North By NorthEast (NXNE) has announced its programming for the inaugural year of NXNE Art, the visual arts stream that will run throughout the city of Toronto from June 10th to 16th.
Smile Stealers
NXNE Art has confirmed the participation of the some really intersting artists, including: Berlin’s Nils Völker who will exhibit Eighty Eight, a sequence of wavelike animations created by black plastic bags; Toronto-based multi-media artist Johannes Zits will showcase Looking For Guides To An Alternative, a six-day public installation that weaves a tapestry of cut-up business suits across Toronto’s financial district; Italian photographer Gabriele Galimbertiwill present his critically acclaimed photo series Toy Stories, which documents children from around the world with their toys; Ulu Braun’s mesmerizing landscape video collage will light up the night; Montreal-based Alison Moore and Jasa Baka will premiere Smile Stealers, a visual epic poetry film; and groundbreaking artist Brendan De Montigny will take on the role of the machine in I am a Human Printer, instantly creating unique images of audience members.
Kalesi – Viseisei, Fiji Islands. Image from Gabriele Galimberti’s Toy Stories From gabrielegalimberti.com
NXNE Art will infiltrate the streets of Toronto with innovative and interactive art in galleries, café talks and unconventional spaces around the city – including a two-day outdoor art fair in Ryerson Quad, located in the heart of Ryerson University and steps away from Yonge-Dundas Square. Graffiti and street art, including work by Gary Taxali and Ron English, will transform onstruction zones in the city, while TTC video screens and streetcars will host interactive and physical creation. Other NXNE Art venues include Toronto’s legendary cultural centre The Cameron Houseand the world-renowned Art Gallery of Ontario.
For more NXNE Art venue and artists visit nxne.com/art. Tickets are now available online at nxne.com/tickets. Stay tuned for more announcements in the upcoming weeks!
Every year, I always look forward to Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival. The festival is bigger than ever, and this year, there will be 160 directors in attendance along with a number of special guest subjects. In this first instalment, I am focusing on five films that showcase Latin American stories. The films are varied in style, in nature of subjects, but are all interesting and poignant in their own right. Read on and hopefully, you’ll consider adding these to your lists.
Synopsis: The film tells the story of a migrant who found himself in the deadly stretch of desert known as “the corridor of death” and shows how one life becomes testimony to the tragic results of the U.S. war on immigration. As the real-life drama unfolds we see this John Doe, denied an identity at his point of death, become a living and breathing human being with an important life story.
**Apologies, I could not find an official trailer for this film. My thoughts: This is what some will call a ‘hybrid’ or a very ‘stylized’ documentary. Both of these descriptions is correct. The film brings forth a very sad and difficult story to watch, at times. Actor Gabriel García Bernalputs himself in this John Doe’s shoes, literally and figuratively. He takes us with him on this dangerous journey towards the “American Dream”. The film comes close to become a feature film in its ‘hybrid’ style but I, for one, have no problem with this. These ‘ugly’ stories don’t always have to look ugly. I also think Bernal’s role in the film humanizes the migrant’s story. And on an aesthetic level, the cinematography is absolutely great in this film, as its the accompanying soundtrack.
I Will Be Murdered Director: Justin Webster Synopsis: In May 2009, Rodrigo Rosenberg, a wealthy, charismatic lawyer went cycling near his home in Guatemala City and was murdered. Nothing unusual, as tragically Guatemala has a murder rate four times higher than Mexico’s. What was extraordinary is that Rodrigo Rosenberg knew, for certain, he was about to be killed. A special prosecutor began an investigation, a journey into Rosenberg’s soul and Guatemala’s hell, that after multiple twists and turns, reached a stunning revelation.
My thoughts: Although I had read about this case prior to screening the film, I Will Be Murdered does present a fuller version of this convoluted story. The film plays like a police procedural. We get to know Rosenberg’s family and friends. Webster interviews those involved in the investigation as well. The stories are confounded and confusing. Ultimately, nothing is what it seems. And this is frankly, a good description of Guatemala as a country, as a society.
