BBC Worldwide North America and Cineplex Entertainment’s Front Row Centre Events are teaming up again for two special theatrical screening events of Doctor Who Season Premiere: Deep Breath, on Monday, August 25, at 7:30 pm (local time) and Saturday, August 30, at 12:55pm (local time).
The hit BBC series marks a new beginning, as award-winning actor Peter Capaldi (In the Loop, World War Z) takes on the role of the iconic Time Lord for adventures through space and time. This new episode will be shown in 85 cinemas across Canada and will include 15 minutes of bonus content!
From acclaimed director Ben Wheatley and award-winning lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat, the beginning of the new Doctor’s era is a pulse-racing adventure through Victorian London. Peter Capaldi stars as the Doctor, Jenna Coleman as his companion Clara Oswald and the episode sees the return of fan favourites The Paternoster Gang – Madame Vastra (Neve McIntosh), Jenny Flint (Catrin Stewart) and Strax (Dan Starkey).
“We look forward to providing Canadians this first opportunity to see Peter Capaldi as the Doctor on the big screen, with stunning theatre surround sound,” said Bradley LaDouceur, Vice President, Alternative Programming, Cineplex Entertainment. For Dr Who fans, this big-screen event is nothing short of nerdtastic!
Doctor Who has received numerous awards, including last year’s Institutional Peabody Award. The series has enjoyed success off-air with more than 10 million DVDs and 8 million action figures sold globally. Peter Capaldi is the twelfth actor to play the role of The Doctor in the series’ over 50-year history. Twelve years makes for some good television! Doctor Who is a BBC Wales production for BBC One.
Showtimes and tickets for Doctor Who Season Premiere: Deep Breath are available now at participating theatre box offices and online Cineplex.com/DeepBreath. Synchronize your tardis now!
Epilepsy Toronto brings their signature fundraising event, Scotiabank BuskerFest, back to Toronto. In partnership with the Downtown Yonge BIA, they have announced an outstanding roster of international and Canadian acts, both new and returning, for the 15th edition of the festival. Scotiabank BuskerFest runs Thursday, August 21 to Sunday, August 24 throughout the Downtown Yonge Neighbourhood, from Queen to College Streets and surrounding areas (including Trinity Square Park and Yonge-Dundas Square).
How does it work for the artists?
Buskers retain proceeds from “the hat” passed after their performances except for shows on the Scotiabank Stage in Yonge-Dundas Square: for the first time ever, each performing act will be doing one performance on this stage over the course of the weekend, and all proceeds will go to Epilepsy Toronto!
Who will be in town?
Joining the previously announced FlameOz (returning) and Reuben DotDotDot (new) from Australia, and NoMaD Cirquel (new) from Austria and Les Frères Taquins (new) from Belgium, are several outstanding international acts, including:
From Australia: Bendy Em (returning), a pint-sized former gymnast with a wicked wit who bends and contorts her body into freakily mind-boggling positions. From Ireland: Jack Wise (returning), a Molotov cocktail of comedy and magic – including swallowing a real 24″ steel sword! From Japan: Ikeda Yosuke (new), a unique style of performance blending mime with graphic and acoustic arts – the lyrics of a song appear in many different ways with the music. From Spain: Ale Risorio (new), an eccentric, absurd clown with a bag full of unusual and unexpected props. From the United Kingdom: Billy Kidd (returning), one of the few female magicians in the world who hosts Discovery Channel‘s Breaking Magic: the Magic of Science. She reads people’s minds, turns paper to money and produces the most unsuspecting things out of nowhere.
Among the various talented, returning local performers from the GTA are: Hercinia Arts Collective entertain with their hilarious act “Money Fish” – synchronized swimmers out of water and looking for audiences everywhere. Mental Floss Side Show, a vaudevillian duo that brings exhibits from the five corners of the globe – all with a little dash of snake oil. The Silent Violinist combines balloons and mime dressed in her visually stunning balloon dress with a gigantic wing spread. Max T. Oz, a sleight-of-hand magic favourite who has been at each and every festival since its inception; And, of course, the veteran festival busker Silver Elvis, a mechanical metal man who moves for money, honey – “thank you, thank you very much.”
