Joe Who?
Belfry Theatre opens its 50th Anniversary Season with Michael Healey’s sharp political satire, 1979.
Victoria, BC...From September 9 to October 5, 2025, the Belfry Theatre will present Michael Healey’s political comedy, 1979. Directed by Glynis Leyshon (who directed Healey’s play Proud – a big hit with Belfry audiences), 1979 stars Nathan Howe as Prime Minister Joe Clark (who starred in Salt Baby, 4000 Miles, and 1939 at the Belfry)with Jay Hindle (who starred in Proof at the Belfry in 2003) and Luisa Jojic (who starred in our premiere of Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer in 2022 and has been touring the show around Canada for the past three years), playing many of the politicians of the day.
December 13, 1979: the day of the parliamentary vote on Joe Clark’s austerity budget. It’s almost certain to bring down his government. A parade of politicians, including Pierre Trudeau, John Crosbie, and Flora Macdonald—try to offer advice—but honest hapless Joe is determined to stick to his principles—even if it means triggering an election he’s bound to lose.
WHY I CHOSE THIS PLAY
I've actually chosen it twice—! Once when it was a relatively new comedy—and being a comedy with brains, it was a great choice for this audience. However, it fell victim to the pandemic, just before rehearsals began.
This time I chose it because rumour had it that Trudeau was going to call an election in the Fall of 2025. When events conspired to bring about a Spring election, I was initially disappointed. However, given the near dictatorship to the south, there could hardly be a better time for contemplating the value of morals in government. Michael Shamata
Creative Team
Michael Healey - Playwright
Glynis Leyshon - Director
Pam Johnson - Set Designer
Carole Klemm - Associate Set Designer
Charlotte Dean - Costume Designer
Kevin Lamotte - Lighting Designer
Tobin Stokes - Composer and Sound Designer
Keith Houghton - Projection Designer
Katerina Sokyrko - Stage Manager
Hannah Abbey - Apprentice Stage Manager
Live Events
B4PLAY (In Person + on Facebook)
Saturday, September 6 at 11 am
BMO Studio, 1291 Gladstone Avenue
Our live talk show hosted by CBC Radio’s Gregor Craigie and featuring artists from the upcoming show, along with experts from the community, has been designed to provide insight into each Mainstage production.
Each event is held the Saturday before Opening, is free to attend, live-streamed on Facebook, and is available as a podcast on our website.
B4Play is ASL Interpreted. To reserve free tickets, please call our Box Office at 250-385-6815.
Talkback Thursday
September 25, 2025 following the performance.
On the third Thursday performance during the run of each show, most (usually all) of the actors return to the stage to answer your questions and provide insight into the play you have just experienced. These Q & A sessions last approximately 20 minutes.
VocalEye - 1979
September 28, 2025 at 2 PM (in-person event with Touch Tour & Social after)
For patrons with low or no vision, we offer one VocalEye performance during most Mainstage productions. Trained Audio Describers provide descriptions of the visual elements of the show, allowing people with low vision to enjoy the theatrical experience without missing any of the details—more information at the Box Office 250-385-6815.
Ticket Information
We are offering Pay What You Want tickets for all performances this season. Tickets are available at 250-385-6815 or online at tickets.belfry.bc.ca.
Show Sponsors
1979 is generously supported by Broadmead Hearing Centre and Chateau Victoria.
Season Sponsors
The Belfry is generously supported by BMO, The Times Colonist, and Helijet.
Public Funders
The Belfry is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, the Province of BC, the BC Arts Council, CRD Arts Development, and the City of Victoria.
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Mark Dusseault