk about greed and the cannibal spirit, she said. Elders told stories of the spirit, while youth shared stories of the land. That blend inspired her to reshape the tragedy into Pawâkan, a story that explores how imbalance, isolation, and spiritual hunger affect communities. "This play is about balance. It's about when you go too far one way, and you isolate yourself and others," Arluk said. "We need each other as people. We need each other more than ever. And so that's what this play really does.... It really asks each other to be there for each other." Elevating Indigenous voices Pawâkan has toured Treaty 6 territory — including Edmonton, North Battleford, Sask., and Frog Lake — as well as parts of the Atlantic and Northwest Territories. There are actually two versions of the play — the touring 90-minute version, titled The Community Telling of Pawâkan, and a full-length version that hasn't yet been produced. Its Brandon performance is unique in another way — it's happening in summer near the summer solstice. Traditionally, director Barry Bilinsky says, stories like Pawâkan are told in the dead of winter. That means the shorter version also has two versions — one for winter, and one for summer. In the summer version, the name of the cannibal spirit is omitted. "We need the winter to balance out the summer, we need the light to balance the dark," he said. "It reminds us of what our ancestors went through, and what people right now are going through, and what it means to be truly starving." The play is also a chance to celebrate Cree culture, especially in communities that don't often see large theatre productions, Arluk said. When she graduated from theatre school, there were few opportunities for Indigenous actors, even with formal training, she said. "It was still really challenging to get into those theatres, because I was Indigenous, and those stories were not our stories," she said. She wants to change that. Making space for Indigenous artists is critical, she says, especially because Shakespeare is deeply embedded in Canadian education — even in isolated communities where Indigenous stories often are not. She's seen first-hand how students light up when they get to share Cree cosmology. "It's powerful … these stories of the land," she said. "I do truly believe that our stories are the most intrinsic and compelling stories." Bilinsky agrees, adding the production is also a statement about Indigenous presence on stage. "It's so vital for young people to see themselves up on stage and to understand that these languages aren't dead, that these stories aren't gone and that … we can be on those stages," he said. Every performance feels different, Bilinsky says. Some audiences are full of Cree speakers, laughing along with the jokes, while others are quiet and reverent. During some performances, he's heard pop cans cracked open mid-show or audiences rustling snacks — moments that remind him how diverse these communities are, Bilinsky said. One recent show included evacuees displaced by wildfires. He hopes Pawâkan offered a reprieve for them, and will offer others a reminder of Indigenous perseverance.

