All posts by Mirette Shoeir

Why Theatre Needs Your Support

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What is happening in theatre right now, and how you can help

It is really hard to know how to begin this article. I want to strike the right tone, you see. As an arts worker* I want to talk about how the performing arts sector is taking a huge hit, but I’m concerned. I know that everyone else is going through a rough time right now, and some may argue that the arts are not an essential service.

However, would it even be possible to get through this lockdown without the arts? Without books, films, shows, music, and live streams — which some creators are making available for free? Of course, if you are reading Mooney on Theatre, then I imagine you are among the converted, so I will cut my preaching short.

So let’s talk about what’s actually happening in the theatre world right now.

Continue reading Why Theatre Needs Your Support →

Slow Death (By Marie Lambin-Gagnon at the AGO)

Installation is full of “joyous chaos” but invites thoughtful consideration

Slow Death is a visually stunning dance installation that took place at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) on March 4 & 6. The performance is a joyful movement (I would say romp, but romp implies fast movement which this piece was not) surrounded by shimmery, brightly colored fabrics and paper.

Continue reading Slow Death (By Marie Lambin-Gagnon at the AGO) →

Review: Tales of a City by the Sea (Canadian Friends of Sabeel)

Play tackles the precarity and uncertainty of life and love in Gaza

Tales of a City by the Sea (Canadian Friends of Sabeel) is a play about how life can exist in the midst of death, and how ordinary human activity goes on in the midst of great destruction. It is also the story of two extremely ill- fated lovers, Rami and Joumana, set in the world’s largest open air prison, Gaza. Continue reading Review: Tales of a City by the Sea (Canadian Friends of Sabeel) →

Review: Dock Mother God Society (Blood Pact Theatre)

There might be a bit too much to follow in the script, but the acting will keep you captivated the whole way through

Dock Mother God Society by Blood Pact Theatre, playing at Grand Canyon, is a difficult one to pin down. I can’t tell if the piece, written and directed by Bryce Hodgson is profound, or if it only feels profound.

Ed (Mark Paci) has been thrown out by his wife for drinking. He’s staying with his godmother Bev (Elizabeth Saunders) until he can get back on his feet. They have quite the relationship – capable of caring and loving for each other, but also of irritating each other to no end. Continue reading Review: Dock Mother God Society (Blood Pact Theatre) →