
A Matchstick Theatre Production
Like father. Not like sons.
Meet the Mercers, a Newfoundland immigrant family living in 1950s Toronto who are struggling to redefine themselves and find common ground. On the eve of 17-year-old Bill’s shotgun wedding, tensions erupt between parents Jacob and Mary and their two sons, Ben and Bill. Ben finds himself railing against his father’s harsh expectations and cruel treatment while searching for his own sense of self and identity. Will the pressure boil over or can this family pull together the ties that bind?
Halifax’s Matchstick Theatre presents a fresh take on a 1970s landmark Canadian family drama that skilfully reveals its modern-day relevance. This acclaimed production brings new urgency and heart to a classic portrait of family, trauma, and the difficult yet vital act of forging your own path.
ALLERGY ALERT: During the performance, food will be served onstage containing amounts of seafood (haddock fish) and other ingredients.
Information may change. If you spot anything outdated or incorrect, let us know.
I run 613today on my own and I'm not affiliated with this event or its organizer. Event info may not be perfectly up to date. Please double-check with the official website before heading out, or contact the organizer directly for any questions about the event. 613today doesn't sell tickets or process payments — always buy through the organizer's official channels and verify before paying. I'm not responsible for transactions with event organizers. If you spot anything wrong on this page, let me know.
Event Details

National Arts Centre
Canada's bilingual, multi-disciplinary home for the performing arts, featuring four performance venues, the NAC Orchestra, and the 1 Elgin restaurant with Rideau Canal views. A National Historic Site with Brutalist architecture and a striking 2017 glass addition by Diamond Schmitt Architects.
Upcoming Events
entertainmentOct 8Neige sur Abidjan: Autofiction between here and Africa
National Arts Centre — Azrieli Studio
In this touching and intimate work of autofiction, Iannicko N’Doua takes us on a coming-of-age journey across years and continents, guided by a griot with a thousand faces, played by the charismati...
entertainmentOct 31À poils: Explosive, immersive stage experience you can dive straight into
National Arts Centre — Azrieli Studio
Don’t miss this mind-blowing Unidentified Furry Object from France! To the sound of electric guitars, three rather tough-looking stage technicians begin to load in equipment and summon us to help t...
entertainmentNov 11The King James Bible Play: Written by Charlotte Corbeil-Coleman
National Arts Centre — Azrieli Studio
A Stratford Festival Production ## A holy text. An unholy number of opinions. What could a pineapple possibly be doing in 1609 England? All is not as it seems as a committee of religious scholars a...
entertainmentApr 8Pakuneu: Intimate journey and search for meaning
National Arts Centre — Azrieli Studio
**Produced by Production AUEN, and an NAC French Theatre & NAC Indigenous Theatre coproduction in association with Centre du Théâtre d'Aujourd'hui, with support from the Cole Foundation.** Pakuneu ...
entertainmentMay 6Fils manqués?: Virtuoso clowning unveiled
National Arts Centre — Azrieli Studio
Can an actor who has lost his father ever be anything other than a clown? To answer this question, a masterful clown duo performs a cyclical tale of injustice. Their personal quests to find their a...
entertainmentSep 16Son of a Preacherman: Written and performed by Ins Choi
National Arts Centre — Azrieli Studio
A Pacific Theatre Production Forgive him Father for he has chosen theatre. Ins Choi, the creator of Kim’s Convenience, comes from a long line of clergy. Before he was born, his mother made an offer...
Want to add your event to 613today? It’s free!
Contact Us→