This is Ottawa’s leading open-air professional theatre, consistently receiving positive reviews from visitors, theatre enthusiasts, and the media. Odyssey Theatre’s mission is to inspire a diverse audience and ignite a love for the performing arts. Ottawa Trend shares more about one of the most innovative and intellectually stimulating theatres in Canada’s capital.
From the Founding Moment
Odyssey Theatre’s artistic journey began in 1986. From its inception, the company stood out as unique in Canada’s theatrical landscape. Its dynamic summer program, “Theatre Under the Stars,” has been widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. Every summer, visitors gather at Strathcona Park along the Rideau River in central Ottawa, drawn by the magic of live theatre under the night sky.
Odyssey Theatre’s early productions focused on the classical Italian Renaissance art form. Actors wore masks and performed in the streets, featuring genres rich in social satire and comedy. As audience preferences evolved, the theatre gradually transitioned to creating original plays. A remarkable milestone was the first festival of new plays in 1990, which included contemporary comedies and social satires.
The Theatre’s Transformation
Odyssey Theatre collaborated with Fortuzzi, leading to the involvement of renowned artists from Canada and abroad. This broadened the theatre’s horizons, diversifying its repertoire to include pantomime, puppetry, buffoonery, and clowning. The next logical step was to incorporate a theatrical approach to myths and folktales.
From its inception, Odyssey Theatre has been recognized for producing original Canadian plays. Over time, the theatre’s scope expanded significantly:
- The “Lazzi Lazzi” indoor performances;
- Development of new projects and research initiatives;
- Promotion of performance laboratories;
- Internship opportunities for young artists.
Odyssey Theatre’s impact has been officially recognized by the Ontario Arts Council, a key organization shaping the province’s arts scene and audience engagement.
The “Lazzi Lazzi” Show
The rising popularity of Odyssey Theatre led to the creation of this show. In translation, “Lazzi Lazzi” means “joke,” yet for the actors, it is an intricate physical performance. The show remains widely celebrated for its timeless characters, which have remained relevant even after 400 years.
This performance has been embraced by prestigious organizations such as:
- The Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Ball;
- The Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards;
- The National Arts Centre;
- The Great Canadian Theatre Company;
- The National Gallery of Canada;
- The Canadian Museum of Civilization;
- The UNESCO Conference on Drama in Education;
- The Canadian Museum of Nature;
- The Canada Aviation and Space Museum;
- The Ottawa Community Foundation, among other distinguished organizations and guests.
Custom performances are also available for special occasions upon request.
A New Strategy for Odyssey Theatre
In 2008, a new strategy was developed and fully implemented, with the first staged work under this plan being A Guy Named Joe in 2009.
Artists were brought together for annual masterclasses known as “Explorations.” As a result, a new theatrical festival featuring staged readings was introduced under the name “In the Works.”
Internship Program
To become a trainee, applicants must submit a form and attend an interview or audition. Recruitment typically takes place in the summer, with workshops led by renowned Ottawa theatre director Eleanor Crowder. Crowder is also an accomplished writer, actor, and educator, ensuring that participants gain invaluable knowledge and experience.
The training program includes:
- Acting and performance techniques;
- Directing fundamentals;
- Design workshops;
- Theatrical style workshops in Commedia dell’Arte;
- A final project to showcase newly acquired skills.
Odyssey Theatre seamlessly blends the past and present, ensuring a bright future. Each year, its productions become increasingly captivating, and its actors continue to refine their craft. Whether as an audience member or a performer, every Ottawa resident has the chance to take part in this unique theatrical experience.
