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Open Circle Theatre

Company in Toronto, Ontario, founded by Sylvia Tucker and Ray Whelan in 1973 which closed in 1982 under a deficit.

Its aim was to present theatre that represented a concern with relevant social issues while at the same time presenting plays that would appeal to a broad cross-section of the public.

It presented musicals and documentary revues, but also adaptations of the classics and original works by established authors. Among these was The Splendour and Death of Joaquin Murieta and The Blood Knot.

In 1978 the company moved into the Adelaide Court Theatre and launched a national tour of its hit, The Primary English Class.

However, the company began to have problems in 1979. After brutal reviews (particularly from The Toronto Star's Gina Mallett) for its last play of the season, Aléola by Gaëtan Charlebois and directed by Whelan, the rest of the run was cancelled, reflecting problems that had been occurring all season. Whelan left. The deficit continued to accumulate and by March of 1982, the company could no longer pay actors.

The company's archives are at the LW Conolly Theatre Archives of the University of Guelph, Ontario.

Last updated 2006-08-24