Bringing the World to Toronto: How Wayqeycuna Found Its Way to TPM

Welcome back to #BeyondTO!

For the 2026 iteration of BEYOND TO this January, we welcome back Tiziano Cruz. TPM audiences may remember this incredible artist from his startling and harrowing piece SOLILOQUIO which we presented in 2024 as a part of BEYOND TO. Originally from communities indigenous to northern Argentina, Tiziano weaves his interdisciplinary approaches with an urgent, theatrical demand for visibility and voice. Continuing with his autobiographical trilogy, TRES MANERAS DE CANTARLE A UNA MONTAÑA (Three Ways to Sing to a Mountain), we’re thrilled to present the third and final installment, WAYQEYCUNA. Focusing on his siblings, Tiziano’s heart-warming new show is an exploration of memory and history culminating in community affirmation.

As borders and Indigenous sovereignty continue to be challenged around the world, it is critical for a company like TPM to showcase works that hold space for global perspectives. BEYOND TO is a natural extension of our work here to foster diverse, inclusive, and boundary-pushing theatre that reflects the complexity of our world, building a better foundation for cultural exchange in art and life.

The curation of BEYOND TO is shared by Artistic Producer Indrit Kasapi and myself. We both share a strong inclination for works that are bold, challenging and performed with virtuosity and WAYQEYCUNA is no exception. We’re thrilled to be presenting Tiziano again here at TPM.

There are any number of ways in which a show originating from outside of Toronto is programmed and presented on a TPM stage. Sometimes, we are pitched in sessions at festivals, or are sent high quality materials of the show to review. Sometimes we reach out to works we hear or are told about and are in line with our curatorial interests. As with all of our shows, ultimately Indrit and I are always prioritizing unique performances that may resonate with our Toronto audiences, but especially for international work, we are always excited to welcome work which would otherwise not be experienced here.

For WAYQEYCUNA, of course, we were already familiar with Tiziano’s previous works and began early conversations as the show was in development to find a way to bring the show to Toronto. The show made its Canadian debut at the FTA (Festival Transámerique) in Montreal, where Indrit was able to see it and confirm our desire to bring it to Toronto. 

After an initial mutual agreement, there is still a tremendous amount to do in order to bring the show to Toronto. There are so many details in producing to be able to co-ordinate, and arrange for a touring production. There are discussions and decisions on marketing, ticketing, traveling design elements, community engagement (more robust in line with Tiziano’s philosophies), international travel and permits, and much more. Of course, in addition to the work of the wonderful TPM staff, it also involves many discussions with the partners in collaboration, from the touring company to communications with other presenters on their Canadian leg. As well, all of this takes resources, which for us, the majority comes from the Canadian Heritage as well as touring support from the Canada Council for the Arts, Foreign Artist Tour. 

In the end, we’re incredibly grateful that the political climate still has space and platform for such extraordinary artists as Tiziano, so that TPM can share them with you. Enjoy.

– Marjorie Chan, TPM Artistic Director