Shakespeare in the Ruff’s outdoor performances of Tiff’ny of Athens in Withrow Park set to begin on Aug. 14

By ABBY RUSSCHEN

Shakespeare in the Ruff invites audiences to the world premiere of Tiff’ny of Athens at Withrow Park this August.

Preview performances are set for Thursday, Aug. 14, and Friday, Aug. 15, at 7:30 p.m. The play’s run of outdoor performances in the park will then continue until Aug. 31, with opening night slated for Saturday, Aug. 16.

Tiff’ny of Athens is an original adaptation from William Shakespeare and Thomas Middleton’s Timon of Athens by Nathaniel Hanula-James and Christine Horne.

“This wealthy socialite seemingly has it all – until a change in circumstance makes her rethink her relationship to money, friendship and community,” said a news release from Shakespeare in the Ruff.

Following a 2024 survey that identified economic precarity as a major detriment to Torontonians’ physical and mental wellbeing, Shakespeare in the Ruff hopes to reflect the pressures of the modern economy through Tiff’ny of Athens, “in a way that still leaves room for lightness, theatricality, and fun.”

The quartet cast includes co-creator Christine Horne as Tiff’ny, Warona Setshwaelo as Apemantus and others, Lucy Hill as the Painter and others, and Ben Yoganathan as Flavius and others.

Directed by Patricia Allison, “Tiff’ny of Athens is a hilarious fable for our time.”

Now in its 14th season, Shakespeare in the Ruff creates original adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays, “seeking to flip the Eurocentric, colonial gaze and give a platform to marginalized voices.”

This year, the company decided to adapt one of the Bard’s least-known works.in taking on Timon of Athens.

The performances take palce each night, excluding Mondays, at 7:30 p.m. from Aug. 14 to Aug, 31 at Withrow Park, which is located just south of Danforth Avenue between Logan and Carlaw avenues.

Performances are 90 minutes long with no intermission. Admission is on a pay-what-you-wish basis, with no fee required.

Audiences are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets and settle in to enjoy an evening of theatre under the stars, while supporting Shakespeare in the Ruff’s five key values: creative audacity, education, anti-racism and decolonized practice, respect, and accessibility.

To learn more about this month’s performances in Withrow Park, reserve a spot, or make a donation, please visit Shakespeare in the Ruff’s website at https://shakespeareintheruff.com/productions/tiffny-of-athens/