Necessary Angel Theatre Company Reveals Cast For The Canadian Premiere Of LETTERS FROM MAX, A RITUAL

Necessary Angel Theatre Company has revealed that Maev Beaty and Jesse LaVercombe will star in the Canadian premiere of Letters From Max, a ritual by Sarah Ruhl, based on the book by Sarah Ruhl and Max Ritvo. Marking the start of Necessary Angel's 45th Anniversary Season, the show runs from November 10 to December 3 at The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St W, Toronto. Opening night is November 15 at 8 p.m. Tickets for Letters From Max, a ritual are on sale now and range from $30-60. For information or to purchase tickets, visit theatrecentre.org/event/letters-from-max/.

A deeply moving portrait of a friendship, and an unforgettable exploration of love, art, mortality, and the afterlife, Ruhl's poetic play is an award-winning adaptation of her 2018 book, Letters from Max: A Poet, a Teacher, and a Friendship.

"A resonant and profound contribution from two fully formed artists to the literature of illness," (Slate) the story is built on letters and poems passed between Ruhl and her former student Max Ritvo. Letters From Max, a ritual sparks with humour, urgency, and humanity in the face of the return of Ritvo's Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of paediatric cancer. Ruhl and Ritvo's words become a captivating celebration of life in which hopes, fears, and observations are shared and debated in a spirit of generosity and joyous affection.

Dilworth has a history of bringing Ruhl's work to Canada. In 2013 he co-directed and co-produced her epic three-act Passion Play (a co-production between Sheep No Wool with Convergence Theatre and Outside the March which also starred Maev Beaty). In 2015 he directed the critically-acclaimed production of Eurydice at Soulpepper Theatre Company. He also in 2015 produced a staged presentation of The Oldest Boy at Soulpepper, and programmed Ruhl's play Orlando for Soulpepper's 2018 season.

"Letter From Max, a ritual, is a stunning, life-giving play that breathes language and love into life," said Dilworth. "I think this play is an antidote for our time, and that it helps audiences slow down, take stock and connect with what matters most to them."

Run time: Approximately two hours including one intermission.

Content Note: Mature language, cancer and death by terminal illness.

Tickets: General admission, Pick-Your-Price ($30, $45, $60 based on availability) and preview tickets run from $25 via the Theatre Centre at boxoffice@theatrecentre.org, (416) 538-0988. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St W, Toronto.

Letters From Max, a ritual

By Sarah Ruhl

Based on the book by Sarah Ruhl and Max Ritvo

Directed by Alan Dilworth

Featuring Maev Beaty and Jesse LaVercombe

Set & Costumes Designer Michelle Tracey
Lighting Designer Rebecca Picherack
Sound Designer Debashis Sinha
Production Manager Rick Banville
Stage Manger Scarlett Larry

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Necessary Angel Theatre Company

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Necessary Angel Theatre Company is one of English Canada's most vital original creation and touring organisations. The company has a history of innovation and risk taking and engages theatre artists from a variety of disciplines in the creation of new work. An influential and original presence on the national and international theatre scene for over 40 years, the company has produced more than 60 productions, including 30 world premieres and 11 North American premieres. Work created by Necessary Angel has been nominated for and has won Governor General's Awards for Drama, Chalmers Awards for Outstanding New Play, and numerous Dora Mavor Moore Awards.

Necessary Angel Theatre Company acknowledges and thanks the following for their support: Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council, and season sponsor, Diane Blake and Stephen Smith.