TIFT Presents - Multicultural Theatre Weekend

A dynamic blend of theatre and conversation designed to deepen understanding of Barrie’s growing multicultural community while amplifying the voices and experiences of Black and Asian cultures.

The Sermon By Kyle Brown
March 5–7, 2026

The Sermon is a solo work-in-progress that follows an aspiring young pastor navigating the unpredictable and often humorous world of evangelical Bible college as he prepares for his senior-year sermon. In his quest to be more Christ-like, he grapples with temptation, doubt, a professor with a vendetta, and an unexpected obsession with Donna Summer.

The Unspoken Sermon: Identity, Art, and the Non-Urban Landscape
March 5, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | 45 minutes

This thought-provoking panel explores what it means to embrace your identity in environments not always designed with you in mind. Inspired by themes from The Sermon, three racialized artists from Simcoe County share insights on creativity, belonging, and navigating life and art in non-urban Canada. Moderated by Shelly-Ann Skinner of UPlift Black, the discussion highlights both the challenges and rewards of shaping community through artistic expression.

Something Old
March 6, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.

Enjoy a staged reading excerpt of Something Old by Barrie playwright Keara Voo, ahead of its world premiere this June. The story follows Lily Chan, a bride-to-be whose wedding plans spark generational tensions and heartfelt reflection as her family works together to honour both tradition and individuality.

Carrying Culture Forward
March 7, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.

In this intimate conversation, local artists Keara Voo and Matthew MacQuarrie-Cottle join their parents to reflect on identity, heritage, and the traditions passed between generations. Through personal stories, they explore belonging, adaptation, and how culture evolves—and thrives—through art in communities still growing into their multicultural identities.