In 1976 director Robert Wilson and composer Philip Glass broke all the rules of conventional opera and gained worldwide praise when they premiered their five-hour fusion of sound, image and movement, Einstein On The Beach.
Masters of osmosis, blending real and virtual imagery, Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon have once again set new standards with their production of La Belle Et La Bête: A Contemporary Retelling. All elements of the presentation –– from Belle’s paintings to the characters’ dramatic metamorphoses –– spring to life via virtual holographic imagery.
Any time iconic director Robert Lepage launches a new work the world takes notice. Luminato is proud to be the only Canadian co-commissioning partner and host of the North American premiere for his next major piece – the first in a four-part cycle for theatre in the round,Playing Cards 1: Spades.
Batsheva Dance Company headed by choreographer Ohad Naharin has been popularly embraced as one of the most exciting contemporary dance companies in the world. Luminato 2012’s presentation of Sadeh21 is a North American premiere and marks the long awaited return of the Batsheva Dance Company to Toronto.
These four performances will have Toronto audiences mesmerized.
Einstein On The Beach An Opera in Four Acts Sony Centre for the Performing Arts June 8 and Saturday, June 9 @ 6:00 PM Sunday, June 10 @ 3:00 PM 4 hours and 20 minutes, no intermission. Audience may leave and re-enter the auditorium throughout Tickets from $49 to $175
La Belle Et La Bête: A Contemporary Retelling Bluma Appel Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre for the Performing Arts Friday, June 8 and Saturday, June 9 @ 7:30 PM Saturday, June 9 @ 2pm, Sunday, June 10 @ 3:00 PM Monday, June 11 and Tuesday, June 12 @ 7:30 PM 1 hour and 30 minutes, no intermission Tickets from $49 to $99
Sadeh21 By Ohad Naharin in collaboration with Batsheva Dance Company dancers (season 2010/11) MacMillan Theatre, University of Toronto June 14–16 @ 8:00 PM 1 hour and 15 minutes, no intermission Tickets from $25 to $85
For full details on this and other programmes at this year’s Luminato Festival visit luminato.com.
The band got started in 1991. They’ve visited over 60 countries, have won 1 Latin Grammy, have 7 studio albums, 1 live DVD+2CD, 1 record label, have been 20 years in the music business, and still have high hopes to continue to do what they love to do.
I had the great opportunity to interview Los Amigos in advance to their Toronto concert on June 25th at the Horseshoe Tavern. Here is what transpired…
HM: After 20 years, what is your approach to writing and producing new music?
José Rafael Torres (Catire): Life keeps inspiring us. There’re always situations waiting to be told. Also producing music is our passion, a calling, something you just got to do because without it you’re nothing.
HM: You’ve been living in New York City for some time, how does the city and its music scene impact your creativity?
Catire: At this moment we only have one member left in NY. We have 2 members in Miami, 2 in Caracas and one in Xalapa, Mexico. I lived in the city for 10 years and I can say the impact was huge. You just need to leave your apartment and walk for 15 minutes to find something that really inspires you whether this is a landscape, people, musicians, art, etc. Also being able to watch your idols behaving like regular humans had a big impact on me.
HM: You’re now working on a new album. What is some of the music you’re listening to that might influence Los Amigos’ sounds?
Catire: We’re such different guys. Don’t think we’re listening to many things in common lately and yet somehow we still manage to make an album. That’s what happens when you’ve been 20+ years together.
HM: 20 Años de Gozadera is your latest tour. What has been the response across the globe and what do you have in store for Toronto audiences?
Catire: It’s been great. The family (fans) keep growing and growing. The main reason we’re still in this business is because of the joy of being able to play in front of an audience that looks like it’s having a lot of fun. Toronto shouldn’t be the exception.
HM: Y por último, (para nosotros de habla hispana) nos podrían contar un poco acerca el documental “La Casa Del Ritmo“. ¿Cómo nació este proyecto y cómo les ha ido desde su estreno en Miami?
