There’s something to be said for the experience of seeing a mainstream theatrical production. They can often be expected to have a certain style and level of popular appeal, and often serve as a beautiful night at the theatre. On the other hand, some of the most innovative and moving performances can be found in unconventional theatrical forms, and that’s the focus of this week’s Cheap Theatre posting! After the jump is a list of several out-of-the-ordinary theatrical experiences currently happening in Toronto. Whether it’s a work in progress, or not a work of “theatre” at all, at $20 a ticket or less, you can’t go wrong with going out to see some Cheap Theatre!
BuskerFest (Scotiabank). This outdoor festival features European street theatre, aerial arts, dance, music, clown and more with FlameOz, Les Frères Taquins, Reuben DotDotDot and many others. Opens Aug 21 and runs to Aug 24. Pwyc (donations to Epilepsy Toronto). Downtown Yonge Area, between Queen and College. torontobuskerfest.com.
Chansons Refusées (Soulpepper Cabaret Series). Alex Samaras and Bobby Hsu present a night of great songs from Broadway’s golden age that have been overlooked in the jazz repertoire. Aug 23 at 8:30 pm. $20, stu $15. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.
CoexisDance Series 65 presents dance improvisers performing with AIM Toronto musicians. Aug 23 at 8 pm. $10. Majlis Art Garden, 163 Walnut. coexisdance.wordpress.com.
Munsch At Play (Mystic Forest/Tetrault Arts Productions). Classic Robert Munsch stories are performed by professional actors with disabilities. Opens Aug 18 and runs to Aug 24, Fri and Sun-Wed 2 and 4 pm, Thu 5 and7 pm. $10, child $5. Palmerston Library Theatre, 560 Palmerston. eventbrite.com/e/12368467419.
PROCESS (Intergalactic Arts Colelctive). This collective presents interdisciplinary performances of works-in-process. Opens Aug 3 and runs to Aug 31, Sun 8 pm. $10. Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw. 416-530-2787, artscapeyoungplace.ca.