Silver Elvis Photo: Buskerfest
Also, new from Quebec: Chasseurs de Rêves: a tribe of larger-than-life stilt puppets shines in colours and movements, with an elegant bird and majestic elephant. CiRcO LoCo: Argentine tango dancers, circus artists, knife thrower and tribal belly dancing make for an awesome concoction of circus, stunts & mystery! Les Vitamines: a colourful, high-energy duo that dazzles with acrobatic feats punctuated by improvised acts during which the public is invited to join in the fun.
Photo: Buskerfest
Admission to Scotiabank BuskerFestis by voluntary donation to Epilepsy Toronto, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping more than 40,000 Torontonians with epilepsy, and their families, through counselling, employment support, advocacy and education.
Between you and I, I am not a fan of clowns… But I do enjoy a good magic or circus performance. I think there is plenty to choose from at this year’s Scotiabank BuskerFest. Bring down the family, and make it a weekend of pure fun… all for a great cause!
For a full list of artists performing at this year’s festival, venue, and other information, visit: scotiabankbuskerfest.com.
Although SummerWorks includes many paid performances and events, there are several others that are FREE admission. This is a chance to enjoy the festival at no cost, and also a perfect way to sample the festival, if you have not attended before.
Here is a list of all FREE events/performances, starting with one taking place today.
Zong! Meets Garrison Sunday August 10th, 6pm-10pm Trinity Bellwoods Park, Corner of Queen St,West and Gore Vale Ave Live Art Series (Audience may come and go at any time)
On November 29th, 1781, somewhere on the Atlantic Ocean between the coast of West Africa and Jamaica, 150 enslaved Africans are thrown overboard on orders of the captain of the slave-ship Zong. In 1881, Garrison Creek would be “straightened” between Queen West and the Western Stockyards, beginning a process that would result in the entire river being eventually buried.
Composed from the text, Gregson vs. Gilbert, audience members immerse themselves in the erased history of the Zong and Garrison Creek. Bring your voices, blankets, cushions or chairs and wear white if possible.
Hye Note: I noticed the story will be told by Poet Setaey Admau Boateng with M. Noubese Philip, also a poet. I met Ms. Philip a few years back at an arts festival. I became aware of her writing, which I think other Toronto poetry fans would appreciate. And, of course, I would very much like to be part of sharing this story.
Pier Sunday August 10th-Saturday August 16th, 1pm-9pm Surprise locations along Queen Street West Live Art Series (Audience are welcome to come and go as they wish)
For seven days of the festival and eight hours each day, Katie Kehoe will sit on a wooden dock she’s built and installed within the SummerWorks zone, engaging with people passing by and inviting strangers to sit with her; treating the dock as a platform for reflection and exchange. A buoy attached to the dock will be marked with the projects social media addresses, inviting people to upload pictures and post comments sharing their experience of Pier.
Hye Note: I think this sounds like an interesting way to engage with festival audience members, and those who are not aware of the festival. It is also a means to engage in dialogue and connect with someone new. If you see Katie on Queen Street, stop and say hello…
Art on the Ballot/Reverse Mayoral Debate Theatre Centre Main Space August 12th, 2pm This event is part of The Conversations Series (see below)
SummerWorks and ArtsVote Toronto offer a policy hack for prospective mayors. Listen in as leaders in the arts and design community debate the function and value of the arts in Toronto, responding to questions posed by the candidates who want to represent you at City Hall. Moderated by Kathleen Sharpe. Mayoral candidates to be confirmed.
Hye Note: Well, given the upcoming Mayoral election, I think important to hear where the candidates stand when it comes to the Arts. Toronto is a city full of great arts and thus, the new Mayor should and needs to be supportive, in my opinion. Let’s hear what the candidates have to say…
Romanceship Saturday August 16, 1:30pm The Theatre Centre BMO Incubator In Development
Reading of the new work in progress by Cliff Cardinal. Follow the story of Dave, a drug and sex addicted fraudster, and Madly, the bulimic and klepto chef. When they break up, Madly announces she is pregnant. Enter the spark that ignites the flame- Rochelle, the transgender crack addict who is fighting to clean up when she falls addicted to fear.
Hye Note: This reading is part of My Picks at the festival. I cannot make the reading, but I am hoping some of you will attend. I am a fan of both Cardinal and d’bi young (actor/spoken-word artist) involved in this reading.
Ecoute Pour Voir Sunday August 17, 8:30pm The Theatre Centre National Series
Equipped with headphones attached to an iPod, dancers and viewers share a choreographed face-to-face over the course of music.Audience members are free to wander from one dancer to the next and observe the subtle intricacies of dance up close.
