Cheap Theatre for the Week of February 25, 2014

This week’s listings for theatre on a budget will take you right back to your English lit class in high school. With selections paying homage to those authors we all studied way back when (Margaret Atwood, Rohinton Mistry, and of course, the good ole Bard) from full productions of Shakespeare’s classics, to Bard-inspired improv and a production based on letters from famous authors, it’s time to dust off those high school texts and explore a week of great theatre.

Antony & Cleopatra by William Shakespeare (St Genesius’ Drama Society/SMCSU). Sparks fly between the Egyptian queen and the Roman ruler in the classic tragedy. Feb 27-Mar 1, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $12, stu/srs $10. St Michael’s College Brennan Hall, 81 St Mary. uofttix.ca.

Dear Censor (Birdtown & Swanville). This short play about defending the written word is based on letters and lectures by Margaret Atwood, Rohinton Mistry and other authors. Feb 25 at 7:30 pm. Pwyc ($10 sugg). Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. 416-531-4635, gladstonehotel.com/event/dear-censor.

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (African Students Association at U of T). The tale of star-crossed lovers is set in Africa in this adaptation. Feb 27-Mar 1, Thu-Sat 7 pm, mat Sat 1 pm. $20, stu $15 (eventbrite.ca). Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. african.sa.utoronto.ca.

Shakespeare Forgive Us, The Third Act We Happy Few Shakespearean Improv Company presents an improvised play in the style of the Bard w/ Jeff Clark and musical comedy by Ingrid Hansen. Opens Feb 27 8 pm. $5. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, comedybar.ca.

Shrew by William Shakespeare (Red One Theatre Collective). The classic comedy is presented with puppetry, slapstick and vaudeville styling. LOCATION AND SHOWTIMES CHANGED DUE TO FLOODING, CHECK WEBSITE FOR DETAILS, 955 Bloor W. redonetheatre.com.