Five For Twenty (or Less)

This week’s cheap theatre post is a mixed bag of fun. There is a comedy, a drama, a clown festival, a week of  improv shows and even a festival that consists of 10-minute plays. So if you’re not sure what to watch just pick a festival and catch some live original theatre this week.

INSPIRATO FESTIVAL (Dominik Loncar). The annual festival of 10-minute plays presents works by Nina Ki, Robin Pond, Amina Henry, Greg Vovos, Nelson Yu, Stanley Toledo and others. Opens Jun 1 and runs to Jun 10. $12, four-show pass $38. Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley. inspiratofestival.ca.

STOCKHOLM by Bryony Lavery (Seventh Stage Theatre Productions/Nightwood Theatre). Problems arise in a couple’s rosy relationship in this play about the lines between love and lust, aggressor and victim. Previews May 11-13. Opens May 15 and runs to Jun 3. $15-$30.Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, seventhstageproductions.com/theatre.

THE HYPOCHONDRIAC by Molière (East Side Players). A man is obsessed with his imaginary ailments in this classic farce. Opens May 24 and runs to Jun 9. $20, stu $15. Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery. 416-425-0917, eastsideplayers.ca.

THE SCRIPT-TEASE PROJECT (National Theatre of the World). Improvised plays will be created and performed based on two pages written by playwrights Maja Ardal, Michael Healey, Sky Gilbert, Scott Thompson, Ins Choi and others. Opens May 28 and runs to Jun 3. $20, stu $15. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, thenationaltheatreoftheworld.com.

TORONTO FESTIVAL OF CLOWNS (Adam Lazarus/Dave McKay). This festival features clowns, bouffons and physical theatre performers including Phil Luzi, Sandra Battaglini, Shelley Marshall, Helen Donnelly, Morro & Jasp and others. May 31-Jun 3. $10. Pia Bouman Studio Theatre, 6 Noble. torontofestivalofclowns.com.