Hye Note: This performance is also part of My Other Recommendations at the festival. I have become a fan of these immersive and interactive performances at SummerWorks. Hope you take a chance and partake in this one, too.
ONGOING THROUGHOUT SUMMERWORKS PROMO August 7th-25th, 8am-8pm Artscape Youngplace Hallways Galleries
An exhibition exploring local graphic design and poster art for the stage. This year, in collaboration with Artscape, viewers can explore the relationship between graphic design and performance through an exhibition featuring a selection if impressive local graphic designers for the stage. Co-curated by Michael Rubenfeld and Natasha Mytnowych. Featuring the work of Doublenaut,Roxanne Ignatius, Jonathan Kitchen (Light Up The Sky), Tad Michalak, Monnet Desing, Kilby Smith-McGregor, Soulpepper Theatre Company designs curated by Jacob Whibley.
The Conversations Aug 9th – 16th
To continue promoting investigation through performance, these are a series of public conversations asking SW14 artists to engage in discussion around elements of performance. Prolific performance makers have curated these conversations by choosing a topic to discuss and a group of artists to chat with.
The Re-View Project The Theatre Centre
Host Linnea Swan reveals the best and worst reviews of the festival. Daily installments online and screening continuously at The Re-View Booth. Festival patrons can submit reviews at boxes in all SummerWorks venues.
With these FREE options and the many other plays and performances, SummerWorks is one of the festivals to experience in Toronto. For full listings, scheduling, and box office details, please go to summerworks.ca.
Yonge-Dundas Square (YDS) transforms into Toronto’s biggest indie venue when Virgin Mobile presents Indie Fridays takes place every Friday night from 8-10pm until September 5, 2014.
Throughout this month, the fun continues at YDS. This Friday, August 8, Sam Cash and his band The Romantic Dogs will wow crowds. He and the band recorded his latest songs over a few days at Dale Morningstar’s Gas Station Studio on Toronto Island. Sounds like
On August 15, from Victoria, British Columbia, Current Swell, will bring their roots rock sound to Toronto. The band has some of the most dedicated fans in the music industry, which makes it no surprise that they sold-out headlining tours in Brazil and Europe and are a force to be reckoned with.
On August 22, Young Galaxy will fill YDS with their sounds of an indie rock and dream pop duality. Originally a twosome from Vancouver, the band has grown in members as well as in sound, having been compared to the likes of Pink Floyd and Spiritualized.
On August 29, take in the hard-hitting rock-and-roll experience of Bella Clava. They are reminiscent of 90s alternative rock while channelling the energy of their heavy classic rock forebears.
On September 5, daughter of 54-40 frontman, Neil Osborne, Kandle will show Toronto what she is made of.
Taking the stage after Kandle and closing out the Indie Fridays series will be Pop Artists/Group or Duo of the Year winners at this year’s Indie Awards, Fast Romantics, whose music has been featured in TV shows and films including Shameless, Breaking In, Vampire Diaries, and Pretty Little Liars.
With the variety of musical talent coming to YDS, there is no reason to stay indoors on Friday nights. And if music is not enough to draw you in, for your pleasure, The Beer Garden, provided by the Hard Rock Cafe will be open every Friday of the series from 4pm-11pm. There is also free WIFI for Virgin Mobile Canada members. Select WIFI@YDS and enter your Virgin Mobile Canada phone number to hop online. Not a bad bonus, if I may add.
Admission is FREE to all these events at Yonge-Dundas Square presented by Virgin Mobile. For more details and a full schedule of events, please visit YDSquare.ca.
Last night, I had the opportunity to attend a preview of Yarn, opening at SummerWorks this week. The show is described as a “one-human show, performed in an urban rose garden”. I also had it listed as part of My Picks at this year’s festival
The Majlis Art Garden Photo: HyeM
Part of the reason I was interested in Alex Eddington‘s (writer, composer, performer) work is that in his website, he described the almost “1,000 instruments, props and yarns involved” in the show. On that description, off I went to the Majlis Art Garden, where the show will be held for the duration of the festival.
Prior to starting, Eddington introduced us to Tyler Seguin and Helen Juvonen, the director and assistant director, respectively. The setting makes for a comfortable and friendly evening of storytelling. The audience is free to participate throughout parts of the show, but there is never any pressure to do so.
