What happens when a creative team strips down a complex, surrealist masterwork to its rawest essentials? Director Philip Akin and actor Sophia Walker join movement director Spike to discuss their upcoming production of Adrienne Kennedy’s Ohio State Murders. The semi-autobiographical play follows a celebrated writer who returns to her alma mater, only to unravel a history of deep personal trauma and institutional racism.

Philip Akin returns to the Shaw Festival to direct Ohio State Murders. He has previously helmed several defining Shaw productions, including The House That Will Not Stand, Gem of the Ocean, Trouble in Mind, and "Master Harold"...and the Boys. A legendary figure in Canadian theatre, Philip recently directed the acclaimed Canadian premiere of The Lehman Brothers Trilogy at Canadian Stage. His pioneering career has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, the Toronto Theatre Critics Award for Best Director, the Central Ontario Theatre Conference Lifetime Membership Award, and is a Member of the Order of Canada.

Sophia Walker enters her 3rd season at the Shaw Festival, appearing in Ohio State Murders and A New Work in Progress. Shaw audiences previously saw her powerful performances in The House That Will Not Stand and Gem of the Ocean. A veteran of the Canadian stage, Sophia spent 12 seasons with the Stratford Festival and has starred in recent contemporary hits like Fairview and Slave Play at Canadian Stage. On screen, she plays Councillor Liz Harding in Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent and has held recurring roles in Y: The Last Man and Shadowhunters.

Tickets to all of our shows are available now at shawfest.com. 

Hosted by Alexis Milligan
Produced by Kelly Wong
Original Music by Travis Seetoo

We want to hear from you! Drop us a line at podcast@shawfest.com