The company was founded in 1987 by Andres Hausmann, Ray Tomalty, and Kelly Patterson,[1] and is now led by the current Artistic and Executive Director, Krista Jackson.
Imago's ethos is that by holding space for gender-inclusivity and giving power to women and gender-diverse people, art can create a more inclusive, safe, compassionate world.
[2] In the early days, under the leadership of Andres Haussman, Imago presented intricately intense international works and electrically experimental yet socially significant bilingual collective creations.
Its work examined questions about human nature, climate change, politics, power dynamics, and the treatment of women and marginalized groups in our society.
[3] Imago Theatre's work is committed to pushing boundaries, expanding form, and engaging in essential dialogue about urgent social issues.
The company's core values are reflected through productions, festivals and readings; the ARTISTA free mentorship program for to women, non-binary, trans and gender-diverse creators; artistic residencies; post-show talkbacks; socially engaged community outreach and events; workshop series; and the Pay-What-You-Decide initiative.
[8] In order to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions, Imago shifted its programming to include digital work in 2020 so the theatre could continue hiring artists during that time of instability, and stay connected to their audience.
Tuning In, a commissioned series of three new, short audio plays penned by women playwrights from across Canada (In partnership with, and broadcast live from Montréal, Arts Interculturels).
[35] Plays include: Lâche pas la patate by Yvette Nolan, The Ringtone by Audrey Dwyer, Scout's Honour by Amy Lee Lavoie.
[37] Space Girl, the filmed version of the world premiere of Indigenous playwright Frances Koncan's newest play directed by Krista Jackson[38] (Ice River Films/Prairie Theatre Exchange).
[41] The Creator's Circle brings together playwrights based in Montreal and nationally to workshop their plays in development and create a community space for artistic exchange.