Eddington takes us on a tour of Scotland during one of his summer trips there. The point of the trip was to compose a pigeon opera, but he also needed a way to finance this endeavour. Here is where things get more interesting…
With the use of musical instruments, word play, a sheep puppet known as Buttercup, and creative body expressions, Eddington’s memories become stories. His brain likes music. His brain likes stories. Mixing his own recollections with some folk stories of female selchidhs (a.k.a. selkies), superstition about standing stones, and even stories from psychological research, we are transported into Eddington’s mind.
For 80 minutes, I sat there very attentive not wanting to miss a word, a sound… Listening to Eddington share the musings/thoughts of his “overactive inner monologue” made me smile, laugh, ponder about my own inner monologue, and how “memories are stories”.
Yarn is a charming and witty piece of storytelling, which takes us to a foreign land, and while there we come to know the inner workings of Eddington’s layered self. It is through our sharing stories of ourselves, that we share part of ourselves with one another. It is also through our recollection of past memories that we can create said stories. Yet memories “are not facts”; they are stories, remember that.
As Eddington clearly stated, “we are the stories we tell ourselves”. We can choose to believe the negative stories our inner monologues create, or we can choose to believe the more positive ones. The important part is to share these stories… share of ourselves.
I like stories. I like music. And I also like Yarn. For those of you who are curious and would like to join in this storytelling adventure, you can catch the show beginning Thursday, August 7th. For full schedule and times, visit the festival’s listings here.
Continuing with my suggestions at this year’s SummerWorks Performance Festival, I have narrowed down more selections from the Music Series and the National Series. I am also adding one other show to the list, for good measure.
Lido Pimienta/Natasha GreenBlatt – The Secret Garden Of Lido Pimienta Lower Ossington Theatre Mainspace – Aug 13th, 9pm
Summary: This is an “immersive installation and performance of electronic and experimental pop by Lido Pimienta”. Audiences will sample new, unreleased music from Lido’s latest album La Papessa and artwork and projections by multidisciplinary artist Gustavo Cerquera Benjumea.
My thoughts: I have come to know Lido’s music over the past year and a bit, and I like her style. Taking risks with her music by incorporating installation art is something I am curious about. Lido is also Latina, so of course, I will be there to support.
Brendan Canning/Brendan Healy – One Night, Two Brendans The Theatre Centre Mainspace – Aug 8th, 9pm
Summary: Brendan Canning (Broken Social Scene) and Brendan Healy (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre) will “transport you into a haunting, psychedelic dreamscape of music and video, mashing up Canning’s trademark layered sounds with spectacular live video art”.
My thoughts: I am new to the work of the Two Brendans, so I say, why not check this out too? Sounds like fun.
Against Gravity Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace – Aug 7 to Aug 16 Summary: This show is “a shadow theatre performance that plays at the intersection of visual arts, clowning and live music. Unlike a traditional shadow puppet show, the two performers are both visible throughout the show – one projects colourful imagery using an overhead projector while the other creates a live soundtrack with guitar loops, beat-boxing and help from the audience”.
My thoughts: They had me at puppets… The summary above sounds rather cryptic, but if you take a look at the video below, you’ll understand why I am suggesting this performance as well.
Écoute Pour Voir Friday Aug 15, 6:00pm – Trinity Bellwood’s Park- 155 Crawford Street Saturday Aug 16, 6:00pm – Around Theatre Passe Muraille Sunday Aug 17, 8:30pm – The Theatre Centre
Summary: This performance consists of a variety of solos, scattered throughout the space and performed simultaneously. Equipped with headphones attached to an iPod, dancers and viewers share a choreography face-to-face over the course of the music. Audience members are free to wander from one dancer to the next and observe the subtle intricacies of dance up close, as well as the moving, colourful whole from a distance.
My thoughts: Not for the shy-type. I like the idea of challenging yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone. This immersive experience will hopefully demistify some of the ideas of what modern dance is. This reminds me of another immersive performance from last year’s SummerWorks, and I totally enjoyed it. I will certainly aim to partake in this one, too.
Rielle Ritchie & Sarah Irankhah – The Devil You Know Photo: SummerWorks
Youth Programming: The Devil You Know Scotiabank Studio Theatre – Aug 7-10
Summary: The Devil You Know was selected at the Toronto Regional Showcase (Hart House Theatre) of the Sears Ontario Drama Festival to perform at SummerWorks. You will forget you are watching high school students as these young actors take you through this heartbreaking story of an incest survivor and is trying to come to terms with the abuse she suffered at the hands of her older brother.