Synopsis: To a growing number of Mexicans and Latinos in the Americas, narco traffickers have become iconic outlaws and the new models of fame and success. They represent a new form of the American Dream, fueled by the war on drugs. This film looks at this explosive phenomenon from within; cycles of addiction to money, drugs and violence that are rapidly gaining strength on both sides of the US/Mexican border.
**Apologies, I could not find an official trailer for this film.
My thoughts: Graphic and explicit content. The film takes us to Ciudad Juárez and across the border to the USA, and it’s quite a trip! We get to know a criminal investigator working in that city, where murders happen almost every hour. We also get exposed to a new music scene born out of this lifestyle, that of, narco corridos. What contradictions! Highly recommend this film; it’s keeps you engaged from beginning to end, and it reminds us of a situation that many are still not aware of. The film’s director certainly has a great eye for bringing us closer to this world where violence and music intersect.
Director: Luciana Kaplan Synopsis: The personal journey and social awakening of Eufrosina, a young indigenous woman from Oaxaca, Mexico, fighting against gender inequality as well as the seducing offering of political power.
My thoughts: A close look at Eufrosina Cruz, who is not only a strong woman but also a defiant one. The film takes us through Eurofina’s town and her journey towards being involved in local politics. In a male-dominated world, in which the word ‘woman’ does not exist, this is not an easy task. Yet Eufrosina does not give up. Really enjoyed getting to know Eufrosina, her family, and her community. The film also gives us an insight into this community’s culture, local traditions, and how they rest of Mexico hardly pays them much attention.
Todavía el Amor / Love Still Director: Guzmán García Synopsis: This film is about 11 stories of love, heartbreak, concrete and unsuccessful dreams, deception and hope. It presents shares their recollections of the past, realized dreams, frustrations and disappointments and the desires of not remaining seated waiting for the death.
My thoughts: The director begins by telling us he wanted he wanted to make a film about love but he feels he’s too young to be able to do a just job on his own. Thus, he decides to interview these 11 couples. The interviews are very candid; ranging from humourous, to sad, to hopeful. Interesting to see how our notion of love and companionship evolves through the years. A reminder that we are social beings, and that it’s always nicer to have a companion for at least part of the ride.
There are other Latin American films at this year’s festival. These are the ones I’ve chosen to highlight because of the themes, and the people we come to know through them. Hot Docs will screen films at various theatres in Toronto from April 25th until May 5th. For full festival listings, box office information and times, visit hotdocs.ca.
My Awkward Sexual Adventure is screening in Toronto this Saturday, April 20th, 7.50pm at Yonge Dundas Cineplex Theatre.
To win back his ex-girlfriend, a conservative accountant enlists the help of an exotic dancer to guide him on a quest for sexual experience, leading… This film played at TIFF last year, so if you missed it, now it’s your chance to see it.
Directed by Sean Garrity. Starring Sarah Manninen, Jonas Chernick.
Unless you’re a prude, it looks like a lot of fun, yes?
Thanks to theFirst Weekend Club (FWC), you can win tickets to this screening. You only have to be able to pick up your tickets in person from a FWC representative at the box office.
And even more fun! There will be a party afterwards at Mr. Greenjean’s located in the Eaton Centre. All you have to do is tweet at me (@HeidyMo) or leave me a comment here letting me know you want in! (First come first served; limited tickets available).
Alumnae Theatre Companypresents a new production of James Reaney‘s The Killdeer as this season’s Retrospective Choice. The play is part of their Countdown to 100, as they head toward the century mark.
In a few words, The Killdeer is a sharp social satire that mixes the macabre with comedy to tell the tale of an Ontario town’s tangled web of murder and mystery. Given this interesting description of the show, I wanted to find out more. I was able to ask the play’s director Barbara Larosse a few questions about the current production. Here is what she had to say…
HM: Given the dark nature of the story in James Reaney’s The Killdeer, how did you first envision this production?
