It’s been about six weeks since I actually sat down to do some writing. I think I needed the break or what I now call my Impromptu Hiatus. Albeit a shorter month, I find February a bit sluggish in terms of getting through the days. We had some grey days this past February, which make me move a little slower. But I’m glad we had some wonderful weather these past couple of weeks. Sunlight and longer days help in getting us through the last bit of winter and alas! the vernal equinox is upon us.
Even if I took a seven week hiatus from writing and felt a bit sluggish, I still had an eventful month. I attended some very interesting events in the city. As it is my usual, I saw some good films at Cinematheque Ontario. Some friends and I, took in Yi Yi by Edward Yang. I really loved this film. Yang allows us to get to know the daily ups and downs of a family in Taipei. If you have not seen this film, I highly suggest you do. Another artfully done film we went to see was Russian Ark by Alexander Sokurov. The film is a journey through time in the Hermitage Museum in Moscow; all done in one single take. The costumes, music and camera work are great and frankly, a great trip. These two films were part of The Best of the Decade: An Alternative View programme.
Harbourfront Centre offered some free musical shows and film screenings as part of the Kuumba Festival, which celebrates Black History and African Liberation Month. I got to see the documentary Rocksteady: The Root of Reggae. I had screened this documentary last year but wanted to see it with a live audience and on the big screen. You can read my review here. At Kuumba, I also learned more about the Rastafari way of life through the screening of In Search of Rastafari and the panel discussion which followed afterwards with members of the Toronto Rastafari community and Donisha Prendergast, Bob Marley’s granddaughter. On my way home from seeing In Search of Rastafari, I had to make a stop to get some of Ras Iville Wright and Ikeila Wright’s One Love Corn Soup… DELICIOUS!
Since I had missed the Doc Soup screening of Soundtrack for a Revolution, I went to a special screening at the Bloor Cinema. This documentary showcases many of the men and women involved in the Civil Rights Movement in the States and they discuss how music played an important role during those times. We were treated to a lovely live performance by Toronto’s own Saidah Baba Talibah singing some of the same songs discussed and sang on film. A short film of her performance is shown here; pardon the low quality. Her talent, however, is evident.
Music: always a good idea to make time for live music. I attended the Sistahs Concert; a concert showcasing many of Canada’s lead Black female vocalists. You can find a full list of the performers on their website. Just to name a few: Molly Johnson, Jackie Richardson, Ada Lee, Shakura S’Aida and Sacha Williamson. This was the second concert by the project, which has been the effort of Andrew Craig. The music and performers were great.
A dear friend got me a ticket to see Dr. Zahi Hawass and hear his lecture Mysteries of Tutankhamun Revealed. Dr. Hawass is not only extensively knowledgeable and a very well-known Egyptologist but he’s also quite the celebrity. He had his lectured timed to the second and had many stories to share. He talked about DNA sequencing in order to find out which members of Tutankhamun’s family they have mummies for as well as details of how him and his team have dug many tombs in Egypt.
Of course, during the past few weeks I had to squeeze in a theatre piece as well. Someone I worked with was the director of one of the plays (Ashes to Ashes) in the New Ideas Festival at the Alumnae Theatre Company. This festival showcases new works, works-in-progress and experimental theatre. It runs from March 10-27; week one proved to be quite an opening. I had a good time and of course, had some favourites. Ashes to Ashes was one of them because of its cast, its quirky sense of humour; it didn’t bother me that I was laughing that loud. I must admit I had never attended a play at the Alumnae Theatre; a former fire hall. I think I will make a trip back very soon.
All these cool things to do in the city amidst birthdays and catching up with family and friends. I may have taken an impromptu hiatus and not write as much but it was much needed. I’m now ready for film festival season! Stay tuned; lots more tidbits to come…