Catire: Fué la idea de un gran amigo que pensó que no muchas bandas latinoamericanas duran 20 años y menos lograr hacer una carrera desde Nueva York. Según él, esto podria ser el sueño de cualquier músico latinoamericano. Por ello la importancia de que la película se haya realizado durante nuestro 20 aniversario y de que se haya realizado en NY. La película no es tanto un documental sino lo que podría llamarse un “concert film”. La idea era grabar la experiencia de un concierto en NY y que los mismos miembros de la banda contaran su historia entre canción y canción. El estreno en Miami fué todo un éxito y la banda quedó bastante satisfecha con el trabajo.
*** This last question, in Spanish, was about the documentary “La Casa Del Ritmo,” which is a recording of one of their concerts in New York City. It premiered in Miami earlier this year and Catire explained it was a great success and that the band is truly happy with the project.
There you have it; an introduction to Los Amigos Invisibles for some of you and an update for others. Be sure to mark your calendars for their concert, part of the TD Toronto Jazz Festival. Los Amigos Invisibles will be at Horseshoe Tavern on Monday, June 25 – 10pm. For more information on other artists appearing at the festival, visit torontojazz.com.
The full line up for this film programme is as follows:
Friday, June 8 7:00 PM – Absolute Wilson – Dir: Katharina Otto-Bernstein This film documents theatre director Robert Wilson’s life; from small-town Texas to the heights of his career, touching on projects that have reshaped the art landscape since the 1960s. With introduction by Jillian Keiley, Artistic Director, Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland; NAC, English Theatre.
In 1976, Philip Glass, Robert Wilson and company shook the opera world when they premiered Einstein on the Beach. The Changing Image of Opera dives into the creative process that brought us to this turning point for opera and both Wilson and Glass’ careers. With introduction by Lawrence Cherney, Artistic Director, Soundstreams.
Saturday, June 9 4:30 PM – Glass: A Portrait of Philip in Twelve Acts – Dir: Scott Hicks A 12-part focused and thoughtful look at musician Philip Glass’s daily life, Glass weaves the artistic force and significance of his career in a larger context and includes interviews with Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen and Ravi Shankar. With introduction by Lee Pui Ming, composer and pianist.
9:00 PM – Flaming Creatures – Dir: Jack Smith Famously seized by police at its 1963 premiere and determined obscene by the New York Criminal Court, Flaming Creatures influenced a spectrum of artists, including Andy Warhol and Robert Wilson. With introduction by Roy Mitchell, Executive Director, Trinity Square Video.
Flaming Creatures will be preceded by: Danse Macabre – Dir: Pedro Pires
A Robert Lepage concept executed by Pedro Pires, Danse Macabre takes on choreography and performance art to explore the body of flesh and its significance.
***Danse Macabre is one of my favourite short films from the last five years. Beautifully executed. You can read my interview with director Pedro Pires from 2009 here.
Sunday, June 10 4:30 PM – Brokeback Mountain – Dir: Ang Lee Adapted from Annie Proulx’s short story, Brokeback Mountain tells the story of two young ranchers in Wyoming who meet in 1963 and embark on a secret romance spanning nearly 20 years. It is considered one of the most important commercial films in history for its organic integration of gay content. With introduction by Brokeback Mountain author, Annie Proulx.
Monday, June 11 6:00 PM – Testimony – Dir: Tony Palmer Testimony is the epic biographical account of Russia’s greatest and most famous composer, Dmitri Shostakovich. Actor Ben Kingsley offers one of the most interesting performances of his career as an artist under Stalin’s crushing pressures, bouncing between social praise and humiliation. With introduction by Andrew Burashko, Artistic Director, Art of Time.
Boasting an international cast, including Kristin Scott Thomas, Lothaire Bluteau and Jean-Louis Millette, Le Confessional alternates between Quebec City in 1989 and to the year 1952, when Hitchcock was shooting I Confess in the city. With introduction by Magali Simard, TIFF Senior Coordinator, Film Programmes.
Tuesday, June 12 4:30 PM – Out of Focus – Dir: Tomer Heymann A close-up documentary on Ohad Naharin, Out of Focus looks at Israel’s famed choreographer and artistic director of the Batsheva Dance Company, featured this year at Luminato. With introduction by Christopher House, Artistic Director, Toronto Dance Theatre.