My thoughts: Although this piece deals with serious and mature content, I think it is important to support young talent. Theatre is also another medium which can be used to have discussions about sensitive topics.
SummerWorks begins Thursday, August 7th and runs until August 17th at various venues across Toronto. Tickets are available online, by phone, and in-person at the festival’s box office. For information on box office hours, venues, and show schedule visit summerworks.ca.
Taking over the Metro Toronto Convention Centre August 28 to 31, FAN EXPO Canada™, the all-ages, pop culture extravaganza will welcome fans to geek out over comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming. This year, fans can also enjoy the many attractions it has to offer including everything from a Darth Vader Roast to a special event with the cast of Doctor Who.
I have previously shared with this year’s Celebrity Line-up, which looks rather exciting. This year’s programming is looking just as fun and exciting. Here are some highlights:
The 1966 Tv Batmobile The original Batmobile debuted on January 12, 1966. Now fans can see a full-size, George Barris design replica of the Batmobile that is still one of the most iconic and popular cars in the world!
Star Gazing Get up close and personal with your fave celebrities. Whether getting something autographed, their photo snapped or asking a question at one of the special Q&As, fans always have a chance to interact with some of their celebrity idols.
Steampunk’d Steampunk is the fastest growing sector of sci-fi culture! Learn how to make a steampunk costume, the gadgets to accessorize it and become an expert in the art of pistol, parasol and tea dueling!
Cosplay Masquerade This exciting event is the largest of its kind in Canada and features creative fans showcasing original costumes from caped-crusaders to hot anime characters. Be awed as a spectator or strut your stuff on stage.
‘Artist Alley’ Photo: HyeM
Artist Alley Indie meets pro in this special area where fans will find all of their fave pencillers, inkers and writers. This is one of my personal favourites, as I have friends who are comic book artists, whom I get to support and have fun at the expo with. This is a “must experience area” for anyone interested in meeting rising stars who work the front lines of the industry. From comics, graphic novels, limited edition prints and best of all, original art and sketches!
2014 SERIES OF SPECIAL TICKETED EVENTS: 1st Annual Superhero Ball – Fri. Aug. 29 @ 7pm The Fairmont Royal York will set the stage for a night of celebrities, super heroes and costumes! All in support of SickKids Foundation and Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation. Juno Award-winning artist, Lights. Hosted by CBC’s Q, Jian Ghomeshi.
Cast Of Doctor Who Special Event – Sat. Aug. 30 @ 6pm Matt Smith is bringing some companions to a Doctor Who cast special ticketed event! Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill join the 11th Doctor at FAN EXPO Canada™.
The Roast Of Darth Vader – Sat. Aug. 30 @ 7pm Empire Comedy Live and FAN EXPO Canada™ present The Roast of Darth Vader. Comedians Greg Proops, Sean Cullen, Darrin Rose and more take turns skewering the big daddy of the dark side.
I’d say all of these highlights are sounding rather nerdtastic, yes? You can find the complete list of programming, guests, info and tickets at fanexpocanada.com. Time to start planning!
As I shared earlier in June,SummerWorks Performance Festivalreturns for another year with a lineup of very exciting performances and performers. The festival will run from August 7th to 17th at various venues across Toronto.
The theatre lineup this year is rather interesting and I have compiled my picks for you here. I have tried to include shows with a variety of themes. In alphabetical order, I suggest…
Synopsis: A musical comedy satire of the pharmaceutical industry in the style of an old-time medicine show, Animal Pharmacy follows snakeoil salesman Doc Holiday as he cons his way into the CEO chair of the RX Pharmaceutical Corporation in order to unleash his patented Miracle Cure on a sad and unsuspecting world.
My thoughts: I read on the show’s Facebook Event Page that this “event also marks the release of Greg Janssen Sings The Songs From Animal Pharmacy And Other Popular Favourites, featuring 11 original compositions from the show as performed and produced by the author.” Given that Janssen is a local Toronto artist, and I’ve liked what I’ve heard of his music, I think this will be an interesting musical show.
Photo: SummerWorks
Antigonick Theatre Centre Mainspace – Aug 7th to 17th
Synopsis: Anne Carson’s unconventional take on Sophocles’s Antigone reimagines a sister’s unlawful act of mourning, its horrific costs and the questions of moral responsibility it raises.
