Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia
Phoenix Theatre
Edmonton, Alberta, theatre company founded in 1981 by Keith Digby after Theatre 3, which he had led, foundered.
The company's first venue was in the Student Union Building of the University of Alberta. Bob Baker took over as AD in 1982 and the company grew steadily. It presented solid Canadian works like John Gray's 18 Wheels but also more risky pieces like Harvey Fierstein's Torch Song Trilogy and Tom Wood's B-Movie, the Play (dir. Baker), about a man obsessed with films to the extent that they distort his perception of reality - which was a bit hit in Edmonton and Toronto.
In 1987, Jim Guedo became the company's artistic director, producing ambitious, impressive, and award-winning works such as Our Country's Good and Pentecost. In 1995, John Cooper took over as AD, producing Vigil and Angels in America, among others, before the Phoenix folded in 1997.
Phoenix Theatre performed in the Kaasa Theatre in the basement of the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, but also did more experimental work such as a promenade performance of Road by Jim Cartwright in a tiny venue in Edmonton's Chinatown.
Profile by Anne Nothof, Athabasca University
Last updated 2019-10-09
Since October 2002, Athabasca University has hosted the web site, with an editorial board of theatre scholars from across Canada.
To submit an entry, please consult the guidelines for submissions.
Email your submission to: Anne Nothof, Professor Emerita, Athabasca University.
The Encyclopedia collects and disseminates information on plays, playwrights and theatre practitioners. It does not respond to requests for information, auditions, bookings, or tickets.
The Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia web site was originally conceived and developed in 1996 by Gaetan Charlebois—theatre critic, playwright, and actor.
