Our 2026 Season is in full swing, with patrons calling The Merry Wives of Windsor “an injection of humour, chuckles, and sheer fun.”
Among the characters caught in The Merry Wives of Windsor’s suburban shenanigans is the well-meaning (and eccentric) minister, Evans. Evans tries to facilitate a marriage between his friend’s nibling, Slender, and the captain of the women’s soccer team, Anne Page. However, he finds himself at odds with Dr. Caius, a Québecois chiropractor—and another one of Anne’s suitors.
Bringing Evans to life this summer with knee-wobbling hilarity is Zahf Paroo, who is making his Bard debut this Season. We spoke with Zahf about how he got his start in theatre, what it’s like to balance two very different productions on the BMO Mainstage, and how his first summer under the tents has been a bit of a serendipitous—and full-circle—moment.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you first discovered acting?
Yes! So, I grew up in a small town in the interior of BC. As a preteen I was very self-conscious and not very confident, to say the least, so it took a while to find my groove. I tried to fit in with all types, but struggled until I changed schools in high school. The one I ended up at had a great theatre program and the drama teacher, Dave Brotsky, was a true genius who spread his love of theatre with infectious fervour. He inspired me to explore the craft of acting, and once I hit the stage for the first time, it was a done deal. As it turned out, the theatre geeks were my people. My mom was always super supportive too and my OG cheerleader. She’s come to everything I’ve done over the years. I can’t run lines with her without cracking up though. I was also a budding cinema geek. I’d bike down to the video store and spend the whole day waiting for someone to return the VHS tape I wanted and I’d watch it on repeat once I had it in hand.
This is your first Season at Bard! How has that experience been?
It’s been pretty magical. I’ve wanted to do it for decades, and this year it fell into place. It’s been amazing to meet all the wonderful humans who make up the internal workings of this giant, well-oiled machine. The amount of talent in the cast was initially very intimidating, but it didn’t last long because everyone is just so cool and kind.
What was your relationship to Shakespeare heading into this Season at Bard?
I did Shakespeare in the Park in Calgary in 1995, and have been chasing the dragon ever since. I actually auditioned for Bard almost every year up until 2010, and stopped after what I was sure was an awful audition. Turns out I was the only one who thought that. Funny how things come full circle if you just keep going.
Zahf Paroo as Evans in The Merry Wives of Windsor (2026) | Photo by Emily Cooper
In The Merry Wives of Windsor, you play quite a colourful character in Evans! What has it been like to dive into a role like this, and can you tell us a bit about how you built this character and any inspirations you might have drawn on?
The character is written as Welsh, and then adapted to be Newfie in Rebecca Northan and Bruce Horak’s version. I came in with some ideas, and even took a stab at a Scotian version and a power stoner, and neither really landed. I just kept playing and experimenting until I got into his wardrobe, which really helped set his physicality and voice. Once it settled, it felt like he was right there all along.
In The Merry Wives of Windsor, you also—spoiler alert—wrote the breakdown to replace DaBaby’s verse in Dua Lipa’s “Levitating.” How did that come about, and do you have a secret account on SoundCloud that we should know about?
Haha, no SoundCloud yet, but that is noted. When I heard the version they were going to do (without the rap), I felt like the rap would add some awesomeness, because that’s the version most people know from media and radio play. I had previously written comedy sketches that take familiar songs and apply new lyrics, so I took a stab at summarizing the B-plot in a rap and pitched it to Rebecca and the higher-ups. It went through lots of edits, but I’m so glad it made the cut. Personally, it’s one of my favourite bits in the show.
Zahf Paroo as Soldier in Macbeth (2026) | Photo by Emily Cooper
In addition to playing multiple characters in Macbeth, you are also the understudy for Banquo and Seyton. How has it been to balance these two very different productions, in addition to an understudy track like this?
It’s kind of cool, to be honest. Switching between the two tones of the shows allows you to keep the comedy fresh on one side and excitedly move into the darkness on the other. It feels like by the time we switch, the cast is looking forward to doing the other show, just to mix it up. Understudying can be tricky, as even when you get the lines and blocking down, little transitions and backstage paths can trip you up. Luckily, C-Bass [Sebastian Kroon], whom I am understudying, is such a generous performer that he helped me work all those little things out, so if I ever need to go on as Banquo, I can feel confident in the performance and quality of the show. It’s a prime example of how the people in this company are so gracious and go the extra mile.
What are you most excited for audiences to experience with The Merry Wives of Windsor and Macbeth?
Both interpretations have loads of surprises, from the jokes and music to the bloody battles. I tell my friends to come see both to experience the range of the shows and the cast. I can’t say much more without giving away spoilers, but my roles in the two shows are diametrically opposed, so that’s very fun.
Do you have a favourite memory or moment that stands out to you from the Season so far?
The Season is young, so this may change by the end of the summer, but for now, I’d have to say it’s the reconnections. When I did Shakespeare in the Park in Calgary in ’95, it was with Rebecca and Bruce. They are now Canadian legends, so to get to connect with old friends and share stage time and space with them is just so serendipitously cool.
Is there anything that you’ve been reading/watching/listening to lately?
I haven’t had time to dabble in any books—our schedule is just starting to calm down—but there’s lots of great TV out right now. People in our industry are feeling the fear of AI taking over our jobs, but I just don’t think it’ll ever be possible to make art without artists. When you watch something like Adolescence, you are pulled into a human journey, ripped apart, and glued back together to examine what’s left of your perspective. Only the depth of the human soul can do that. Welcome to Derry was also a blast, if you like the Stephen King lore, and The Bear and White Lotus are obviously great if you haven’t seen them.
When you’re not under the tents at Bard, how do you like to spend your time?
I like to keep fit and cook, but mostly I hang with my beautiful kiddo and wife. This Bard schedule can be very demanding, and my wife is the most supportive and amazing person I could imagine spending my life with. When I do have free time, I want to be with them.
Thanks for chatting with us, Zahf!
Be sure to see Zahf in The Merry Wives of Windsor and Macbeth on the BMO Mainstage this summer. Tickets start at $30!