FOR THE LOVE OF HAMILTON
This regular feature highlights people from all walks of life who have embraced Hamilton as their new home.
MARY FRANCIS MOORE is an award-winning actor, director and playwright whose work has toured Canada, produced internationally and performed for former prime minister Justin Trudeau and Perry Bellegarde, former grand chief of the Assembly of First Nations. She is the co-writer of Bittergirl and Bittergirl – The Musical, which became a book published by Penguin called Bittergirl: Getting Over Getting Dumped. She has also developed several new musicals with established recording artists Johnny Reid, Amy Sky and Tom Wilson. She is the first female artistic director of Theatre Aquarius and one of only two female-led A-house theatres in Canada. Mary Francis grew up in Thunder Bay, Ont. and earned a bachelor’s of fine arts in theatre in education from Concordia University. She lives in North End Hamilton with her husband Brendan Wall, and they have two sons Fin and Kilian.
What does an artistic director of a theatre do?
The AD of Theatre Aquarius is responsible for shaping the theatre’s creative vision, curating each season’s programming, and positioning the company as a vital part of the local and national cultural landscape. My role includes selecting the shows — balancing established works with new Canadian and Hamilton-based stories — casting productions, hiring creative teams, and directing one to two shows per season. I oversee the National Centre for New Musicals, a major initiative supporting the development of original Canadian musical theatre. The AD ensures that the theatre is artistically ambitious, locally rooted, and nationally relevant.
What was your impression of Theatre Aquarius before you took your job?
I directed Hairspray the Musical here in 2019 and I had taught at the theatre school a few times over the years so I knew how great the staff was and what a spectacular venue it is. This theatre is incredible – we are a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres, it is a well known theatre in our industry so I knew it by reputation and experience.
What did landing the job at Theatre Aquarius mean for you at the time?
It was nearing the end of the pandemic so just the simple fact that plays could be back on stage in front of a live audience hit me in a meaningful way. The rest came later.
What are you most proud of about your work at Theatre Aquarius?
We have produced exciting new work. Taking MAGGIE to the historic Goodspeed Musicals, our upcoming announcements about the future of Beautiful Scars, this coming season’s production of It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken featuring the music of the Tragically Hip.
How would you describe the aspirations and vision you and the rest of the team have for Theatre Aquarius?
At Theatre Aquarius, we’re creating a home for bold, inclusive storytelling that reflects the heart and complexity of Hamilton. We’re passionate about developing new Canadian work with an international appeal. Our vision is for the theatre to be the centre for you to gather, create, challenge, and connect.
What made you choose to move to Hamilton from Toronto?
It was a very practical decision. I commuted for just over a year and then my older son decided to go to McMaster as my youngest son was starting high school (he goes to Cathedral and loves it) so it just made sense. Being here in the community allows me to have a more direct relationship with our audience. I see kids from our theatre school at the library, I chat to subscribers at the market or when I’m walking my dog. I like knowing who I am programming for and what conversations are happening in the community.
What neighbourhood do you live in and why did you choose it?
I live in the North End. My husband is an actor and works at theatres in Toronto a lot. We figured being close to West Harbour would make it easier to get to his shows. It’s a great neighbourhood. We have amazing restaurants, shops, the market, the library and bookstores. And of course Bayfront. I love being close to the water.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by change makers. People with vision and tenacity. People who put the needs of a community before themselves. I am inspired by people who get things done.
What’s your take on Hamilton now that you've got some roots here?
My parents have lived here since the ’90s when my dad was transferred to Hamilton, and over the years both of my brothers have settled here, so I had roots in Hamilton before I took the job. I like the sense of community here – someone always seems to be six degrees from someone else so there is a sense of belonging you don’t always get in cities this size. I like the pride Hamiltonians have of their city even during tough times.
How would you describe this city as a place to work as a theatre artist?
I find the city is an inspiring catalyst for art. It has a rich history to draw from and a vibrant cultural scene. I’ve programmed plays like Mark Crawford’s The Gig based on conversations and events in the community so I would also say the city is inspiring on many levels. My son’s band The Commune plays in town quite a bit and I have witnessed how directly the city impacts his songwriting. “God can’t help this shape I’m in. Take me home to Hamilton.”
What Hamilton arts or cultural events do you most look forward to attending (besides Theatre Aquarius!)?
There are so many each season that it’s hard to mention any one, but welcoming our colleagues in the theatre sector to our upcoming NCNM Musical Theatre summit in January and introducing them to Hamilton is something that I am looking forward to.
How do you spend your spare time?
Theatre has bizarre hours and no two days are ever the same so when I do have spare time I tend to spend it with my husband and my sons. I travelled a lot for work before I became AD here so I really like being home whenever I can. I spend a lot of time in my garden.
What is your favourite meal in a local restaurant?
Where do I start? Hamilton’s food scene is unreal. There are so many amazing places but I sure do love the bureka at Synonym.
What's Hamilton's best-kept secret that you've discovered?
The warmth and kindness of Hamiltonians.
What does Hamilton need more of?
Arts funding
What does Hamilton need less of?
Bureaucracy
What's the one thing you brag about Hamilton to outsiders?
The food scene, the green spaces, the hiking and, of course, Theatre Aquarius!
If you would like to be featured in For the Love of Hamilton, or know someone who should be,
please contact: meredith@hamiltoncitymagazine.ca.
