GNIT SEARCHES FOR MEANING IN GLEEFUL ABSURDITY AT THE SHAW

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON (June 18, 2025) – Gnit, playwright Will Eno’s bizarrely funny and moving contemporary take on Henrik Ibsen’s Peer Gynt, debuts at the Shaw Festival. Written by the playwright of Middletown and directed by Artistic Director Tim Carroll, a young man’s journey to discover his True Self starts previews June 19 at the Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre.
 
Peter Gnit (Qasim Khan), his very name the result of a typo, leaves home to find his purpose in life, abandoning his sick Mother (Nehassaiu deGannes) in the process. A ‘people person with good problem-causing skills,’ Peter falls in love with Solvay (Julia Course) before likewise deserting her to continue his quest for his elusive Self. Though his travels take him around the world to fame, fortune, infamy and poverty, Peter never misses an opportunity to miss the opportunity to learn what he really needs to know.
 
Gnit also features Patrick Galligan, Mike Nadajewski and Gabriella Sundar Singh*.
 
The Shaw’s production of Gnit features set and costume design by Hanne Loosen, lighting design by Kevin Lamotte and music direction, original music and sound design by Claudio Vena. The production team includes stage manager Michael Duggan and assistant stage manager Sang-Sang Lee.
 
On stage at the Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre (10 Queen’s Parade) from June 19 to October 4 (available for review beginning July 4), Gnit is recommended for audience members 14+. Running time is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one intermission.
 
Gnit is sponsored by Diane King.
 
The Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre is sponsored by Paradigm Capital Inc.
 

 
*Christopher Newton Intern, Gabriella Sundar Singh, is generously supported by Marilyn & Charles Baillie.