On his first visit to the Stratford Festival as a high-school student, Antoni Cimolino experienced a profound connection with the young people on stage in Love's Labour's Lost. This connection would change his life.
Fifty years later, we prepare to honour the unparalleled contribution he has made to this theatre. In his 39 seasons with the Festival, he has performed in 18 plays, directed 31 productions, programmed 14 seasons with 157 shows, created the Meighen Forum, brought 33 new works to the stage, been a passionate and empathetic leader, serving as both Executive and Artistic Director – the only person to have done so – and cemented one of the largest arts endowments in the country.
He has given us all moments of profound enlightenment, deep catharsis and sheer delight. His work has enriched our lives and secured for the Festival a position at the pinnacle of global theatre. No one has been so dedicated over so many years and in such vital roles as Antoni.
As he retires from the position of Artistic Director, we celebrate his extraordinary legacy and extend our deepest gratitude to him.