Pi Theatre
Pi Theatre, founded as Pink Ink Theatre Productions Association, is an independent theatre company in Vancouver that produces and presents bold and uncompromising plays that explore modern life. We connect audiences with theatre that’s intellectually alive and emotionally charged. We believe that performance should expand perceptions and get people talking. Pi seeks out work that carries an inherent risk for artists and audiences alike.
Creative Team
- Richard Wolfe, Artistic Director
- Shayna Goldberg, General Manager
2016/17 Season
In 2016/17, Pi Theatre will be producing two world premieres. The first is Peter Dickinson's Long Division at both Gateway Theatre in Richmond (Nov 17-26, 2016) and the Annex Theatre in downtown Vancouver (Apr 26-30, 2017). The second is Genetic Drift by Amy Lee Lavoie and conceived by Richard Wolfe. This will be produced from April 5-8, 2017 as a Micro-Performance with Boca del Lupo.
History
Pi Theatre began life as the Pink Ink Co-op in 1984, led by Sandhano Schultze. It quickly established a distinct position in Vancouver’s theatrical ecology, with a reputation for producing the work of Quebecois playwrights, as well as works from the world stage. In 1990 the company began to engage performers under Equity Guest Artist Contracts and in 1991, Pink Ink joined PACT, becoming a signatory to the Canadian Theatre Agreement.
Pink Ink was very influential in bringing the French-Canadian canon to Vancouver’s attention and it continues to be a specialist in this field. A highlight from the early ’90s was the first production of Polygraph (with Théâtre la Seizième) produced outside the auspices of Robert Lepage’s own company. To date, Pi has produced more than 20 plays from Quebec in English translation, the most recent being Bashir Lazhar by Evelyne de la Chenelière in 2009.
In 1998, Del Surjik was appointed AD. Under his tenure, Pi continued its community leadership role as major force in See Seven, a marketing and shared-resource initiative for independent theatre in Vancouver. In 2005, Pi began touring, most notably at the National Arts Centre for the Magnetic North Festival, as well as regionally in BC.
Also in 2005, Pi formalized its commitment to mentorship with the launch of the emerging artists’ showcase Prime Placements.
Early in 2008, Pi welcomed its third and current artistic director, Richard Wolfe. The company is now building a vision that puts the role of authorial voice at the centre of its activities and programming choices. 2009’s highly regarded Canadian premiere of after the quake introduced our audiences to the distinct voice of Japanese author Haruki Murakami.
In 2013, the company brought Mark O’Rowe’s gripping play Terminus to Vancouver, and was recognized by the community with 8 Jessie Award nominations and 3 wins, including Outstanding Production. 2013 also saw the premiere of Except in the Unlikely Event of War by Sean Devine, Pi's first playwright-in-residence.
Since the company’s inception, our peers have recognized Pi and its collaborators with 26 Jessie Richardson Awards and 80 nominations for outstanding artistic achievement in Vancouver professional theatre.
Past Productions
Please see Past Shows for the information about the productions.
Long Division by Peter Dickinson
- November 17 - 26, 2016 at Gateway Theatre
The Invisible Hand by Ayad Akhtar
- April 5 - 23, 2016 at The Cultch
Lost Words by Pippa Mackie and Jeff Gladstone
- October 13 & December 1, 2015, & January 26 & March 22, 2016 at The Emerald
It's All Over, Orwell by Tim Carlson
- Workshop Performance on October 31, 2015
'"Blasted by Sarah Kane"'
- April 10 - 25, 2015 at Performance Works
Between the Sheets - Tour to Victoria
- January 29 - 31, 2015
Between the Sheets by Jordi Mand
- March 14 - 26, 2014 at Admiral Seymour Elementary School
Except in the Unlikely Event of War by Sean Devine
- November 15 - 30, 2013 at the Roundhouse Performance Centre
Terminus by Mark O'Rowe
- February 28 - March 17, 2013 at Performance Works
A Place Called Whisper: Circus of Stolen Dreams
- Devised and created by: Susan Bertoria and Richard Wolfe, with Jeff Harrison, Alison Jenkins, Heather Dawn Jones, Taylor Dianne Robinson, Jordan Watkins and Stacy Sherlock
- November 24, 2012 at PL1422
- Part of the "Obstructions" series with Progress Lab
Almighty Voice and His Wife by Daniel David Moses