Style Blueprint

5 days ago

• Style Blueprint

Take a Culinary Tour Through These Asheville Restaurants

Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit If you think 48 hours isn't enough time to eat your way through Asheville, NC, think again. At the very least, it's enough time to hit some highlights. From cozy coffee shops and street food to elegant Appalachian-meets-Italian fare and even a brunch shared with actual alpacas (yes, alpacas!), Asheville restaurants serve a rich blend of flavors and experiences. Here's how I made the most of two delicious days in one of North Carolina's most vibrant culinary scenes. Pin In the wake of Hurricane Helene, some still assume the city is shut down, its vibrant streets dampened by storm damage. While it's true that recovery takes time, Asheville's spirit is resilient. The community has rallied, cleaned up, and reopened its doors with characteristic warmth and creativity. In other words, Asheville is waiting for you with open arms. THURSDAY Lunch: Bubbles, Brunch, and Browsing Books I arrived in Asheville just in time for lunch — famished, curious, and not quite prepared for how quickly this mountain town would charm me. Getting into town around lunchtime on a weekday means some spots may still be closed, so a little planning goes a long way. My advice? Don't waste time wandering (until after you've eaten!). Go straight to the Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar at The Grove Arcade. It's a literary lover's dream — part bookstore, part champagne bar, part cozy French café all in one, and you may never want to leave. I certainly didn't. Pin I lingered over a literary-themed cocktail (they have creations inspired by The Great Gatsby, The Secret Garden, and beyond) while enjoying a charcuterie board almost too beautiful to disturb. Think rosemary-dusted Marcona almonds, homemade pickles, local blackberry preserves, aged gouda, manchego, marinated olives, and more. Add in cozy couches surrounded by shelf after shelf of well-loved books and vibey music, and you've found the afternoon reset you need to start exploring all the town has to offer. Pin Dinner: Wildwood Still Wows with Its Views That evening, dinner was at the brand-new Wildwood Still, perched atop the Moxy Hotel. We sat near open glass doors and enjoyed the breezy evening as we sipped cocktails. The meal — modern Southern with an Asian twist — was beautifully balanced. Rooftop dining in Asheville feels more like a cinematic moment than a meal, and this one played out perfectly as we dined on five-spice glazed duck bao buns, chargrilled oysters, char siu pork ribs, and a fabulous Chilean sea bass I'll be thinking about for a good long while. When you're done, I highly recommend a post-dinner stroll. We thoroughly enjoyed ours, and even stumbled onto a wonderful summer community concert in the park. Live bluegrass music made for the perfect soundtrack for our walk back. Pin Pin FRIDAY A Morning with Alpacas: Durrant Farms The next morning kicked off our trip highlight: breakfast with alpacas at Durrant Farms. And it's even better than it sounds. ButterPunk, a recently opened local bakery in the River Arts District, provided flaky homemade biscuits and strawberry scones that were so good they nearly stole the show. But I think it's safe to say the real stars were 'the boys,' a crew of sweet, silly, sassy alpacas and llamas who welcomed us into their pack. Laughing at their antics as we sipped coffee and watched the Blue Ridge Mountains turn moody with drifting clouds was exactly what my soul needed. There was something grounding and magical about it all. By the time we left, my belly was full and my phone was overflowing with photos of fluffy faces and crooked alpaca grins. If you're planning a trip to Asheville, this is not to be missed. Get ready to fall in love. Pin Pin Lunch at Botiwalla: Indian Street Food Done Right For lunch, we headed to Botiwalla, a new restaurant from the Chai Pani team. The menu celebrates Indian street food, bold and bright in every sense. We flipped out over the okra fries dusted with chaat masala — crispy, salty, tangy perfection — and the rest of the meal followed suit. I enjoyed the chicken tikka roll, but I have my eye on the maharaja lamb burger for next time. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu as well. Pin Pin A Night at The Flat Iron: Luminosa and The Red Ribbon Society If Asheville has a love language, it's hospitality and thoughtful detail. Nowhere is that more apparent than The Flat Iron Hotel, a stylish, historic property that whispers rather than shouts its luxury. Think champagne upon arrival, locally made Timothy Maguire artisanal chocolates waiting in your room, and an upscale yet unpretentious design. We spent our second evening simply enjoying the hotel itself, and it turns out that's a culinary adventure of its own. We began with a sunset cocktail and charcuterie board at The Flat Iron's rooftop bar, The Rooftop Caffé, then descended to Luminosa, the hotel's chic, Appalachian-Italian restaurant, where locally sourced ingredients shine on every plate. Pin Pin Luminosa was a revelation — a dinner that danced between refinement and whimsy, with every course more enchanting than the last. The evening began with a zero-proof sparkler called 'Blossom & Bloom,' a floral, zippy palate cleanser that set the tone. From there, the antipasti wowed with playful decadence. Bone marrow tater tots dipped in horseradish aioli were somehow both nostalgic and luxurious, while the apple-brandy beef carpaccio (topped with dollops of smoky trout tonnato) offered a clever, tasty twist. Not to be forgotten, the steak with salsa verde and even the vegetable sides were unquestionably delicious. But it was the pasta that stole my heart. The gnocchi came bathed in gorgonzola fonduta and brightened by sugar snap peas. And the raviolo doppio? A split personality in the best way: earthy lamb on one side, creamy ricotta with mint, peas, and pecorino on the other. After dinner, we slipped into the Red Ribbon Society, the speakeasy-style lounge beneath the hotel. Candlelight, craft cocktails, and