Barbara Larosse: When I first read this play, it inspired me with its richness – and I immediately wanted the opportunity to bring James Reaney’s original words once again to the stage. For me, although there is darkness in The Killdeer, there is also lightness in equal measure – the play is as much a comedy as a drama, told against the backdrop of a murder mystery in small town Ontario. It’s filled with poetic imagery, as you might expect from a poet of James Reaney’s stature, but also has strong elements of a fairy tale. The central characters in the play are searching for the same things we all search for – a sense of belonging and to maintain or recover our innocence. So I wanted the design of the piece to reflect the internal struggles of the characters as they battle their past traumas, their own insecurities and societal and parental pressures to grow up and find their place in the world.
I was struck by a quote of James Reaney’s that I discovered duriing my research. He said “We are all children of an older growth”. That resonated with me. To me, that meant that we are all at different points on the same life journey and each of us is as vulnerable and as hopeful as a child at our core.
HM: This play first premiered in 1960 — also an Alumnae Theatre production — in what ways is this production similar and/or different to that mounted 53 years ago?
BL: One difference in our current production from the original is that we have attempted to bring in the elements of magic throughout the play from the beginning – to take a slightly more abstract look at the piece – so while the internal workings of the moments and the scenes are portrayed with truth and realism, the overall structure emphasizes mystery and imagination the way a fairy tale would. But we’ve definitely given quite a bit of thought to honouring the excellent original production of 53 years ago. Here are a couple – out of many – similarities. If you look over the lobby bar at the Alumnae Theatre, you can see a photograph of the original production including the “paper men” dance – and you will find that dance in our current production as well. And our Sound Designer, Rick Jones, has created a score incorporating elements inspired by John Beckwith’s original music from the 1960 premiere.
HM: Working together with your creative team, how did you approach the “realism, fairy tale and magic” elements that are pivotal in this play?
BL: I worked with the design team and cast to create a place where the elements of play and fantasy could blend seemlessly with the real journeys of the characters. The set itself represents the struggle going on within the characters, the lighting mixes colour, light and shadow and the sound mirrors the poetry and magic. The opening moments of the production tell us to expect “play” and transformation in the piece and remind us to leave our day to day world behind and to go along for the ride.
Sounds like we’ll certainly be taken into an interesting journey in The Killdeer. And it should certainly leave us with plenty to discuss afterwards.
Fresh from a highly successful Carnegie Hall debut, Duo Concertante (Nancy Dahn, violin and Timothy Steeves, piano) celebrates its brand new Marquis Classics recording, Beethoven: Complete Sonatas for Violin and Piano. The 3-CD box set is currently available at Canadian and U.S. retailers. Duo Concertante will make a short Toronto stop on April 22nd for a special celebration: an evening of live music, delectable conversation and friendly refreshments in the welcoming and informal atmosphere of Gallery 345. Duo Concertante will perform some Canadian music, a bit of Bach and of course, Beethoven!
Dahn and Steeves have a particular affinity for the music of the illustrious German composer. “We actually took our name, Duo Concertante from the inscription over Beethoven’s “Kreutzer” sonata, which was the very first piece we played together”, they explain. “The inscription reads “in stile molto concertante,” with the implication being that the performers are two equal and dynamic voices, sometimes together and sometimes opposing each other, and that’s what we thought we wanted to become as a duo.”
This all-Beethoven CD box set – Duo Concertante’s sixth recording- was recorded at Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto (production, editing and mastering by David Jaeger; engineer and editing by Dennis Patterson).
Based at Memorial University in St. John’s (Newfoundland), Dahn and Steeves are dedicated teachers. In 2000, they founded the Tuckamore Chamber Music Festival, of which they are Artistic Directors. Definitely a treat to have such an energetic duo here in Toronto even if for a short stop!