My thoughts: The company’s website described this show as “[t]his is Greek tragedy smeared with red paint, tangled up in yarn, and permeated by live-handmade projections.” This sounds rather curious, and being someone who likes Greek tragedies, I think this is worth exploring.
Synopsis: Featuring Mariachi Los Dorados, El Jinete is a tale of love, vengeance and the supernatural, told through classics of the Mariachi repertoire. Inspired by the Golden Era of Mexican cinema, the show uses multi-layered projections to make it a black and white film come to life.
My thoughts: The idea of a show incorporating mariachi music is the main reason I’ve picked this. However, I know some of the films from the Golden Era of Mexican cinema and that makes this show even more appealing. Plus, I also like Puente Theatre‘s idea they are trying “to use theatrical experience as a bridge between cultures.”
Photo: SummerWorks
GASH! Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace – Aug 7th to 17th
Synopsis: One crumbling estate. Two embattled Sisters. A devoted maid. A handsome stable boy. An enigmatic doctor. A meddlesome neighbour. A terrifying thunderstorm. An escaped psychopath. One survivor. GASH! is a faithful, outrageous celebration of the Hag Horror films (see: What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?) of the sixties and early seventies.
My thoughts: I am a fan of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? and that type of psychological thrillers from the 60’s and 70’s; how could I pass up the opportunity to see something similar on-stage? I am hoping for some creepy moments.
Synopsis: Based on Franz Kafka’s short story A Report to an Academy (1917), and adapted by director Guy Sprung from the original German, Kafka’s Ape upends the notion of civilization and what it means to be human in a world of routinized inhumanity.
My thoughts: I do not know all of Kafka’s works but what I do know, I like. He has a certain way with words and often makes an interesting commentary on people/society. Besides, who doesn’t like a good satirical piece? I know I do. I will be attending a preview of this show in the next few days. Please come back to find out what I think of the production.
Maracatu You! The Theatre Centre Mainspace – Aug 9th to 17th
Synopsis: Led by Juno-nominated singer-songwriter Aline Morales and created by critically acclaimed actor Suzanne Roberts Smith, this multi-disciplinary piece showcases the sounds of Maracatu and illuminates the integrity of its musical migration journey by honouring both its Afro-Brazilian roots and the contemporary narratives of the people playing it in Toronto today. Maracatu You! is an investigation in displacement, replacement, and finding ‘home’ in the most unlikely of places.
My thoughts: Being someone who has made Toronto ‘home’ for the past 20-something years. This piece appeals to me. Not only because of its musical aspect, but also because our notion of what ‘home’ is encompasses a myriad of factors and people. I also love the sounds of the drums; this one should be both fun and interesting.
Photo: Alamade Theatre Co.
Paradise Red Lower Ossington Theatre Mainspace – Aug 7th to 17th
Synopsis: Set as a black and white Latin American soap opera, Paradise Red takes place in the days of Chile’s dictatorship in the 1970s, where a powerful military family has run amok.
My thoughts: Telenovelas (a.ka. Latin American soap operas) are widely known throughout the world. The melodrama often used in them will surely complement the nature of the story in this production. For some, the story will resonate and be rather familiar. For others, the story will perhaps open the door to understanding the nature of familial and political conflicts that forms part of Latin American culture.
d’bi young Photo: Wade Hudson
Romanceship The Theatre Centre Incubator – Aug 16th ONLY
Synopsis: Dave and Madly are hopelessly in love with being hopelessly in love. Dave, the drug and sex addicted fraudster & Madly, the bulimic and klepto chef, have become needy and selfish. Enter the spark that ignites the flame- Rochelle, the transgender crack addict who is fighting to clean up when she falls addicted to fear. When… Madly dubiously announces she’s pregnant, Dave careens into Rochelle and the two begin the most enveloping love affair since cocaine met baking soda.
My thoughts: This is a work-in-progress piece, and it will be the first reading of this new work by Cliff Cardinal. I first saw Cardinal’s work at SummerWorks a couple of years ago, and find it riveting. This piece also stars D’bi Young, another playwright/spokenword artist, I’ve come to admire over the years. This sounds like a challenging piece, but I am quite intrigued by it.
