In The City: Dance. Photography. Theatre. Film.

Spread the love

This installment of In The City includes an array of arts and culture events happening throughout Toronto this long weekend.

Les Indes Mécaniques & The Anahtar Project
Dreaming of the East in Dance and Music
May 14-15, 8:00pm
Fleck Dance Theatre
Harbourfront Centre.
Tickets: $50 adults; $43 seniors; $20 30yrs and under.
Tickets available online or by calling 416-973-4000 x 1.

In the Toronto Masque Theatre tradition of creating productions featuring striking juxtapositions, centuries-old dreams of the East are explored in this double bill of dance and music, featuring a choreographed adaptation of Rameau’s baroque masterpiece Les Indes Galantes on a double bill with a concert of Turkish-influenced music.

The Anahtar Project, the second half of the evening will be a dynamic concert of music inspired by the centuries-old Ottoman/Turkish ‘Makam’ tradition, led by Juno-award winning composer and performer Andrew Downing. Featuring original compositions by Downing and his collaborator, the ud player Güç Başar Gülle, the project was inspired by the ‘Gezi Park’ protests, which Downing witnessed during his time in Istanbul.

*I have attended several Toronto Masque performances and I always, always enjoy myself. The mix of music, dance, and even comedy at times, really makes for a lovely evening out with friends or alone. I highly recommend attending, especially if you like exploring music of all types and times.

Arbor Vitae (Tree of Life)
CONTACT Photography Exhibit by Nicola Woods
On display until June 7/strong>
ARTiculations Earl Selkirk Gallery
2928 Dundas St. W.
Mon-Fri: 11-7
Saturday: 11-5
Sunday: 12-5
Sponsored by Bandis Vision

In the exhibit Arbor Vitae (Tree of Life), Woods is presenting a series of photographs that reveals the mysterious beauty of trees. The images are printed onto transparent film and displayed in light boxes. She use the circle as a framing device to both capture trees in their natural state and create enigmatic montages. Her hope is that these tree portraits will encourage the viewer to reflect on the tree as a symbol that ignites our imaginations and increase their awareness of how trees shape and enhance our physical environment.

FACTORY and U.N.I.T. Productions present
MORRO AND JASP: 9-5
Created and Performed by Morro and Jasp
Directed and Dramaturged by Byron Laviolette
Starring Heather Annis and Amy Lee
Runs until May 31
Factory Theatre
Tickets: $23-$45 | available online or by calling 416.504.9971

MORRO AND JASP: 9-5 is a playful investigation into the workplace, and an entertaining exploration of the universal experience of employment. Clown sisters Morro and Jasp are Canadian Comedy Award winners; three-time Dora Mavor Moore Award nominees; and winners of “Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble” in 2012 for Morro and Jasp: Go Bake Yourself (the play that inspired the award-winning cookbook Eat Your Heart Out with Morro and Jasp).

*I first met the clown sisters in 2012 at their show Morro and Jasp: Go Bake Yourself. I am not a huge clown fan but I had such fun at the show that I honestly forgot my dislike of clowns. I have seen them since and still enjoyed a few more laughs then.

BIG IDEAS: A Festival of Staged Readings
Runs until May 17
Alumnae Theatre
Tues-Sat 8pm, Sat & Sun 2pm
FREE Admission

This is a week-long set of staged readings of works-in-progress from award-winning writers of the Alumnae’s New Play Development group. Each day/evening brings you a different piece with varying themes and players involved. I suggest you check out the full listing at Alumnae’s website. These types of readings are often quite interesting, especially for those new to theatre.

Ben’s At Home
Director: Mars Horodyski
Screenplay: Dan Abramovici, Mars Horodyski
Music by: Freedom or Death
Opens in Toronto, May 15
Rainbow Carlton Cinemas
Screenings at 2pm & 7pm daily, Q&A opening weekend
Tickets are available online

Ben’s At Home follows the newly 30 and single Ben (Abramovici) as he copes with life, love, and bouncing back from a bad breakup. Heartbroken and very cynical after he’s dumped by his girlfriend, Ben decides to never leave his house again, revealing in the struggles that follow the extent to which social media shapes our personal lives. Relevant and witty, the film speaks to the heart of our scattered, digital age, and is a smart, comedic look at today’s wired generation.

*I saw this film as part of the Canadian Film Fest earlier this year. I was pleasantly surprised by its writing, humour, and cast. Overall, this is a film worth supporting on its opening weekend. You will have not be disappointed.