Beethoven: Complete Sonatas for Violin and Piano
Performance/CD Celebration by Duo Concertante
Monday, April 22, 2013 at 8PM
Gallery 345: 345 Sorauren Avenue, Toronto
Tickets: $20/$10
Reservations can be made by calling 416 822.9781 or via email info@gallery345.com
Penny (Celine Stubel) and Ezra (Amitai Marmorstein) portray the infamous Lamb siblings, who in this installment are extradited to Canada after a brutal attack on one of America’s most beloved pop stars, Johnny Moon. At the request of Penny’s social worker, they give a presentation to their high school. It is here where we, the audience, learn of their trouble-filled journey, which began with their upbringing in a commune in Saskatchewan, to their time in a boarding school, to their trip across the U.S.A. in search of aforementioned pop star. Penny leads us through their journey, while Ezra provides us with other background details, and other comedic bits.
Stubel plays 16 year-old Penny in a manner I like to call ‘a bit extra’ by her own narration, and in the way she acts as well. Marmorstein plays the younger yet uber intelligent Ezra with great flare… not ‘over the top’ but an understated yet very funny tone. Both actors excel in their delivery but Mamerstein’s is a stand out performance.
The set design is simple with a few props for the actors and puppets, yes, I said puppets. The story is told in vaudeville style (hence the name Atomic Vaudeville) with the use of ukulele, puppets, multi-media and gangster rap. Light and sound designs also add to the funny, punny and witty show. All the elements combine well to make this an absolute hoot!
Richmond’s written a play that is full of precociousness, and somewhat obnoxious tones. Stubel and Mamerstein do a good job in their pacing during this one-hour show. My companion for the night and I both enjoyed all the witty lines very much. We both laughed out loud many a times but agreed that for non-theatre fans this show may seem just “a bit much” in terms of the way it is written. Nonetheless, if ever you’ve felt like an outcast for being intelligent, being ‘different’, or simply well-read, and if you’re looking for a great evening of theatre, this show is for you. And just as FYI, I did not see Ride the Cyclone… You will miss nothing, if you’ve not seen it. All in all, I surely suggest seeing Legoland.
Amitai Marmorstein and Celine Stubel Photo by Barbara Pedrick
Shorts That Are Not Pants, Toronto’s quarterly short film screening series, returns to the Carlton Cinemawith a very interesting selection featuring drunken babies, kung-fu babies, a stranded astronaut, a crooning truck driver in love, an encounter in the belly of a whale, just to name a few!
This latest installment will include short films from Canada, USA, UK Spain, Sweden, and Iceland. In total, there nine films in the series. Here are a few titles to pique your interest…
TYPESETTER BLUES Dir: Hector Herrera Canada – 2012 Beastly Bards is a collection of animated shorts featuring loveable monsters. Each short is a distinct piece, written in rhyming verse and inspired by the poetic styles of Edward Lear, Shel Silverstein and Robert Service. The animation features clean lines with a textural mixed-media approach and incorporates a classic mid-century modern esthetic. The shorts are narrated by some of the best voices of the Canadian stage and screen: Gordon Pinsent, Jayne Eastwood, and Kenneth Welsh.
VOICE OVER Dir: Martin Rosete Spain – 2012 A certain voice leads us through three extreme situations that are actually the same… Will we survive? From Luis Berdejo, the writer of REC and REC 3: Genesis comes this ten minute epic, which has screened at more than 80 film festivals around the world and picked up more than 30 awards.
DRAGON BABY Dir: Patrick Boivin Canada – 2012 In this Kill Bill-inspired short short, the filmmaker’s son Romeo takes on a stuffed dragon with some awesome kung-fu moves.
BELLY Dir: Julia Pott UK – 2011 I can feel you in my Belly… Oscar is coming of age, against his better judgment. In doing so he must experience the necessary evil of leaving something behind, but he can still feel it in the pit of his stomach.
THE PIRATE OF LOVE Dir: Sara Gunnarsdóttir Iceland – 2012 Daniel C, a truck driver, records an entire CD of ballads for Sherry. Can his music conquer his loneliness?
When asked how this series came together, curator James McNally explained “for the most part the programme seems to come together pretty organically. I saw a few of the films because I write for ShortOfTheWeek.com, while others came through our submission process. Another one was due to a connection with a guy who curates short films in Quebec…That one led to another one with a similar vibe from Sweden… So it’s not particularly scientific, but after I’ve locked the programme, I’m always happy that there seem to be some connections between the films”.
