On Toronto stages this week are tales of dinner with evil historical figures (which may or may not shed some light on our current political landscape), the coming together of young and old and queer, true stories, musical improvisation, and more. Check them out below the cut:
Continue reading Playlistings in Toronto for the week of May 29th
Bad Jews, presented by the Koffler Centre in Toronto, is a “terrific night at the theatre”Despite the promise of its name, Bad Jews is a great play — a darkly compelling family drama presented by the Koffler Centre of the Arts. Throughout the evening, I was captivated by the play’s unflinching exploration of the intersections of family, identity, and the Jewish faith.
Bad Jews takes place as Jonah (Dan Krantz), Daphna (Rebecca Applebaum), Liam (Kristopher Turner), and Melody (Julia Vally) gather after the passing of a family patriarch. Although the plot centers on the possession of a crucial heirloom, it also reaches deep into the personal and cultural histories of the characters. I found Bad Jews to be compelling, terribly truthful, often very funny, and unafraid to ask the big questions about identity and inheritance.
Continue reading Review: Bad Jews (Koffler Centre of the Arts)
Complex and compelling opera takes to the Toronto stageRape, sexual exploitation, murder — I could be describing the salient events of Rigoletto (1851), but I am actually describing the world premiere of Oksana G. by Aaron Gervais. The centrepiece of Tapestry Opera’s 16/17 season, this opera features full orchestra, chorus, and a dozen roles. Tapestry Opera is a small, well established Toronto-based Company that produces new opera. They can take a bow and a vacation next week for acquitting themselves well with this ambitious undertaking. Continue reading Review: Oksana G. (Tapestry Opera)
Tracey Erin Smith took the Fringe world by storm in 2006 with her one-woman show The Burning Bush, about a rabbi who finds enlightenment through stripping. Since then, she’s made a name for herself as a solo player and teacher of Soulo classes, in which aspiring artists are encouraged to find their voices and create a personal performance piece. The classes continue, but in addition, Smith runs a five-day theatre festival that includes both performances of finished pieces and workshops for those who are inspired to tell their own stories. Now in its fifth year, the SOULO Theatre Festival runs from May 25-29 2017 at the Red Sandcastle Theatre. We asked Smith a few questions about the upcoming event.
Continue reading PREVIEW: SOULO Theatre Festival (Soulo Theatre)
Live theatre shows in Toronto with ticket prices of $25 or less, playing the week of May 23rd, 2017. Perfect for the budget-conscious theatre-goer. Festivals – there are a couple – mean more bang for your buck, and Bad Jews mean more trouble! Check these shows out below the cut: