From Friday, November 21 to Sunday, December 14, 2025 – Necessary Angel Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Moonlight Schooner, an evocative tale about the systemic and deliberate breaking of Black men by colonial forces during the Windrush Generation* and the casualties left behind. Presented in association with Canadian Stage and Tarragon Theatre at the Berkeley Street Theatre.
A Caribbean sailor’s search for a living
It’s May Day 1958. A small group of Black sailors are stranded on the island of St. Kitts after a terrible storm. The sailors indulge in a responsibility-free night on the town, as the looming unknowns of imperialism threaten their dreams of a better future.
Written by Dora Award-winning playwright, and Necessary Angel Associate Artistic Director, Kanika Ambrose (our place, Truth) and directed by Sabryn Rock, the cast features Nehassaiu deGannes, danjelani ellis, Daren A. Herbert, Tony Ofori and Jamie Robinson.
“Moonlight Schooner is the most personal piece I have written to date. It explores issues that affect my family to this day. I am grateful to have a team of skilled and sensitive artists to go on this journey. My hope is that this story will open conversations around these very delicate, but not unique, lived experiences in a way that can encourage healing and growth.”
– Kanika Ambrose, playwright & Necessary Angel Associate Artistic Director
Moonlight Schooner special events
Caribbean Communities Night: November 22 @ 7:30 PM ET
Moonlight Schooner’s Caribbean Community Night is an evening for celebrating Caribbean stories, artists and audiences. This performance is focused on Caribbean audiences, but is open to all. Following the show, the celebration will include food, drinks, music and opportunities to meet Moonlight Schooner’s cast and creative team. Enter the promo code MOON to access C$25.00 Community Night tickets.
Black Out Night: December 2 @ 7:30 PM ET
Launched in 2019 by Jeremy O. Harris and Dominique Morisseau during the Broadway run of Slave Play, Black Out performances have since expanded internationally. These initiatives play a role in informing future programming that focuses on diversifying voices, outreach, accessibility and fostering an equitable theatre culture.
The purpose of a Black Out performance is about creating space for Black audience members to engage with work made by Black artists, together. A Black Out performance is neither exclusionary nor prescriptive; it is a community event designed for Black audiences to connect with the work in a meaningful way. Though the intention is to create a space for as many Black identifying audience members as possible, no one will be turned away. This performance will feature a talkback, as well as a post-show party!
“I believe Moonlight Schooner to be Kanika’s most ambitious work yet. She gives a voice to the voiceless and delicately balances humour with heartbreak. I am particularly drawn to her writing because she always swings big and never takes the easy way out. It was crucial to secure the right company of actors and creative team with a certain gravitas and fearlessness to go where Kanika demands and I am endlessly lucky that the team we’ve assembled fits the bill and then some.”
– Sabryn Rock, Director
The world premiere of Moonlight Schooner is dedicated in memory of actor Michael Blake.
About Necessary Angel Theatre Company
Necessary Angel Theatre Company is one of English Canada’s most vital original creation and touring organizations. The company has a history of innovation and risk-taking, and engages theatre artists from a variety of disciplines in the creation of new work. An influential and original presence on the national and international theatre scene for over 40 years, the company has produced more than 60 productions, including 30 world premieres and 11 North American premieres. Work created by Necessary Angel has been nominated for and has won Governor General’s Awards for Drama, Chalmers Awards for Outstanding New Play and numerous Dora Mavor Moore Awards.
About Canadian Stage
Canadian Stage is one of the country’s leading contemporary performing arts organizations. A collision of disciplines and cultures, Canadian Stage reflects the dynamism and complexity of Canada and is a vital artistic force locally, nationally and internationally. In its over 30-year history, Canadian Stage has employed thousands of artists, and developed and produced hundreds of new productions. Many of the plays developed by Canadian Stage have been awarded and nominated for Canada’s most prestigious literary and performing arts honours, including Governor General’s, Chalmers and Dora Mavor Moore Awards. Throughout the theatre season, nearly 100,000 patrons attend performances and workshops in its three Toronto venues.
