Recession cuts Stratford shows

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival, in a move unprecedented in its 57-year history, has placed 31 performances "on hold," removing them from its 2009 schedule and transferring tickets already sold to the public to shows on other days.

The action sends out a frightening signal about the impact of the recession on larger arts organizations, coupled with the National Ballet of Canada's decision this week to cancel its Western Canadian tour for economic reasons.