Wednesday, June 13 4:30 PM – Tectonic Plates – Dir: Peter Mettler Robert Lepage’s mostly improvised play, Tectonic Plates uses the shifting of the Earth’s plates as a metaphor for human movement through time and space. Set in New York, Venice and Montreal, the two main characters are thrown in some of the most innovative physical settings, somewhere between cinema and theatre, inciting a discourse about temporality and space. With introduction by Magali Simard, TIFF Senior Coordinator, Film Programmes.
9:00 PM – Sing Me The Songs That Say I Love You – Director: Lian Lunson Shot at New York’s Town Hall Theatre in May 2011, Sing Me The Songs That Say I Love You is an all-star concert and tribute to one of folk music’s greatest artists, Kate McGarrigle. Hosted by McGarrigle’s famous musical offspring, Rufus and Martha Wainwright, they are joined onstage by Emmylou Harris, Norah Jones, Antony Hegarty, Teddy Thompson, and Canadian novelist Michael Ondaatje who pays a moving tribute to McGarrigle’s lyrical skills. The film will be followed by a Q&A with members of the McGarrigle and Wainwright families.
Thursday, June 14 5:15 PM – The Image Mill Revealed – Dirs: Marie Belzil, Mariano Franco The Image Mill Revealed takes a close look at the three months leading up to the opening of a major installation to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Quebec City. With introduction by Steve Lucas, set and lighting designer.
The Image Mill Revealed will be preceded by Robert Lepage – Dir: Jeremy Peter Allen A short, innovative portrait of artist Robert Lepage. Lepage discusses recurrent actors, themes and aspirations. Recurrent actors, the sense of origin, themes of travel, the future, the explosion of spatial settings – Robert Lepage is a quick and focused look at a relentless creative force.
Friday June 15 4:00 PM – Bright Angel – Dir: Michael Fields
Trailer provided by Video Detective Set in 1980s Montana, Bright Angel shows what happens when a troubled teen teams up with a young runaway in an attempt to assist in her quest to get her brother out of prison. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Ford’s screenplay brings the reflective backbone that elevates this road thriller to a psychological exploration of characters in a crumbling western backdrop.
Saturday June 16 4:30 PM – La Belle et la Bête – Dir: Jean Cocteau Adapted numerous times to the theatre stage and to the big screen, La Belle et la Bête has become the ultimate exploration of superficiality, class differences and physical beauty. With introduction by Diane D’Aquila, La Dame in Lemieux Pilon 4D Art’s La Belle et la Bête: A Contemporary Retelling.
9:30 PM – Koyaanisqatsi – Dir: Godfrey Reggio Also known as Life Out of Balance, Godfrey Reggio’s no-dialogue trippy, gorgeous and at times disturbing film garners a significant cult following. Scored by Philip Glass, Koyaanisqatsi is a haunting visual trip that should be seen on the big screen. With introduction by Ingrid Veninger, filmmaker.
Sunday June 17 4:30 PM – The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari – Director: Robert Wiene One of the greatest horror films in history, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari tells the tale of a mad carnival showman and his living-dead somnambulist Cesare, working together to terrorize a small provincial town. The film will be presented with live piano accompaniment by musician Laura Silberberg. With introduction by David Ben, Artistic Director, Magicana.
November 25th, 1970, was the last day in renowned Japanese author Yukio Mishima’s life. Mishima centres on the biography of the prolific author-turned political rebel who ultimately performed hara-kiri. With introduction by John Gzowski, composer, sound designer and musician.
Lots to experience at this year’s Luminato. If you’ve yet to see some of these films or learn about Philip Glass, Robert Le Page, Robert Wilson and others, this is your chance!
All films will be screened at TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West. $5 tickets will be available at TIFF Bell Lightbox Box Office on day of film screening.
CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival (WSFF) begins its official run on June 5th. Before opening night, however, WSFF is presenting a day for the entire family at Flick-Nic. This is a series of captivating short that will keep all of you attentive and hoping for more. Flick-Nic is part of WSFF’s day of free activities at Dufferin Grove Park.
