Workshopping with the Cast and Company of Fall On Your Knees

On March 3, 2022, the National Arts Centre English Theatre, Vita Brevis Arts, Canadian Stage, Neptune Theatre and Grand Theatre announced an unprecedented partnership that will bring the world premiere stage adaptation of the Canadian classic Fall On Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald to four cities – Toronto, London, Ottawa and Halifax – beginning in 2023.

As the planning of this one-of-a-kind production continues, the companies are thrilled to announce the cast and creative team that will be part of this ambitious project. The company features artists from across the country, showcasing the vast talent from Canada.

In July 11, this group of artists gathered for the first time at Canadian Stage, both in person and online, for a workshop read-through of both Parts 1 and 2 of the play. This was followed by a week-long music workshop, bringing together members of the cast and creative team. The atmosphere was electric as this group of artists worked alongside each other, shared ideas and brought their passion to this amazing journey.

"The workshops last week were a thrilling reminder of why Canadian theatre artists are renowned for bringing new works to life,” said Co-Creator/Director Alisa Palmer. “This company of extraordinarily gifted artists met in person for the first time, and it was exhilarating to hear, see and feel the power of live theatre again."

Introducing the cast for Fall On Your Knees: Tim Campbell, Janelle Cooper, Diane Flacks, Eva Foote, Deborah Hay, Samantha Hill, Drew Moore, Tony Ofori, Cara Rebecca, Nathan D Simmons, Maryem Tollar, Amaka Umeh, Jenny L Wright and Antoine Yared.

Joining Co-Creators Hannah Moscovitch and Alisa Palmer, author Ann-Marie MacDonald and Production Dramaturg Mel Hague for the powerful creative team are Choreographer Natasha Powell, Music Supervisor and Composer Sean Mayes, Set Designer Camellia Koo, Costume Designer Judith Bowden,  Lighting Designer Leigh Ann Vardy, Sound Design Consultant Antoine Bédard, Sound Designer Brian Kenny, Associate Music Supervisor Douglas Price, Stage Manager Michael Hart, and Assistant Stage Manager Sarah Miller.

Written by the internationally acclaimed Canadian writer Ann-Marie MacDonald, Fall On Your Knees is a sweeping novel that chronicles three generations of Cape Breton Island’s Piper family. The story moves from the battlefields of the First World War to the emerging jazz scene in Harlem, NY, and into the lives of four unforgettable sisters.

Fall On Your Knees begins performances in January 2023.

Canadian Stage in Toronto January 20 – February 5
Neptune Theatre in Halifax February 10 – March 5
National Arts Centre in Ottawa March 8 – 25
Grand Theatre in London March 29 – April 2

Lead donors Margaret Fountain, C.M., DFA (h) & David Fountain, C.M. 

Developed with support from the National Arts Centre's National Creation Fund 

We acknowledge the support of The Canada Council for the Arts
Produced with the support of the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council