Reviews of productions based in Toronto – theatre includes traditional definitions of theatre, as well as dance, opera, comedy, performance art, spoken word performances, and more. Productions may be in-person, or remote productions streamed online on the Internet.
On the rainiest day in June (so far) I stood with a crowd on the NW corner of College and Grace Streets, waiting for Howie the Rookie. None of us knew what to expect. Our umbrellas twirled under the pelting rain until we were greeted by a Red One Theatre Collective representative who presented a damp attendance list. Suddenly, two men, shouting in Irish accents flew by, and the play began.
Our umbrella-ed entourage was led towards our “secret location” and I noticed how poetic the urban environment seemed from this heightened, theatrical perspective. A young couple walking their chihuahua with an Elizabethan collar in the distance became characters in our show. Graffiti appeared as decoration, rather than vandalism, and litter seemed perfectly placed, rather than, well, littered.
Play about MS showcases intense and moving performances for the Toronto stage.
Stage Toronto’s Duet for One, which opened in the Tarragon Mainspace this weekend, is definately one of those plays you see if you’re in the right mood for it. It’s a pretty heavy experience, but despite a slow beginning it’s one worth taking the journey for. Continue reading Review: Duet for One- STAGE Toronto→
Original and organic operetta overpowers our senses
The repetitive and rhythmical sound of, “Chain stitch, lock stitch, whip stitch”, repeatedly played in my head as I left the theatre this evening. Urbanvessel’s production of Stitch, at the Theatre Centre provides us with a glimpse into the inner imaginings of the women who work tirelessly in sewing sweatshops.
Seventh Stage Production’s 9 Parts of Desire wove together the stories of nine modern Iraqi women in a beautifully designed, compelling production.
The play ran 70 minutes with no intermission – steadily building tension and urgency. Each character shared an elegant and thoughtful vignette describing their relationship to the culture, landscape, and memory of their country.
It was at once joyful and heartbreaking, tinged with desperate political fervor. I felt like I was hearing stories rarely told, of a place changing so dramatically without anyone to preserve its crumbling history. Even the character of Mullaya in her opening monologue admits jokingly admits: “Iraqis never open their mouths – even for a dentist!”
What incredible responsibility these actors must have felt in conveying this message of secret thoughts, ambitions, and desires of nine compelling characters.
It is currently playing at The Cameron House for a limited run. The Cameron is a cozy space on Queen Street, just west of Spadina. Look for the building with giant ants crawling on its side if approaching from the east.