Shorts for Shorties is one of my favourite programs at WSFF. The films are for children of all ages and for those of us who are children-at-heart. I was able to preview the series and enjoyed all of them. Here is a short recap.
Animal Beatbox Cats and dogs and cats and dogs and cats and dogs. Resistance is futile! Just try not to sing along to this catchy tune, that is sure to get stuck in your head!
This is definitely one catchy tune! I found myself singing “cats and dogs and cats and dogs and…” as I went on about my day. The little ones will definitely like this short.
Sid The Pike Meet Sid, the laziest, most fascinating hunter in the world! This pike lives in a lake in Sweden where he spends most of his days observing his surroundings and occasionally catching a meal.
An interesting short that will keep you wondering just what Sid’s next move will be…
Stella And Sam: “Night Fairies” Pitch a tent with Stella and Sam, then make a wish and go on a fantastic nighttime adventure with these cute siblings, right in their own backyard.
Based on the popular Canadian children’s book series, this short takes on an night-time adventure with the brother and sister duo. Be ready to use your imagination!
Acorn Boy Little Acorn Boy has been left behind in the woods. He is determined to make himself useful, just as soon as he figures out how to use his arms and legs!
This film comes from Latvia and it is perhaps one of my favourites in this series; loved the animation but also the story. Really well executed and there is certainly no need for dialogue. No wonder it’s garnered awards around the world already. It won First Prize in the Films for Children and Youth category at Croatia’s 2011 Soopertoon International Animation Festival.
Four Deep underground, in a faraway forest, lives a little fairy who awakens from slumber only to find the surrounding woodland in need of a seasonal touch-up.
This film celebrates nature and its seasons. It is lovely animated and its use of colours adds to the notion of a magical place. Reminds us just how the changing of the seasons is part of what makes our planet so special.
The Gruffalo’s Child Based on the best-selling children’s picture book, The Gruffalo’s Child tells the delightful tale of a little Gruffalo who ignores her father’s warnings and tiptoes out into the snow in search of the Big Bad Mouse.
If you are familiar with The Gruffalo from last year’s WSFF or the book on which the short was based on. Even if you are not, you will enjoy this short just as much. I loved The Gruffalo last year and The Gruffalo’s Child had me transfixed just as much. A favourite of many, I hope.
For more info about Shorts for Shorties and WSFF listings go to shorterisbetter.com.
Arts & CultureComments Off on National Theatre of The World: The Script Tease Project
The three-time Canadian Comedy Award-winning improv theatre company The National Theatre of the World has brought back The Script Tease Project! After a successful and critically acclaimed run last year, the company is back to give us a night filled with laughter and surprises.
So what is The Script Tease Project? I will let the Artistic Directors (Ronald Pederson, Naomi Snieckus, Matt Baram) explain it to you in the video below.
Basically, the playwrights write 2 pages… The company members read them for the first time in front of the audience each show…. Then…they improvise the rest RIGHT before your eyes!
The Script Tease Project continues tonight, Saturday, and ends its run Sunday!! There are two shows each day, so you have plenty of chances to get in. I am certainly looking forward to it!
Tickets are $20, Student tickets $15. They can be purchased at the Theatre Passe Murraille box-office, by phone at 416-504-7529, or online at www.artsboxoffice.ca. For more information visit www.thenationaltheatreoftheworld.com.
Open Roof Festival (ORF) is back this summer with another award-winning lineup of films and musical acts. Now in its third season, the festival will continue to offer local Torontonians and international visitors a 10-week outdoor urban and cultural showcase every Thursday night at the Amsterdam brewery beginning June 21 and running through August 23.
The 2012 programme includes an excellent mix of both Canadian as well as international narrative films, documentaries, and indie music acts designed to attract all fans of good film and music.
ORF will kick-off on June 21 at 7:30 PM with the film Marley, a documentary about the life, music and legacy of Bob Marley from Academy Award-winning director Kevin Macdonald. Made with the support of the Marley family, the film features rare footage, incredible performances and revelatory interviews with the people that knew him best.
Director: Matthew Lillard Screening Date: July 5 Based on the novel by KL Going, a story about two teenage outcasts with minimal talent who form a band and through music discover self-confidence and acceptance while battling addiction and abuse.