The Container The Theatre Centre Backlot – Aug 7th to 17th
Synopsis: Five people thrown together by circumstance and necessity travel across Europe in a shipping container… When the doors of the container shut behind you, let your eyes adjust as you meet five complex individuals: Fatima, Asha, Jemal, Ahmad and Mariam. We meet them on the final leg of their journey, travelling across Europe in the confined space of a shipping container. The only thing they have in common is their goal: to get to England and start a new life.
My thoughts: This is an immersive type of show, which I do not recommend to everyone. The audience members will be in a hot, confined space for 60minutes. However, I suggest this show if you are curious about immigrant issues, and knowing what drives people to leave their homes for a ‘new life.’ Not for the faint of heart nor mind, in my opinion.
Synopsis: This is a one-human show, performed in an urban rose garden…
My thoughts: I remember this show as part of the Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival last year, got the postcard, but couldn’t make it. Seeing it listed as part of a site-specific show at SummerWorks, means we can experience a more evolved show. As well, it is staged in a garden… how lovely is that? I also read in Alex Eddington‘s (writer, composer, performer) website where he described the almost “1,000 instruments, props and yarns involved” in the show. I am certainly curious how this will unfold. I will also be attending a preview of this show, and will have more to say about it in the next few days.
Definitely curious about many of these shows. And there you have it, these are my theatre picks for SummerWorks. Vital information on shows, location, and box office information can be found at summerworks.ca.
Stay tuned for more of my picks from the Music Series and National Series in the next few days…
The 6th Annual UNITY Festival takes over Toronto from July 23 to 26, with some of the best hip-hop acts in the biz, with a wide line-up of break dancers, MCs/spoken word artists, beatboxers and bands including Maestro Fresh Wes, Biz Markie, Raz Fresco, Airplane Boys, Ball-Zee and many more.
The festival kicks off on Wednesday, July 23 with UNITY Beatbox at The Mod Club, in partnership with Beatbox Canada. Headlined by Ball-Zee, the 3rd annual beatbox competition will showcase Canada’s best beatboxers of all ages, from youth (aged 13-18) to professionals (19+). I am always impressed by the skillz in takes in beatboxing. If you have not seen it done live, here is just a sample of Ball-Zee making it look so simple.
On Thursday, July 24, UNITY Break Dance will bring out North America’s top BBoys and BGirls for the 3 vs. 3 Under 19 Breakin’ Battle, headlined by Moy (Havikoro) at Tattoo. Moy has been a BBoy since the mid-90’s, so you know he knows what breakin’ is all about.
On Friday, July 25, in partnership with RISE, UNITY MC & Spoken Word will unify the two essential elements of hip-hop by bringing together Toronto youth MCs and spoken word artists under one roof at 918 Bathurst, headlined by Shaun Boothe, Amanda Seales, and Rudy Francisco.
The festival will end with a FREE show, presented by Tangerine, at Yonge-Dundas Square on Saturday, July 26, featuring performances by UNITY Youth performers and headlined by some of the most sought-after hip-hop entertainers: Maestro Fresh Wes, Biz Markie, Raz Fresco, and Airplane Boys.
The UNITY Festival is UNITY Charity’s annual showcase event presenting the most dedicated and talented youth performers from across Canada. Youth performers are recruited from UNITY’s school and community programs and open auditions from the community. Founded in 2007 by Michael Prosserman aka Bboy Piecez, one of Toronto’s most preeminent B-boys, UNITY has reached over 100,000 youth across Canada through its after-school program designed to teach positive self-expression through beatboxing, breakdancing, spoken word, poetry, graffiti, and more. You can read more about Prosserman from my interview with him last year.
With such an array of events throughout the four days, UNITY Festival offers a nice taste of hip-hop culture, while also promoting youth involvement and diversity. For full details on the festival, check out its website.
Since childhood I’ve aimed to please you. Not always easy to do. And at times, you’ve been hard to read. But I’ve never lacked your love.
Everyone of your sacrifices has not gone unnoticed. Your tears are my reasons to persevere. Your worries are my wishes to make others smile.
Your generosity of spirit exudes through me. Because of you, I know empathy. Because of you, I know what I want in life.
In all these years, I’ve wanted you to know You have done well by me… By all of us. I owe you many “thank yous” and “I love yous”. But we’re the quiet type, you and I. We feel it and we know it.
Please be happy for me today. Love me for who I am now. Not the little girl I once was, nor the woman you wish I were. You have taught me well, and I am content.
