Stop by before it closes or catch one of our drop-in To Thine Own Self exhibit tours at The Stratford Perth Museum scheduled for 11:30 am on the following Saturdays: July 12, July 26, August 9, and August 23. Hear some of the highlights and stories behind the curtain of this limited time costume and audio exhibit. The display features 10 performances celebrating and exploring gender inclusivity presented on the Stratford Festival Stages over the past 50 years.
Guests who pay admission are welcome to join the tour at no extra charge – donations and tips are always welcome! Tours last approximately 30 minutes with one tour guide – no booking required. For more information please call 519-393-5311.
To Thine Own Self Exhibit
The exhibit occupies two rooms of the historic house, with an adjunct podcast where GM Kelly McIntosh interviews some of the most celebrated actors and theatre artists in Canada. The exhibit features costumes, props, production photos and stories from ten productions that made history at the Stratford Festival. Innovative, non-traditional presentations of gender that earned both accolades and raised eyebrows.
It will also present a history of drag, not only in theatre but in the county. We promise programming that aims to open up conversations inspired by those who grew up queer in Perth County, begging the question: how far did these non-traditional representations on an international stage travel down county lines, and at what benefit… or cost? The Stratford Festival, an internationally renowned and deeply forward-thinking cultural entity came to being in a tiny rural enclave… Discuss!
You may be surprised by the local stories, artifacts and photographic history we have to share.
Explore the costumes worn by Martha Henry as Prospero, Amaka Umeh as Hamlet, Seana McKenna as Julius Caesar. Other costumes and audio interviews include Jonathan Goad’s Titania and Nigel Bennett’s non-binary Tiresias. Costume’s on display also include Stephen Jackman-Torkoff’s Richard II, Pat Galloway’s Lorenzo De Medici, Gareth Potter’s Hosanna, Douglas Chamberlain’s Duchess of Plaza-Toro, and Nestor Lozano’s Angel in Rent.
The museum is also launching a special two-part podcast featuring Peter Hinton, former National Arts Centre Artistic Director and Officer of the Order of Canada. Mr. Hinton is lauded for his provocative, beautiful and shatteringly innovative productions in all of Canada’s major theatres. The podcast will also feature Seana McKenna & Rod Beattie in conversation of Martha Henry’s Mrs. Prospero as the take a deep dive into Shakespeare’s pronouns.
Hear the stories told by the actors, directors and designers whose vision and profound creativity sparked heated reaction from the audiences and community. Through short audio sound bites and long-form interviews, visitors will hear from the artists themselves via QR code to phone audio interviews, allowing intimate and private access while strolling through the exhibit.
Inspired by the Stratford Festival’s production of La Cage Aux Folles directed by Canadian actor, director, performer and RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Thom Allison, as well as many representations on stage on glorious display this season at the Festival.
The exhibit is curated and produced by award winning theatre artist and museum General Manager Kelly McIntosh.
This Exhibit closes on August 25, 2025