Charles Bradley Soul Of America Director: Poull Brien Screening Date: June 28 This documentary feature follows the extraordinary journey of 63- year-old singer Charles Bradley, whose debut album took him from a hard life in the Brooklyn Housing Projects to Rolling Stone Magazine’s top 50 albums of 2011.
Director: Yung Chang Screening Date: July 12 A documentary on rural teenagers in southwestern China who are recruited as their country’s next Olympic hopefuls, with a focus on the coach Qi Moxiang.
**You can read my spotlight on this film & director Yung Chang here.
Herman’s House Director: Herman’s House Screening Date: July 19 A feature documentary that follows the unlikely friendship between a New York artist and one of America’s most famous inmates as they collaborate on an acclaimed art project.
Director: Daniel Lindsay, T.J Martin Screening Date: July 26 A documentary chronicling the lives of three underprivileged studentathletes from inner-city Memphis and the volunteer coach trying to help them beat the odds on and off the field.
Hysteria Director: Tanya Wexler Screening Date: August 2 A lighthearted romantic comedy based on the surprising truth of how Dr. Mortimer Granville devised the world’s first electro-mechanical vibrator.
Directors: Lisanne Pajot and James Swirsky Screening Date: August 9 An award-winning documentary at Sundance that captures the emotional journeys of indie game developers who devote their lives to their interactive art.
Moonrise Kingdom Director: Two-time Academy Award nominated filmmaker Wes Anderson Screening Date: August 16 Tells the story of two twelve-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness, causing a local search party to fan out and find them. Grand Jury prize winner at Sundance.
Director: Benh Zeitlin Screening Date: August 23 A narrative drama that follows a six-year-old girl from Southern Delta who searches for her long lost mother after her father falls ill.
For more information including all festival announcements, appearing bands, guest hosts, attending filmmakers and ticketing visit www.openrooffestival.com.
Loosely based on a true story the French film The Intouchables directed by duo, Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano follows the unlikely friendship and bond that materializes between a disabled wealthy Philippe (Francios Cluzet) and Driss (Omar Sy) a young French-Senegalese man from the ghetto.
Though the film has been criticized for playing on, and manipulating racial stereotypes, disability stereotypes were not to be left out; however, the heart of the production shone through as Driss brought inspiration, perspective and friendship unlike any other to Philippe’s life. This is definitely not they typical racial binary between black and white.
The Intouchables, with and excellent soundtrack, is truly one of the best feel good films of the year and outside of that, simply one of the best movies I’ve seen this year all things considered. The Intouchables has broken many French box-office records and is the second highest grossing film in French history. The film also garnered Sy with a Cesar Award for Best Actor (the French equivalent of an Oscar). Omar Sy made French history when he became the first black actor to win the award in that category.
The Film which is distributed by Alliance Films in North America opens JUNE 1st in Theaters in the US and Canada.
Rating – (4.5 of 5stars)
About Author:M. Khamal Murrayis a major in Bioethics & Equity at the University of Toronto. He is the Editor/Writer of TheJuxtapositionApe Blog; as well as, a published freelance journalist & writer with the Jamaican Canadian Xpress,
The Hunger is an “immersive performance installation.” It was conceived by architect Margaret Krawecka with Mal Nowacka (The Chimera Project), Ulysses Castellanos and Richard Windeyer (bluemouth inc.)
This art performance/installation is based on the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel. As audience members we are led by performers to walk through a 500 sq ft installation made of vacuum-sealed bread. The performers, all wearing black and bird masks, then guide us to partake in their performance.
The play explores the themes of modern escapism and consumption through this age-old folk story. The performance is intense at times. The ‘birds’ sometimes offer us treats to eat; making us part of the group — society in this case. There are images superimposed on the bread walls showing us the effects of consumerism in society. We have succumbed to purchasing all kinds of goods of certain labels to feel better about ourselves. Yet we are never satisfied. Thus, we are constantly hungry for more.
