Royce Vavrek Named New Artistic Director of Against the Grain Theatre

By David Salazar

Against the Grain Theatre has announced the appointment of Royce Vavrek as its new Artistic Director.

Vavrek, the librettist behind such works as the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Angel’s Bone” “JFK,” “Breaking the Waves,” “Silent Light,” “Proving Up,” and “The Old Man and the Sea,” takes over for Joel Ivany, the company’s founding Artistic Director.

“As our new Artistic Director, Royce brings a wealth of experience, and a reputation as one of the most celebrated librettists in contemporary opera,” Board Chairperson Marc Chalifoux said in an official statement.

Meanwhile, Vavrek is “committed to leading AtG into a new chapter, where the company will continue to break boundaries and explore new narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.”

“I am excited to contribute progressive, dynamic works that illuminate the Canadian cultural landscape.  As a very proud Canuck, I want this to be an opportunity to bring exciting projects and artists to Toronto, and to share our stories with the broader opera world,” he added.

Among Vavrek’s upcoming projects is Missy Mazzoli’s Metropolitan Opera-bound “Lincoln in the Bardo.”

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