For more than 50 years, Prairie Theatre Exchange (PTE) has been a cornerstone of Winnipeg’s cultural scene, championing Canadian playwrights and bringing engaging, thought-provoking stories to the stage. Now, under the leadership of new artistic director Anne Hodges, the theatre is embarking on an exciting new chapter with its 2025–26 season.
Hodges, a seasoned director with extensive experience in Winnipeg and across Canada, stepped into the role in October 2024. Now, she is unveiling her first curated season—a diverse lineup of five Canadian plays promising laughter, deep reflection, and a renewed sense of community in live theatre.
“It’s sort of like being allowed to be the cook in the kitchen, and I’m planning a nice meal for our subscribers and anyone who wants to participate,” Hodges says of her programming approach. “Anytime there’s a new artistic director, they get to kind of put their stamp on where they think PTE is going. That’s my opportunity now.”
A Season Rooted in Dynamic Storytelling
While Hodges didn’t set out with a specific theme in mind, she had a clear vision: “I joked with the board that the theme was going to be ‘good theatre.’”
For Hodges, good theatre means compelling storytelling that uses the unique tools of live performance to create a sense of anticipation and engagement. She recalls working with renowned British theatre director Peter Brook, who emphasized the importance of keeping audiences wondering, What’s going to happen next?
“A wide variety of genres are represented in the season,” Hodges explains. “But ultimately, each play will draw audiences in with its story and characters. It’ll be so exciting and clear that they’ll want to tell their friends about it the next day.”
A Commitment to Canadian Voices
PTE has long been known for supporting Canadian playwrights, and Hodges is continuing that legacy by selecting an all-Canadian lineup for her debut season.
“I personally wanted my first season to be all Canadian,” she says. “PTE plays a really important role in Canadian theatre that way.”
The programming follows a proven formula: four existing plays that have had successful productions elsewhere, plus a world premiere. This approach not only ensures quality for audiences but also supports Canadian playwrights by giving them additional productions of their work.
“For Winnipeg audiences, it gives us a chance to see what’s really happening in Canadian theatre,” Hodges says. “And by including a premiere, we’re supporting a playwright in bringing a new story to life.”
Liars at a Funeral: A Family Farce Full of Laughter
The season kicks off with Liars at a Funeral, running from October 15–26, 2025. Directed by Hodges herself, the play is a high-energy family farce that promises to deliver laughs from start to finish. The story follows a grandmother who fakes her death in an attempt to bring her estranged family together. What ensues is a series of chaotic, hilarious moments that showcase the complexities of family dynamics.
“I had heard a lot about this play because it had multiple productions and seemed to be a riot,” Hodges recalls. “I read it last summer and literally laughed out loud. That almost never happens when I’m just reading a play!”
Serving Elizabeth: A Thought-Provoking Drama on the Monarchy
Following that, Serving Elizabeth will take the stage from November 12–23, 2025. This play explores the monarchy through the lens of two very different perspectives: that of a Kenyan cook serving Princess Elizabeth in 1950s Kenya and a Canadian film student working on a TV series about the monarchy decades later. The production delves into themes of colonialism, representation, and power—issues that resonate strongly in today’s global conversations.
“I saw a really amazing production of it at Stratford,” says Hodges. “It’s incredibly smart. The characters are engaging, and it really makes you think about representation—who gets to tell history, and from what perspective.”
Hodges describes the play as offering a nuanced look at history. “What I love about this play is that it invites us to examine these issues without hitting us over the head with one point of view,” she says. “By the end, you’re seeing history in a completely different point of view.”
Outside Joke: Holiday Improv and Musical Surprises
The season also includes a special performance of Outside Joke’s holiday improv extravaganza, which runs from December 10th to 21st. A fan favourite returning to PTE for a night of laughs and musical improvisation. This production promises to be filled with energy and creativity as the Winnipeg improv troupe integrates audience suggestions into a show that is both spontaneous and tightly structured.
