Richard Ouzounian: A Five-Decade Odyssey in Arts Journalism
Richard Ouzounian stands as a pillar of Canadian arts journalism, with a career spanning theatre criticism, broadcasting, and creative direction. For over 50 years, his work has shaped public discourse on performing arts, blending incisive analysis with a deep reverence for cultural storytelling.
Career Trajectory: From Critic to Cultural Architect
- The Toronto Star Era (2000–2015): As chief theatre critic, Ouzounian reviewed over 1,200 productions while crafting celebrity profiles that revealed artists’ creative processes. His 2003 book Are You Trying to Seduce Me, Miss Turner? compiled standout interviews with figures like Tina Turner and Christopher Plummer.
- CBC’s Voice of Musical Theatre (1990–2004): Hosting Say It With Music cemented his reputation as Canada’s preeminent Broadway interpreter, inspiring the Tony-winning musical The Drowsy Chaperone.
- Stratford Festival Collaborations (2002–Present): From directing concert versions of The Fantasticks to creating streaming content during the pandemic, Ouzounian has been instrumental in reimagining classical theatre for modern audiences.
- Immersive Art Pioneer (2020–2023): As Creative Consultant for Lighthouse Immersive, he developed narrative frameworks for installations like Immersive Van Gogh and Immersive King Tut, attracting over 5 million visitors worldwide.
Defining Works
- Stratford Gold: A 50-Year Legacy of Theatre Excellence (Toronto Star, 2002) This 12-part series dissected the Stratford Festival’s artistic evolution through archival research and interviews with 63 alumni. Ouzounian’s analysis of director Tyrone Guthrie’s “thrust stage” innovation demonstrated how architectural choices shape theatrical intimacy. The companion book became required reading in university theatre programs.
- Canadian Theatre’s Renaissance: Innovation on Stage and Screen (Variety, 2013) Surveying 23 companies nationwide, Ouzounian identified a trend of “cross-platform storytelling” years before the streaming boom. His profile of Robert Lepage’s 887 production revealed how memory-based narratives could translate across languages and media.
- The Evolution of Immersive Theatre: From Van Gogh to King Tut (Intermission Magazine, 2023) This manifesto argued that immersive installations represent theatre’s logical evolution in the digital age. By contrasting Klimt’s The Kiss adaptation with Tutankhamun’s tomb recreation, Ouzounian demonstrated how spatial design can democratize cultural access.
Pitching Insights: Aligning with Ouzounian’s Editorial Vision
1. Lead with Canadian Cultural Identity
Ouzounian prioritizes stories that explore Canada’s unique artistic voice. His 2013 Variety piece on Indigenous playwright Tomson Highway’s influence exemplifies this focus. Successful pitches might highlight Franco-Ontarian collaborations or Inuit storytelling adaptations.
2. Bridge Classical and Contemporary
His Stratford Gold series proved that historical analysis gains relevance when tied to modern practice. Pitch updates on Shakespearean productions using AI-assisted set design or gender-fluid casting approaches.
3. Emphasize Multisensory Innovation
The Immersive Van Gogh project coverage shows his fascination with experiential art. Propose stories about olfactory-enhanced performances or haptic technology in regional theatre.
4. Spotlight Mentor-Protégé Relationships
Ouzounian’s 2002 profile of director Martha Henry mentoring Liza Balkan reveals his interest in artistic lineage. Pitches about emerging directors apprenticing under festival veterans align with this theme.
5. Avoid Tabloid-Style Celebrity Coverage
While his Turner interviews were playful, they focused on craft over gossip. Pitches about actors’ personal lives without artistic context will be dismissed.
Awards and Industry Recognition
- Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Letters (2003): Awarded by Thorneloe University for advancing theatre scholarship, this recognized Ouzounian’s dual role as critic and educator through masterclasses at Sheridan College.
- Gemini Award Nominations (1996–2000): As TVOntario’s Creative Head of Arts, his Imprint book series brought literary analysis to prime time, competing against mainstream entertainment programs.