While partaking in the performance, we begin to question what all the images, sounds and food represent. And well after you exit the performance, we still continue to make connections and discover more themes. Essentially, the play along with the installation reminds us that society is never satisfied. We are always craving more and become greedy in the process…We allow what we own or buy to define us.
I really recommend experiencing this performance art piece for yourself. The Hunger runs until Sunday, May 27 at Scotiabank Studio Theatre. Part of the tickets sales will go to the Westend Food Co-Op, an organization endorses healthy and sustainable local food options. For more information visit www.thehunger.me.
The 22nd annual Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival is underway and its line up is looking very impressive this year. For 11 days, the festival will present more than 175 films and videos from Canada and around the world; as well as artist talks, panel discussions, installations and parties that showcase. Lots to sample this year, for sure!
I have narrowed down my list and have a few suggestions for you…
Friday, May 18 The Perfect Family – 10pm Dedicated churchgoer Eileen Cleary (Kathleen Turner) will bend over backwards to portray her dysfunctional brood as the Catholic ideal, even though her son (Jason Ritter) has just left his wife for the woman he really loves, and Eileen’ daughter Shannon (Emily Deschanel) is about to marry her lesbian lover.
The potential for humour amidst familly tension is sure to bring about some interesting post-film discussion plus the casting is looking very good.
Saturday, May 19 Call Me Kuchu– 4:45pm If you missed this film at Hot Docs a few weeks back, you get a second chance. The documentary follows a group of brave activists that include the charismatic David Kato, who during filming was murdered for his refusal to hide his identity.
This may not be an easy film to watch at times but it’s about human rights, personal struggles and the need to continue fighting for these rights and one’s identity.
Set in LA’s Huntington Park neighbourhood, the film centres on 15-year-old Yolanda (Fenessa Pineda), whose strict Mexican parents expect their straight-A student daughter to stay out of trouble and eventually go to college.Yolanda has no problem with the plan until she spies Mari (Venecia Troncoso), the brooding teen who’s moved in across the street. What begins as an awkward friendship blooms into an intense relationship…
Glad to see some Latinas representing at this year’s festival. In a culture filled with rules and expectations, young women have to carefully navigate between these and their own need for freedom to express themselves as they truly are.
Monday, May 21 Madame X – 2:15pm An over-the-top extravaganza, this film is a candy-coloured, camp-filled tale of a pre-op transsexual superhero who fights intolerance, all the while looking fierce and fabulous.
Okay, I must admit, I didn’t read the full description to add this one to my list. Over the top fight scenes? Check! Tongue-in-cheek humour? Check! Enough said.
Wednesday, May 23 Facing Mirrors – 7:15pm Rana (Ghazal Shakeri) drives a taxi to support herself and her son after her husbands is incarcerated. To her chigrin, she picks up a fare that requires her to drive far out of Tehran. During this drive, she comes to know her passenger Adineh (Sheyesteh Irani), who is transgendered. Rana must deal with her own prejudices.
I’m always curious to see how the same issues are addressed across cultures. And it’s a reminder that no matter where we live, we encounter the same prejudices and that we must work towards abolishing them.
Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker play Stella and Dot. They have lived together for 31 years on the coast of Maine. When Dot’s granddaughter places the newly injured Dot in a nursing home and away from her mate, Stella must free Dot and make a dash for Nova Scotia, where gay and lesbian marriage is legal.
This was the opening film at this year’s Canadian Film Festival and I enjoyed it immensely. Dukakis and Fricker have great chemistry and not to mention a script filled with naughty humour that adds to the charm of the film. I hear director Thom Fitzgerald and Dukakis may be in attendance for this screening. I highly recommend you attend; I’m going again!
Sunday, May 27 I Am A Woman Now – 4:15pm Five trans women, now in their seventies, offer a fresh perspective on trans identity and aging in this documentary. The film offers an intimate look at aging as seen from the viewpoint of five members of Europe’s early generation of post-op trans women.
I am quite interested in learning how these five women have overcome any challenges they encountered in their journey.
There are many, many more films at Inside Out. I also suggest checking out their Short Film Programs as they include films from Switzerland, Japan and other countries. For full listings, tickets and box info, go to www.insideout.ca/torontofestival.