“They’re not sort of silly little ditties,” says Hodges of the troupe’s ability to create original songs on the spot. “These are complex, with bridges and quartets, coming back to choruses. And that’s all part of the excitement of watching.”
Munsch Upon a Time: A Family-Friendly Tradition
Also returning is Munsch Upon a Time, running from December 19th to January 3rd, 2026. A family-friendly tradition that brings Robert Munsch’s beloved stories to life on stage. Featuring classics like The Paper Bag Princess, this one-hour show is perfect for introducing young audiences to the magic of live theatre.
“We’ve been staging Munsch productions since 1985, and their impact on young audiences is undeniable,” says Hodges. “A couple of our board members, when we presented the season, put up their hands and said, ‘You know, I was a Munsch kid. The reason I go to theatre now is because I saw Munsch when I was five years old.’”
Big Stuff: Comedy and Reflection on What We Keep
From January 21 to February 1, 2026, Big Stuff will take the stage, exploring the sentimental and emotional weight of our possessions. Written and performed by real-life couple Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus, the play is both funny and poignant as it examines why we hold on to certain items—both tangible and emotional.
“This play is so wonderful because it makes you laugh,” says Hodges, “but it also brings you to the edge of tears. It’s a perfect blend of humor and deep reflection.”
The Undeniable Accusations of Red Cadmium Light: A Gripping World Premiere
Perhaps the most highly anticipated production of the season is the world premiere of The Undeniable Accusations of Red Cadmium Light by Drew Hayden Taylor. Opening February 25 and running until March 8th, 2026. The play follows a gallery owner who specializes in uncovering counterfeit Indigenous art. The play confronts issues of identity, representation, and the ethical dilemmas facing the art world today.
“When I read that, I thought, ‘Okay, no. This is a great play,’” Hodges says of her reaction to the script. The work explores the intersection of art, authenticity, and culture with a gripping narrative that promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
This production is especially poignant as it resonates with recent events, such as the discovery of counterfeit Norval Morrisseau paintings, which were once displayed at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
Tiny Beautiful Things: A Play About Compassion and Empathy
The season also concludes with Tiny Beautiful Things, which runs from April 8th to April 19th, 2026. An adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s bestselling book, which will be directed by Hodges. The play is structured around a series of letters submitted to an advice column penned by the character Sugar. Through these letters, audiences witness the struggles and triumphs of people from all walks of life, from an eighth-grade student to a grieving grandfather. The play captures a range of emotions with humor and heart.
Adapted for the stage by Winnipeg’s Nia Vardalos, promises to be a deeply moving experience for audiences. While Vardalos may be best known for her role in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, this adaptation offers a completely different tone. The play, which brings Strayed’s advice columns to life, is set around the character of Sugar, an advice columnist who responds with remarkable empathy to a series of letters. These letters come from people of various ages, backgrounds, and struggles, ranging from a child in middle school to a grieving parent.
The theatrical adaptation stands out for its emphasis on compassion and empathy. Audiences will watch as Sugar not only helps others but also comes to terms with her own past decisions. The play is an emotional rollercoaster, offering moments of humor and heartache that reflect the power of understanding and human connection. For anyone expecting a lighthearted rom-com in the vein of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, this play offers a much more reflective and profound journey, focusing on how we navigate life’s difficulties with kindness and insight.
“I feel that what we need is an ability to put ourselves in someone else’s point of view, understand their struggles, and meet them with compassion and empathy,” says Hodges. “This is why I love this play so much.”
Looking Ahead
As Hodges embarks on her first full season as artistic director, she is eager to showcase plays that resonate deeply with audiences. “I feel like these stories will remind people why they love live theatre,” she says. “At PTE, with our unique three-sided stage, you can’t forget that you’re sharing this experience with others. When someone laughs, you’ll laugh. When someone wipes a tear, you’ll feel that emotion too.”
Asked to sum up the season in three words, Hodges responds simply: “Stories shared together.”
With a lineup that is diverse, moving, and uniquely suited to the PTE stage, the upcoming season promises to be one that theatre lovers won’t want to miss.