In the case of Shorts That Are Not Pants, I’d say this “organic” process works out perfectly. The great thing about short films is that you do not have to commit to an hour or longer to it. And when executed well, they leave you wanting for more…
Paloma Nuñez as Manuelita Photo by Alameda Theatre
Alameda Theatre Company continues its effort in bringing Toronto audiences stories that are reflective of Latin-American culture. Their latest production, Chile Con Carne, takes us back in time to Vancouver. Where we meet, eight-year-old Manuelita, whose family has recently moved here from Chile. Manuelita is determined to save Cedar, her tree. Inspired by her parents recent experience as political refugees from Chile, Manuelita recruits her new friends from school to campaign with her at all costs.
Chile Con Carne Set Design Photo by Heidy M.
This solo act is a very dark comedy, which not only paints a portrait of childhood innocence stained by political turmoil, disco dancing lessons, being an immigrant, and the struggle to fit in. Paloma Nuñez does a really wonderful job in portraying Manuelita’s own turmoil as well as her ups-and-downs. Children find ways to cope with trauma, be it their own or their families, and Manuelita is no different. Her wishes to fit in, wanting to be like her parents, wanting to look different are themes that drive this play.
The lighting, set design and music also add to the comedic yet tragic aspects of this story. The backdrop looks exactly like drawings we’d see in a grade four class… sunny and hopeful. On it, images of Chilean political leaders and Manuelita’s abuela (grandmother) are projected. These help the audience understand the underlying themes in this story. An excellent team effort, led by Marilo Nuñez.
On a personal note, I am not a child product of exiled parents. But I emigrated to Canada as a child and do remember what it was like being the ‘new kid’, not knowing how to speak the language very well, and trying to fit in as best as possible. Chile Con Carne may be set in a very specific time with specific cultural references; nonetheless, the characters, the story, and the themes cross the lines of culture. A look around the theatre confirmed my opinion that this story transcends the notions of culture… that it also encapsules humanity in a way that anyone can relate to Manuelita, her parents, their struggles, and their longing for their homeland. I also think this story is relevant today given that most of us occupy foreign lands.
Una nota personal: No soy producto del exilio pero conozco lo que es ser una niña imigrante… El no entender muy bien el idioma local, lo que es no pertencer aquí ni en mi país nativo. Esta obra, Chile Con Carne, presenta temas y realidades que han vivido muchos que por una razón u otra dejaron sus países. Manuelita, apenas de ocho años, nos explica muy bien lo que es sentirse extraño y triste en lugares desconocidos. Y a la vez, nos enseña que no debemos olvidar nuestros origines, nuestra familia; todo lo que forma parte de cada uno de nosotros. Se las recomiendo mucho.
Chile Con Carne at the Factory Studio Theatre until April 14
Evening Showtime: 8pm
Wed & Sunday Matinees: 12:30pm / 2:30pm
Tickets: $14 – $29
Sunday Matinee: PWYC ($15 suggested)
For more information go to / Para más información visitealamedatheatre.com
Opera Atelier continues its season with a revival of Mozart’s wildly popular The Magic Flute. The Magic Flute is one of the most-performed operas worldwide. It is about a prince, Tamino, who is sent by The Queen of the Night to rescue her daughter Pamina from her nemesis Sarastro. Accompanied by the endearingly incorrigible Papageno and with the aid of a magic flute, the besotted Tamino ventures into the temple and quickly finds that all is not as it seems. An enchanting tale that delights audiences of all ages, The Magic Flute is perhaps Mozart’s greatest popular success.
The Magic Flute reunites several of the cast members from Opera Atelier’s 2006 production, including Colin Ainsworth as Tamino and Olivier LaQuerre as Papageno. They will be joined by Ambur Braid as The Queen of the Night, Carla Huhtanen as Papagena, Laura Albino as Pamina, and João Fernandes as Sarastro, as well as Aaron Ferguson, Eve McLeod, Cassandra Warner, Laura Pudwell and Curtis Sullivan with the full corps of the Artists of Atelier Ballet. The creative team includes director Marshall Pynkoski, choreographer Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg, set designer Gerard Gauci, and lighting designer Kevin Fraser. Music Director David Fallis conducts the Tafelmusik Orchestra and Chamber Choir.
