‘The show must go on’ for Coal Mine Theatre despite damage from fire

Toronto’s beloved east-end theatre the Coal Mine was badly damaged by a fire earlier this week.

Located at 1454 Danforth Ave., the Coal Mine is an intimate performance venue known for programming high-stakes, cutting-edge work. Owned by co-artistic directors Diana Bentley and Ted Dykstra, the space has been home to dozens of Toronto theatre artists. The fire occurred early Friday morning.

“The timing is terrible,” said Bentley in an interview. The company recently announced its eighth season, set to open Sept. 25 with Jani Lauzon’s “Prophecy Fog.”

Bentley said the fire has been deemed an accident caused by a short fuse. No one was injured, but the lobby space and front facade of the building have been badly damaged.

Bentley and Dykstra are staying as positive as they can. The company’s no stranger to sudden venue problems: a show in Coal Mine’s first ever season was displaced because of mould shortly before its premiere and an alternative pop-up space was found at the time.

“The show must go on,” said Bentley. “The most important thing for us is that people keep buying tickets. That’s our lifeblood. Please keep buying tickets. It’s so hugely appreciated.”

Bentley pointed out the irony of the situation: Coal Mine’s most recent play, “Detroit,” ended with a stunning fire, though the company could never have imagined how closely life would imitate art.

Bentley and Dykstra are looking into options for “Prophecy Fog,” which will be contingent on decisions made by the theatre’s insurance company in the weeks to come.

“But sometimes magic can come out of destruction,” said Bentley. “Extraordinary things can come out of moments like this.”

A Canada Helps web page for the company has been established and has garnered considerable support from the Toronto theatre community.

Ticket holders and subscribers will be contacted as soon as possible if there are any changes to Coal Mine’s slated performances.

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