W.O. Mitchell Room

In 1975, Theatre Calgary premiered W.O. Mitchell’s Back to Beulah, which then went on to become an award-winning play that is performed to this day across Canada. W.O. Mitchell’s Jake and the Kid, The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon, The Kite, and For Those in Peril on the Sea also received their premieres on our stage. This represents part of Theatre Calgary’s artistic vision to bring relevant Canadian works to the Max Bell Theatre stage.

In 1998, as a tribute to W.O. Mitchell’s key role in the long history our theatre, we dedicated our high-end donor lounge as the W.O. Mitchell Room for the private and regular use for our Dress Circle Members.

The W.O. Mitchell Room boasts an outside view across 9th Avenue and Macleod Trail, has a private bar, comfortable plush seating for guests, and an overall intimate atmosphere.

“Not only did his writing cause people to fall in love with the author, but people fell in love with the man. He was his own finest character.” - Douglas Gibson, Publisher and Friend of Mr. Mitchell

Who is W.O. Mitchell?

W. O. Mitchell was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan in 1914 and was an author of novels, short stories, and plays, Mitchell is best known for his 1947 novel, Who Has Seen The Wind, which has sold close to a million copies in North America.

In addition to producing a large body of written work throughout his lifetime, Mitchell served as professor of creative writing and writer-in-residence at several Canadian universities and was the director of the Banff Centre’s writing division.

He has often been called the Mark Twain of Canada for his vivid tales of young boys' adventures.

He spent his later years in Calgary, Alberta, where he died in 1998.