- February 1 - 4, 2012 at Waterfront Theatre, part of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival
- With Touchstone Theatre and Native Earth Performing Arts
Visions of Vancouver
- Elevate by Adrienne Wong, The Bridge by Michele Riml & Michael St. John Smith, The Deadline by Dennis Foon, and The Thin Veneer by Kevin Loring
- October 5 - 15, 2011 at CBC Studio 700
In the Solitude of Cotton Fields by Bernard-Marie Koltes
- January 19 - 22, 2011 at Performance Works
Catalan Connection
- Buffalos by Pau Miró, Girls Shouldn't Play Soccer by Marta Buchaca, and Far from Nuuk by Pere Riera
- With Tant per Tant, Playwrights Theatre Centre and Playwrights' Workshop
- November 27 - 28, 2010 at Playwrights Theatre Centre
after the quake by Haruki Murakami
- Adapted for the stage by Frank Galati
- October 13 - 23, 2010 at The Cultch
- With Rumble Productions
Hive3
- Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad and Progress Lab
- March 11 - 20, 2010 at The Centre for Digital Media
after the quake by Haruki Murakami
- Adapted for the stage by Frank Galati
- November 19 - December 5, 2009 at Studio 16
- With Rumble Productions
John & Beatrice by Carole Fréchette
- Translated by John Murrell
- May 5 - 16, 2009 at PAL Vancouver Theatre
Bashir Lazhar by Évelyne de la Chenelière
- Translated by Morwyn Brebner
- March 5 - 21, 2009 at Performance Works
The 8th Land by William Maranda
- May 15 - 31, 2008 at Performance Works
John & Beatrice by Carole Fréchette
- Translated by John Murrell
- November 14 - December 1, 2007 at PAL Vancouver Theatre
Arabian Night by Roland Schimmelpfennig
- Translated by David Tushingham
- May 17 - June 2, 2007 at Performance Works
- Co-produced with Axis Theatre Company
Werewolves by Teresa Lubkiewicz-Urbanowicz
- Translated by Helena Kaut-Howson
- November 2 - 18, 2006 at Performance Works
Elisa's Skin by Carole Fréchette
- Translated by John Murrell
- 2003 - 2006 Vancouver and Tour
Invalids by George Hunka
- March 2 - 11, 2006 at The Cultch
Carnage by Stephane Hogue
- Translated by Joseph Long
- November 3 - 19, 2005 at Performance Works
Helen's Necklace by Carole Fréchette
- Translated by John Murrell
- April 7 - 16, 2005 at The Cultch
Cloud Tectonics by Jose Rivera
- February 25 - March 13, 2004 at Performance Works
- Produced in association with Vancouver Playhouse
Shopping and Fucking by Mark Ravenhill
- November 20 - December 6, 2003 at Performance Works
- Coproduction with Ruby Slippers Theatre
Mump and Smoot in Flux by Michael Kennard and John Turner
- March 28 - April 14, 2002 at Waterfront Theatre
Disco Pigs by Enda Walsh
- February 27 - March 1, 2002 at Performance Works
The Lonely Cowboy by Eric Goulem
- April 2001 at Performance Works
Three in the Back, Two in the Head by Jason Sherman
- November 2 - 18, 2000 at the Roundhouse Community Centre
- Co-produced by Rumble Productions
Thunderstruck, or The Song of the Say-Sayer by Daniel Danis
- Translated by Linda Gaboriau
- March 10 - 25, 2000 at Performance Works
Acts of Passion '99
- Blue Hands by Larry Termblay, Trick or Treat by Jean Marc Dalpe, and Les mains d'Edwidge au moment de la naissance" by Wajdi Mouawad
- November 1999
- Co-produced by Ruby Slippers Theatre and Théâtre la Seizième
Anatomy Lesson by Larry Tremblay
- Translated by Sheila Fischman
- October 14 - 20, 1999 at Studio 16
Augustine (Big Hysteria) by Anna Furse'
- February 6 - 21, 1999
Acts of Passion '98
- La Raccourcie by Jean-Rock Gaudreault, Dangerous Passes by Michel Marc Bouchard, and Anatomy Lesson by Larry Tremblay
- December 1998
- Co-produced by Ruby Slippers Theatre and Théâtre la Seizième
Warriors by Michel Garneau
- Translated by Linda Gaboriau
- November 25 - December 12, 1998 at the Russia Community Centre
Alphonse by Wajdi Mouawad
- Translated by Shelley Tepperman
- March 25 - April 11, 1998
The Baroness and the Pig by Michael Mackenzie
- November 1 - December 6, 1997 at the Firehall Arts Centre
Acts of Passion '97
- The Shaking Tent by Gilbert Dupuis, Le Passage de L'Indiana by Normand Chaurette, The Winners by Francois Armchambault, and Joy by Poi Pelletier
- October 20 - 26, 1997
- Co-produced by Ruby Slippers Theatre and Théâtre le Seizième
Evidence to the Contrary / La Dposition by Helene Pedneault
- Translated by Linda Gaboriau
- February 1997
Acts of Passion '96
- Aux Hommes de bonne volonte by Jean-Francois Caron, The Four Lives of Marie by Carole Fréchette, Lucky Lady by Jean Marc Dalpe, La Chaise perdue by Louis-Dominique Lavigne, The Forbidden City by Dominic Champagne, and Setting Accounts by Yvan Bienvenue
- November 1996
- Co-produced by Ruby Slippers Theatre and Théâtre la Seizième
Disposing of the Dead by Katherine Schlemmer
- October 1996 at Waterfront Theatre
- Co-produced by Axis Theatre
Stone and Ashes by Daniel Danis
- Translated by Linda Garboriau
- January 4 - 21, 1996 at the Firehall Arts Centre
Acts of Passion '95
- All the Verdis by Normand Chaurette, Je vous ecris du Claire by Normand Chaurette, Still Lives by Serge Boucher, Alphonse by Wajdi Mouawad, O'Neill by Anne Legault, and That Woman by Daniel Danis
- November 1995
- Co-produced by Ruby Slippers Theatre and Théâtre la Seizième
Orlando
- Part of the Dancing on the Edge Festival, 1995
...But Laura Didn't Answer by Rene-Daniel Dubois
- February - March, 1995
Acts of Passion '94
- In the Ring by Jean Marc Dalpe, Marcel Pursued by the Hounds by Michel Tremblay, Sisters by Marie Laberge, The Tale of Teeka by Michel Marc Bouchard, A Giant in the Land of Men by Suzzanne Lebeau, Wedding Day at the Cromagnons by Wajdi Mouawad, and Stone and Ashes by Daniel Danis
- Co-produced by Ruby Slippers Theatre and Théâtre la Seizième
The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allen Poe
- Adapted for the stage by Steven Berkoff
- October 19 - November 5, 1994 at the Firehall Arts Centre
Lilies by Michel Marc Bouchard
- Translated by Linda Gaboriau
- March 10 - April 9, 1994 at the Arts Club Theatre
- Co-produced by Arts Club Theatre and Touchstone Theatre
A Live Bird in its Jaws by Jeanne-Mance DeLisle
- Translated by Yves Saint-Pierre
- October - November, 1993
The Baltimore Waltz by Paula Vogel
- February - March, 1993
Polygraph by Robert LePage and Marie Brassard
- October 22 - 31, 1992 at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre
- Co-produced by Théâtre la Seizième
The Fever by Wallace Shawn
- May 1992
Millfire by Sally Nemeth
- May 1991
Speaking in Tongues by John Logan
- April 1 - 20, 1991 at the Vancouver Little Theatre
Beautiful Deeds / De Beaux Gestes by Marie-Lynn Hammond
- Translated by John van Burek
- February - March, 1991
- Co-produced by Théâtre la Seizième
Dear Elena by Ludmila Razumovskaya
- Translated by Cathy Porter
- January - February 23, 1991 at the Vancouver Little Theatre
Greek by Stephen Berkoff
- November - December 8, 1990 at the Vancouver Little Theatre
- Co-produced by the Vancouver Little Theatre
Steel Kiss by Robin Fulford
- May 2 - 26, 1990
- Co-produced by the Vancouver Little Theatre
Vinegar Tom by Caryl Churchill
- March 28 - April 21, 1990
- Co-produced by the Vancouver Little Theatre
The Cezanne Syndrome by Normand Canac-Marquis
- February 28 - March 17, 1990 at the Vancouver Little Theatre
- Co-produced by the Vancouver Little Theatre
Love on the Plastic by Julia Schofield
- January 10 - February 10, 1990 at the Vancouver Little Theatre
Screwtape by C. S. Lewis
- November 21 - December 16, 1989 at the Vancouver Little Theatre
- Co-produced by the Vancouver Little Theatre
Element of Fire by Sharon Butala
- October 10 - December 16, 1989 at the Vancouver Little Theatre
Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind
- May 9 - June 3, 1989 at the Vancouver Little Theatre
- Co-produced by the Vancouver Little Theatre
Battery by Daniel Theriault
- April 11 - May 6, 1989 at the Vancouver Little Theatre
- Co-produced by the Vancouver Little Theatre
Aunt Dan and Lemon by Wallace Shawn
- March 14 - April 8, 1989 at the Vancouver Little Theatre
- Co-produced by the Vancouver Little Theatre
Promises Made in Bed by Sylvia Almerling and Bonnie Worthington
- February, 1989
Cook by Richard Lett
- January 17 - February 1, 1989 at the Vancouver Little Theatre
- Co-produced by the Vancouver Little Theatre
Statements after an Arrest under the Immorality Act by Athol Fugard
- December, 1988
Class Enemy by Nigel Williams
- June 23 - July 19, 1988 at the Vancouver Little Theatre
- Co-produced by the Vancouver Little Theatre
Babies, Broads and Bread by Elizabeth Herring
- March 10 - 27, 1988 at the Vancouver Little Theatre
Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
- April 17 - May 10, 1987
No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre
- January 21 - February 7, 1987 at the Vancouver Little Theatre
Ratz by Peter Turrini
- July 1985 at 102 Powell Street
Awards
Except in the Unlikely Event of War by Sean Devine - 2014
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Outstanding Lighting Design, John Webber
- Outstanding Costume Design, Barbara Clayden
- Outstanding Sound Design, David Mesiha
Terminus by Mark O'Rowe - 2013
Jesse Richardson Awards
- Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role, John Emmet Tracy
- Outstanding Lighting Design, Alan Brodie
- Outstanding Production
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Outstanding Set Design, David Roberts
- Outstanding Costume Design, Carmen Alatorre
- Outstanding Sound Design or Original Composition, David Mesiha
- Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role, Leanna Brodie
- Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role, Pippa Mackie
Bashir Lazhar by Évelyne de la Cheneliere - 2009
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role, David Marr
- Outstanding Set Design, Jergus Oprsal
The 8th Land by William Maranda - 2009
Jessie Richardson Award
- Outstanding Sound Design, Joseph "Pepe" Danza
Jessie Richardson Award Nomination
- Outstanding Costume Design, Marti Wright
John and Beatrice by Carole Fréchette - 2008
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role, Vincent Gale
- Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role, Karen Rae
- Outstanding Direction, Del Surjik
- Outstanding Production
Arabian Night by Roland Schimmelpfennig - 2008
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Outstanding Sound Design or Original Composition, Robbie Parker
- Outstanding Lighting Design, Del Surjik
Helen's Necklace by Carole Fréchette - 2005
Jessie Richardson Award
- Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, Sanjay Talwar
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Outstanding Sound Design, Boris Sichon
- Outstanding Set Design, David Roberts
Cloud Tectonics by Jose Rivers - 2004
Jessie Richardson Award Nomination
- Outstanding Lighting Design, Del Surjik
Elisa's Skin by Carole Fréchette - 2003
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Marie Stillin
- Outstanding Production
Disco Pigs by Edna Walsh - 2002
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Kevin MacDonals
- Outstanding Costume Design, Own Schellenburger
- Larry Lillo Award for Outstanding Director, Del Surjik
- The Vancouver Sun Critics' Choice Innovation Award
The Lonely Cowboy by Eric Goulem - 2001
Jessie Richardson Awards
- Significant Artistic Achievement: Overall Production Design - David Roberts (set/props), Tim Matheson (projections), Del Surjik (lighting), Noah Drew (sound), Barbara Clayden (costumes)
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, James O'Shea
- Larry Lillo Award for Outstanding Direction, Del Surjik
- Outstanding Production
Three in the Back, Two in the Head by Jason Sherman - 2001
Jessie Richardson Award
- Outstanding Lighting Design, Del Surjik
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Outstanding Set Design, Andreas Kahre
- Larry Lillo Award for Outstanding Direction, Norman Armour
- Outstanding Production
Thunderstruck, or The Song of the Say-Sayer by Daniel Danis - 2000
Jessie Richardson Award
- Significant Artistic Achievement: Projection Design, Tim Matheson
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Larry Lillo Award for Outstanding Direction, Stephanie Kirkland
- Significant Artistic Achievement: Ensemble Performance - Erin Matthews, Matthew Moreau, Tracey Olson and Mike Stack
- Outstanding Sound Design or Original Composition, Noah Drew and Andreas Kahre
- Outstanding Set Design, Catherine Hahn
- Outstanding Production
Anatomy Lesson by Larry Termblay - 2000
Jessie Richardson Award
- Significant Artistic Achievement: Projection Design, Tim Matheson
Jessie Richardson Award Nomination
- Outstanding Lighting Design, Del Surjik
Augustine (Big Hysteria) by Anna Furse - 1999
Jessie Richardson Award Nomination
- Significant Artistic Achievement: Unseen Performance (manipulation of the bed) - Jennifer Jones
Warriors by Michel Garneau - 1999
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Outstanding Set Design, Andreas Kahre
- Outstanding Production
Alphonse by Wajdi Mouawad - 1998
Jessie Richardson Award
- Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Mike Stack
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Outstanding Set Design, Nicole Dextras
