Smoke stalls Shakespeare in the Ruins—and they need your help

This summer, the skies over Manitoba have been thick with smoke as wildfires continue to burn across the Prairies and into northern regions. The haze hasn’t just made it hard to breathe—it’s forced outdoor events to a grinding halt, including performances by Shakespeare in the Ruins (SIR).

In just 48 hours, the beloved site-specific theatre company had to cancel multiple shows due to unsafe air quality, racking up more than $15,000 in unexpected losses. For a small non-profit arts organization, that kind of hit isn’t easy to absorb.

That’s why SIR has launched the SIR-vival Fund—an emergency campaign to keep the company afloat through this smoky season and beyond.

Here’s how you can help:
🌿 Donate online: Every dollar goes towards paying artists and crew, covering lost ticket revenue, and helping SIR reschedule shows when it’s safe to do so.
🎭 Spread the word: Share the campaign on social media with the hashtag #SIRvivalFund and encourage friends to support live theatre.
💌 Become a monthly donor: Even small, regular gifts provide stability in unpredictable times.

You can make your contribution here:
👉 shakespeareintheruins.com/support/donation

SIR has been bringing Shakespeare to life in Manitoba’s parks and ruins for over 30 years. Let’s make sure the show can go on—long after the smoke has cleared.

#HelpUsOutOfTheHaze #ManitobaFires #TheShowMustGoOnish #SupportLocalTheatre #SIRvivalFund