The Shape of Home: Songs in Search of Al Purdy is an original, theatrical, song cycle that beautifully conjures the poetry and letters of one of Canada’s most legendary artists. A musical investigation into the life and work of Canada’s unofficial poet laureate, The Shape of Home honours Purdy’s quest to live life fully, to love deeply, and to challenge actively.

Commissioned by Festival Players, located in the heart of Al Purdy’s Prince Edward County, this new work was created by award-winning artists Beau Dixon (Passing Strange, Obsidian Theatre and The Musical Stage Company), Hailey Gillis (Master and Margarita, Crow’s Theatre), Andrew Penner (Ghost Quartet, Crow’s Theatre), Raha Javanfar (Rose: A New Musical, Soulpepper), Marni Jackson (co-writer of the film Al Purdy Was Here), and Frank Cox-O’Connell (Hand to God, Coal Mine Theatre), who also directs,The Shape of Home is adventurous and audacious and finds beauty in unexpected and unusual places.