- Outstanding Lighting Design, Del Surjik
- Outstanding Sound Design or Original Composition, Andreas Kahre
- Larry Lillo Award for Outstanding Direction
- Outstanding Production
The Baroness and the Pig - 1998
Jessie Richardson Award
- Outstanding Costume Design, Mara Gottler
Evidence to the Contrary / La Déposition by Helene Pedneault - 1997
Jessie Richardson Award
- Outstanding Lighting Design, Del Surjik
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role, Nicole Robert
- Outstanding Set Design, David Roberts
Disposing of the Dead by Katherine Schlemmer - 1997
Jessie Richardson Awards
- Outstanding Original Play or Musical, Katherine Schlemmer
- Outstanding Sound Design or Original Composition, David Rimmer
- Significant Artistic Achievement: Outstanding Slide Design, David Cooper
- Outstanding Design Team - David Cooper, David Rimmer, Robert Gardiner, Del Surjik, Sheila White
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, John James Hong
- Outstanding Production of a Play or Musical
Stone and Ashes by Daniel Danis - 1996
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Significant Artistic Achievement: Body of Work (Performance), Kirsten Robek
- Significant Artistic Achievement: Body of Work (Performance), Dianne Brown
- Outstanding Design Team - David Roberts, Del Surjik, Andreas Kahre, Nicole Dextras
The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allen Poe, Adapted by Steven Berkoff - 1995
Jessie Richardson Awards
- Outstanding Lighting Design, Del Surjik
- Outstanding Sound Design or Original Composition, David Rimmer
- Sam Payne Award for Most Promising Newcomer, Kirsten Robek
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Kirsten Robek
- Outstanding Costume Design, Nicole Dextras
Lilies by Michel Marc Bouchard - 1994
Jessie Richardson Awards
- Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Allan Morgan
- Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, John Moffat
- Outstanding Costume Design, Barbara Clayden
- Outstanding Direction, Sandhano Schultze and Roy Suzette
- Significant Artistic Achievement: Body of Work (Design) - Robert Gardiner (set)
A Live Bird in its Jaw by Jeanne-Mance DeLisle - 1994
Jessie Richardson Award
- Significant Artistic Achievement: Body of Work (Design) - Robert Gardiner (set, lighting)
Jessie Richardson Award Nomination
- Outstanding Lighting Design, Del Surjik
Polygraph by Robert LePage and Marie Brassard - 1993
Jessie Richardson Award
- Outstanding Accomplishments: Visual Realization - Susan Madsen (set), Del Surjik (lighting), Nicole Dextras (costumes and props), Greg Ruddell (composer), Tim Matheson (projections), Sandhano Schultze (director), Roger Gaudet (assistant director)
Millfire by Sally Nemeth - 1992
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, Ian Morton
- Outstanding Body of Work: Lighting, Del Surjik
Dear Elena by Ludmila Razumovskaya - 1992
Jessie Richardson Award Nomination
- Outstanding Body of Work: Set, Del Surjik
Speaking in Tongues by John Logan - 1991
Jessie Richardson Award Nomination
- Outstanding Lighting Design, Del Surjik
De Beaux Gestes / Beautiful Deeds by Marie-Lynn Hammond - 1991
Jessie Richardson Award Nomination
- Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Nicole Robert
Greek by Stephen Berkoff - 1991
Jessie Richardson Award
- Outstanding Choreography, Wendy Gorling
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Outstanding Achievement in Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Mike Stack
- Outstanding Musical Soundscape, David Macanulty
- Outstanding Production
Steel Kiss by Robin Fulford - 1991
Jessie Richardson Award Nomination
- Outstanding Direction, Sandhano Schultze
Aunt Dan and Lemon by Wallace Shawn - 1989
Jessie Richardson Award
- Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Annabel Kershaw
Jessie Richardson Award Nominations
- Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, Jennifer Griffin
- Outstanding Direction, Robert Garfat
Cook by Richard Lett - 1989
Jessie Richardson Award Nomination
- Outstanding Original Play, Richard Lett
Class Enemy by Nigel Williams - 1989
Jessie Richardson Award
- Sam Payne Award for Most Promising Newcomer, Sandhano Schultze
Jessie Richardson Award Nomination
- Outstanding Direction, Sandhano Schultze
Babies, Broads and Bread by Elizabeth Herring - 1988
Jessie Richardson Award Nomination
- Outstanding Performance, Sharon Anderson
