Meighen Forum Director Julie Miles (Photo by Julie Miles)
The Stratford Festival’s Meighen Forum is presenting a blend of fresh events and audience favourites, including some events as part of Pride Month.
Activities include Peer into the Playbill and Monday Night Music as part of their themed weeks, introduced in 2024.
My Stratford Now spoke with Meighen Forum Director Julie Miles who said that the events hosted during Pride Week aim to provide attendees with education, awareness, and celebration of queer culture.
“Pride week is important, Pride month is important, celebrating Pride year-round is important, and what we can do in this week of celebrations and education and raising awareness, is something that I feel people can take with them either when they go to see La Cage aux Folle, or when they are watching RuPaul’s Drag Race on TV, or when they’re at the grocery store,” Miles said.
One event that is almost sold out is “Trans Families,” featuring Kinley Mochrie, a transgender woman, and her supportive parents, Colin Mochrie and Deb McGrath.
They will share their family’s journey, discussing identity and acceptance, aiming to support and educate other families experiencing similar journeys.
“I think that’s what our events do, they educate, they illuminate, and they allow people to ask the questions that they may be afraid to ask,” Miles added.
Pride Week Events at The Meighen Forum start on June 14, with The Body Politic: A History of Queer News.
Friday, June 14:
The Body Politic: A History of Queer News
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre, 10:30 a.m. – Noon.
Explore the history of Canada’s primary queer periodical with Raegan Swanson, Nicholas Hrynyk, and Tim McCaskell.
Funny Forum Friday: Maggie Cassella with Jeni Walls
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre, 9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of comedy with Maggie Cassella, focusing on life’s humorous moments.
Saturday, June 15
A Queen Prepares with Lemon from Canada’s Drag Race
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre, 10:30 a.m. – Noon.
Get an inside look at Lemon’s journey in drag and beyond, with Thom Allison.
Sunday, June 16:
Trans Families: An Interview with Kinley Mochrie, Colin Mochrie, and Deb McGrath
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre, 10:30 a.m. – Noon.
Hear the Mochrie family discuss identity, acceptance, and support with Rebecca Northan.
Broadway Sing-Along and Cocktail Party
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Enjoy cocktails and a Broadway sing-along led by pianist Franca Vercelloni.