velvet-backed booths made it the perfect spot for a slow, satisfying end to the evening. Pin Pin SATURDAY Caffeine Fixes, Market Finds, and Local Treasures Before heading out of town, it's worth a little procrastination to hit up the local farmers' market. Of course, walking anywhere without a coffee in hand would have been a missed opportunity, so we grabbed a caffeine boost from Summit Coffee, a warm, welcoming spot perfect for both locals and travelers on the go. From there, we made our way to Asheville City Market, a Saturday morning farmers' market that might just be the purest expression of the town's spirit you'll find. Pin Our haul? Fresh pasta, sourwood honey, black garlic chili crisp, artisan bitters (sweet birch and toasted hickory), cheeses from Blue Mountain Mountain Creamery, olive and rosemary focaccia, ramp and morel butter, and a bouquet of peonies that made the whole car smell like spring on the drive home. Pin On our way back into town, we made a quick stop at The Times Bar for one more pre-road trip coffee. I sipped an iced lemon almond latte and settled into a patio seat to people-watch, which didn't disappoint. Asheville doesn't rush you; it invites you to linger. The dog-watching is top-notch, too, and water bowls outside restaurants and shops are a common sight. Between the caffeine, the canines, and the characters passing by, it was the perfect Asheville interlude. Asheville is many things — a haven for creatives, a sanctuary for nature lovers, a magnet for craft beer enthusiasts — but it's also a culinary destination that surprises and delights at every turn. In just 48 hours, I tasted the town's spirit: bold, generous, and a little bit unexpected. A Few More Recommendations We didn't make it to every spot on our list (there's only so much one stomach can hold), but local food lovers were quick to offer up favorites for next time: The Admiral: An Asheville institution, where fine dining meets neighborhood charm. An Asheville institution, where fine dining meets neighborhood charm. Chestnut: A local spot known for seasonal, upscale comfort food (though a local told me to skip the brunch and stop in for dinner instead). A local spot known for seasonal, upscale comfort food (though a local told me to skip the brunch and stop in for dinner instead). Cúrate: A longtime favorite, this restaurant is beloved for its Spanish tapas and warm atmosphere … and sometimes tough to get into. We recommend making a reservation! A longtime favorite, this restaurant is beloved for its Spanish tapas and warm atmosphere … and sometimes tough to get into. We recommend making a reservation! DayTrip: A newly reopened LGBTQ-owned bar and lounge with a charming, granny-core vibe and great cocktails. A newly reopened LGBTQ-owned bar and lounge with a charming, granny-core vibe and great cocktails. Double D's Coffee Bus: Who wouldn't want to stop by a double-decker bus for a caffeine boost, cocktail, or dessert? The picture below says it all, and there's cute patio seating, too. Pin Fitz & the Wolfe: A new, three-story cocktail bar and music venue downtown, each floor offering a unique vibe — perfect for night owls and live music lovers. A new, three-story cocktail bar and music venue downtown, each floor offering a unique vibe — perfect for night owls and live music lovers. French Broad Chocolate Lounge: This renowned chocolate lounge has fantastic truffles and treats. Helene took its toll, but the shop is back open for everything from hot chocolate to bonbons. This renowned chocolate lounge has fantastic truffles and treats. Helene took its toll, but the shop is back open for everything from hot chocolate to bonbons. Limones: An inventive blend of Mexican and Californian cuisine, featuring dishes like ceviche, heirloom masa quesadilla with mushrooms duxelle, and negra modelo braised short ribs. An inventive blend of Mexican and Californian cuisine, featuring dishes like ceviche, heirloom masa quesadilla with mushrooms duxelle, and negra modelo braised short ribs. Neng Jr.'s: Filipino-rooted cuisine in an 18-seat arcade room-turned-dining room. The menu is inventive and changes frequently, and it's worth trusting the chefs — this place was a 2025 James Beard finalist. Filipino-rooted cuisine in an 18-seat arcade room-turned-dining room. The menu is inventive and changes frequently, and it's worth trusting the chefs — this place was a 2025 James Beard finalist. Old Europe: A European pastry shop owned by a Hungarian baker whose croissants and cakes have earned cult status. Locals Alice and Rick told me this place has the best pastries around. A European pastry shop owned by a Hungarian baker whose croissants and cakes have earned cult status. Locals Alice and Rick told me this place has the best pastries around. Pho Real: North of downtown, this casual gem serves authentic Vietnamese staples like pho, banh mi, and noodle bowls. North of downtown, this casual gem serves authentic Vietnamese staples like pho, banh mi, and noodle bowls. Spicewalla (Grove Arcade): You can't dine here, but stop by to explore their Made With Love in Asheville spice collection, co-created with local chefs to support storm recovery. You can also pick up plenty of other spices, from chili oils to steak rubs. Pin Soprana Rooftop Cocina: With 200-degree views on the edge of the city, it's a romantic pick for a sunset meal. With 200-degree views on the edge of the city, it's a romantic pick for a sunset meal. Zambra Tapas: Intimate, moody, and boasting a wine list that reads like a novel, this spot has gorgeous small plates such as harissa-roasted baby carrots, pomegranate-braised pork spring rolls, steamed mussels, and seared yellowfin tuna. Come for the food, stay for the views. And if you're lucky, have brunch with an alpaca named Ralph. ********** To stay in the know on the best ways to drink and dine your way through the South, subscribe to StyleBlueprint. About the Author Jenna Bratcher Jenna Bratcher is StyleBlueprint Nashville's Associate Editor and Lead Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville 17 years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.