From Saturday, October 19 to Saturday, November 2, 2024, Theatre Passe Muraille and The Flin Flon Collective, in association with Why Not Theatre, present the world premiere of The Flin Flon Cowboy, a new musical about the extraordinary life of gay disabled artist and singer Ken Harrower, at Theatre Passe Muraille.
A rebel outlaw breaks free to discover himself
Ken Harrower reveals his life story of self-discovery and defiance – escaping institutional confines on the Prairies to find a new home in the big city. Set to the sounds of original country music, performed live with a band, Ken‘s story begins in the enigmatic town of Flin Flon, Manitoba, and unfolds through his harrowing experiences as a child with a disability in Winnipeg’s foster care system. Defying expectations and refusing to submit to life in an institution, Ken embarks on a journey to find connection and belonging in Toronto’s vibrant gay community.
About Theatre Passe Muraille
Founded in 1968 by Jim Garrard, Toronto-based Theatre Passe Muraille (TPM) is one of the first alternative theatre companies in Canada. Their name means “theatre beyond walls”, reflecting their mission to push boundaries; engage the audience in the creative process; and “examine the marginal, unexplored and unforeseen”. Committed to a more diverse representation of artists, audience and stories, they aim to give a distinct voice to the intercultural Canadian society in which they live, work and create. Read more about them here.
About Why Not Theatre
Launched in 2007 by Ravi Jain, Why Not Theatre has taken on modern social issues and redefined what it means to be an independent theatre company. Operating within a collaborative leadership structure, they are forcing doors open, inventing, encouraging and building a creative community, welcoming stories that look and feel like Toronto, and sharing it all with the world. Read more about them here.
(Photo credits: Ken Harrower. Photo by Colin Medley.)
Event details
Hosted by: Theatre Passe Muraille and The Flin Flon Cowboy Collective, in association with Why Not Theatre
Type of event: musical theatre performance
Created by: Ken Harrower, Erin Brandenburg, Johnny Myrm Spence & The Flin Flon Cowboy Collective
Musical director/composer: Johnny Myrm Spence
Performed by: Ken Harrower & Greg Campbell, with band members Mara Nesrallah, Steven Foster & Kate Palumbo
Dates: Saturday, October 19 – Saturday, November 2, 2024. Mask Mandatory performances: Sunday, October 20 at 2:00 PM & Friday, October 25 at 7:30 PM.
Start times: Thursdays – Saturdays @ 7:30 PM ET & Sunday matinées @ 2:00 PM ET
Duration: 2 hours (including intermission)
Cost: Pay-What-You-Can: C$15.00, $40.00 or $65.00
Location: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 2P3
Booking link: Book your tickets here
Contact Details: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 2P3, Canada; 416-504-7529, info@passemuraille.on.ca, passemuraille.ca
Content and environment warnings: Depictions of violence and self-harm, strong language, sexual content, reference to sexual assault, suicidal ideation, substance abuse and addiction. Live music and amplified sound, live video and projection. For audiences 14+.
Accessibility: This is a wheelchair accessible venue with accessible washrooms. All performances will be presented in a relaxed environment and with captions. This is also a blind friendly production; and there will be Touch Tours on Friday, October 25 and Saturday, November 2 at 6:45 PM. Access Front of House are TPM Front of House Staff who support patrons with access needs and can also provide further information to prepare patrons for the performance. Please note, although these staff do not hold comprehensive specialized training, their duties are focused on patron access. They can be identified by their bright red t-shirts, and will be stationed in the lobby before the show and seated in the theatre during the performance. More info on Theatre Passe Muraille’s accessibility here..
COVID-19 policy: Masks are still strongly encouraged inside the TPM building. There will be select Mask Mandatory performances for this production: Sunday, October 20 at 2:00 PM and Friday, October 25 at 7:30 PM. See Theatre Passe Muraille’s COVID-19 protocols here.
Refund policy: Please contact the organizer.