Mr. Speaker, yesterday in Toronto, 12 of Canada's leading theatrical artists joined forces for the launch of that city's first classical repertory company.
Martha Burns, Susan Coyne, Ted Dykstra, Michael Hanrahan, Stuart Hughes, Robyn Stevan, William Webster, Joseph Ziegler and artistic directors Diana Leblanc, Diego Matamoros, Nancy Palk and Albert Schultz are the founding members of the Soulpepper Theatre Company.
This company will present vital Canadian interpretations of the classics while providing professional training for classical theatre.
The company's inaugural season will be directed by its first guest master director, Robin Phillips, and produced in association with the Harbourfront Centre. Joining the company for the inaugural season are two of Canada's most celebrated actors, Brent Carver and Peter Donat.
I wish the members of Soulpepper the best of success on this very exciting initiative.