Given the story, the music, the costumes, and the dancing, I think this will certainly appeal to fans of all ages. The Magic Flute runs April 6th to the 13th at the elegant Elgin Theatre. It will be sung in English. Tickets are selling fast! For more info on tickets, performance dates and times, go to operaatelier.com.
In the meantime, I leave you with James Levine, the Met Orchestra, and The Magic Flute‘s Overture.
Cinéfrancocelebrates its 16th anniversary with a wide variety of Francophone films for Toronto audiences. This year’s film line-up showcases many themes including women’s dignity, the plight of children, justice, and prison life to name a few.
This year, the Cinéfranco will bring some of the best in Francophone cinema with 3 World Premieres, 7 North American Premieres, 13 English Canadian Premieres and 2 Toronto Premieres and a showcase of 25 features, 1 documentary and 6 shorts.
As I often try to do, I like to suggest a few films for you to sample.
What the Day Owes the Night Dir. Alexandre Arcady Monday, April 8 – 6:30pm Based on the novel by Yasmina Khadra, the film tells the story of little Younes, a helpless witness of his father’s fall to hell after his crops were criminally set on fire. Raised by his uncle, a pharmacist married to a Christian French woman, Younas renamed Jonas, grows up with the “roumis” (name given by Algerians to white Europeans) well-to-do youth… But the identity convulsions of French colonial Algeria will soon generate tragedies, dilemmas, unfulfilled love stories that will tear Younas’ life apart.
Les Invisibles (Documentary) Dir. Sébastien Lifshitz Wednesday, April 10 – 8:40pm Co-Presented by Inside Out LGBT Film Festival and FrancoQueer The film focuses on men and women born in between the two world wars. They bear the scars of their fight for sexual freedom in a country (France) that considered homosexuality as a mental illness until 1981. They tell their own stories with a disarming, touching and even poignant openness, humour and truthfulness.
Written Woman Dir. Lahcen Zinoun Saturday, April 13 – 1:30pm Naïm, a renowned anthropologist, wants to make a film on beautiful Mririda, a Berber poet and courtesan who mesmerizes him. At the brothel where she used to go, Naïm is struck by the beauty, the sensuous tattoos of young prostitute Adjou. He immediately feels bound in his flesh and soul to Adjou, a kind of mirror image to Mririda. Adjou’s brutal murder triggers a police investigation. In his desperate search for truth, Naïm sways between a world of imagination and reality.
Welcome to Argentina Dir. Edouard Deluc Saturday, April 13 – 4:15pm Two brothers, Antoine and Marcus, arrive in Argentina to go to their cousin’s wedding. But Antoine, the younger brother, has become depressed because of his marital problems. And Marcus strives to lighten him up. The film turns into a fun road-movie full of fresh, dynamic, crazy and also emotional experiences.
Ichi Bin Eine Terroristin Dir. Valérie Gaudissart Sunday, April 14 – 11:00am At the tender age of 11 years and 3 months, Violette feels she is the guardian of the memory of Rosa Luxemburg, the great Marxist activist and German revolutionary. She runs away from home taking with her the ashes of her beloved communist grandmother and the book of the letters written in prison by Rosa.
Tango Libre (Closing Night Film) Dir. Frédéric Fonteyne Sunday, April 14 – 6:30pm JC, an ordinary prison guard, meets Alice at his weekly tango classes. Attracted by the sensual woman, he is surprised to see her visiting two prisoners: Fernand, her husband and Dominic, her lover, both cell mates. Furious to learn his wife tangoes with the prison guard, Fernand ventures to ask the Argentinian boss for dancing lessons.
These are but a few suggestions. I always like to include at least one documentary, some drama, and of course at least some comedy. There are plenty more for you to enjoy, including the short film series screening on Saturday, April 6th. For full festival listings, visit cinefranco.com.