About Tarragon Theatre
Tarragon Theatre is a creation and playwrights’ theatre. They develop, produce and present premiere productions that investigate artistic form, offering enriching and provocative theatre experiences for the artist and audience. For over 50 years, their mission has been a foundation within Canadian theatre, new play development and dramaturgy practice. They open their doors to celebrate and learn from the scope of voices that make up their country and the various artistic practices that resonate within them. Tarragon is equally a hub for creation and development as it is a production company, with the ultimate goal of creating a meaningful environment for artists to thrive and bridge their ideas from concept to realization.
(Photo credits: Necessary Angel Theatre Company. Daren A. Herbert. Photo by Dahlia Katz.)
Event details
Presented by: Necessary Angel Theatre Company, in association with Canadian Stage & Tarragon Theatre
Type of event: theatre performance
Written by: Kanika Ambrose
Directed by: Sabryn Rock
Cast: Nehassaiu deGannes, danjelani ellis, Daren A. Herbert, Tony Ofori & Jamie Robinson. Read about the cast here.
Dates: Friday, November 21 – Sunday, December 14, 2025 (previews on November 21, 22 & 25), with events & accessible performances on the following dates:
- Caribbean Communities Night (with post-show reception): Saturday, November 22 @ 7:30 PM
- Free Child Care: Sunday, November 30 @ 2:00 PM
- Black Out Night (with talkback & post-show party): Tuesday, December 2 @ 7:30 PM
- Post-show Talkbacks: Thursdays, December 4 & 11 @ 7:30 PM
- Pre-show Artist Chats: Saturdays, December 6 & 13 @ 2:00 PM
- Relaxed Performance: Saturday, December 6 @ 2:00 PM
- ASL-interpreted Show: Tuesday, December 9 @ 7:30 PM
Start times:
- Tuesday – Saturday evenings @ 7:30 PM ET
- Saturday matinées (starting November 29) @ 2:00 PM ET
- Sunday matinées (starting November 30) @ 2:00 PM ET
Duration: 1 hour & 40 minutes (no intermission)
Cost: Taxes may apply.
- Previews (November 21, 22 & 25): C$45.00 – $92.00
- After Previews: C$50.00 – $119.00
- Caribbean Community Night (November 22): C$25.00 (enter the promo code MOON)
- Black Out Night (December 2): C$25.00 (enter the promo code MOON – limited number available)
- Discounts available for groups, school groups, arts workers and guests under 30. Contact the Box Office for more information (see contact details below).
- For community & organization group bookings, please contact Kristina McNamee kristina@necessaryangel.com.
Location: Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley St., Toronto, ON, M5A 2W3, Canada
Booking link: Book your tickets here.
Contact details: Necessary Angel Theatre Company, info@necessaryangel.com, necessaryangel.com; Box office contact information: boxoffice@canadianstage.com, (416) 368-3110.
Content warning: Mature language and content. Recommended for ages 14+.
Accessibility: Info here. The performance on Saturday, December 6 at 2:00 PM is a Relaxed Performance and the performance on Tuesday, December 9 at 7:30 PM will be ASL-interpreted.
Health & safety policy: Canadian Stage venues have taken enhanced health and safety measures for you, other patrons, staff, volunteers and artists. You must follow all instructions provided in pre-event emails, as well as all posted and verbal instructions while attending your performance. While they have put measures in place to enhance safety and help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission from person to person, an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in public places where people gather. When visiting one of their venues, you voluntarily assume all risks related to possible exposure of COVID-19. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in removal from the venue.
Refund policy: All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. Tickets may be exchanged within the same production to a different performance date, provided the exchange is done no later than two hours before the performance for which the original tickets were purchased, subject to availability. The ticketholder must pay any difference in ticket price. Exchanges are subject to a $5.00 fee per ticket. Please contact the Box Office for more information: boxoffice@canadianstage.com, (416) 368-3110.