Beverly Glenn-Copeland with special guest Elizabeth Copeland

Beverly and Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland are multi-disciplinary artists who have been actively collaborating since they met in 1992. They married in 2009 and shortly afterwards, moved east to the Acadian Coast. There they opened a theatre school dedicated to community building: a core vision for both.

Glenn (as he likes to be called) is a beloved Canadian black, trans elder whose work for most of his life lived in the shadows. Only in the last decade has his work been given the attention it deserves. His discography includes the iconic album, "Keyboard Fantasies" – inspired by a profound relationship with nature, an obsession with science fiction and some of the earliest drum-machines and synthesizers. Glenn was given an honourary doctorate by the University of Toronto for not only his musical legacy, but for his ‘resolute advocacy on behalf of black, Indigenous and queer culture’.

Elizabeth is a theatre artist, writer, producer and arts educator whose four-decade career blends art and activism. Her work spans touring with Second City, performing with the Honolulu Symphony, and writing award-nominated books including "Jazz: Nature’s Improvisation" and "Daring to Hope at the Cliff’s Edge", the latter inspired by a residency at the Joggins Fossil Institute. She also co-produced and performed in Glenn’s recent tour.

Their shared love of working with children and youth has been lifelong. Elizabeth has developed programs supporting children with diverse needs, while Glenn is remembered as 'Beverly' from nearly 30 years on the beloved Canadian TV show Mr. Dress-up, as well as a contributor to Sesame Street and Shining Times Station. 

This power couple first met through shared artistic community, and the flame of their collaborations began to shine shortly after, continuing to this day. For the last five years, Elizabeth has been her husband’s primary caretaker. After being displaced during the pandemic, Elizabeth and Glenn now live in Hamilton, Ontario where they are busy working on a book, a short film, a play and more. 

Both Glenn and Elizabeth believe in the power of art to change lives. Their work speaks of that belief.

Presented by Regular Music