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.
In time for World Pride in Toronto Queer Bathroom Stories is playing at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
I squinted at the program when we arrived at Buddies, saying “Queer Bathroom Stories?” I thought this was called “Queer Bathroom Monologues.” Whipping out my phone, I was able to confirm that the name had changed since I saw it at the Toronto Fringe Festival three years ago, and I was anxious to see what else might have changed in this singular production about the experiences of LGBTQ people in public washrooms, based on extensive interviews. Answer: quite a bit, and much for the better.
Native culture and social work collide in A Spirit’s Face playing at the Aki Studio Theatre in Toronto
A Spirit’s Face, presented by Spiderbones Performing Arts and playing at the Aki Studio Theatre (Daniels Spectrum) is a heartfelt piece. It’s clear that Jeff D’Hondt’s script is sincere and comes from a dark yet loving place. A lot of care has gone into this production, but it didn’t quite reach me.
This is the story of Jake (Cole Alvis) and Hunter (Madison Walsh)—both social workers, both damaged individuals who grew on up on the same native reserve—trying to forge a relationship while healing from old wounds. Their shared emotional baggage becomes their bond. The ghosts of abusive, afflicted and dying parents loom over their professional and personal lives. Continue reading Review: A Spirit’s Face (Spiderbones Performing Arts)→
Gods, Kings, Mothers and Sex in The God That Comes, Playing Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre
Hawksley Workman is a god. And a mother, and a tyrant. He plays all three roles in his new rock opera, The God That Comes, currently on at Tarragon Theatre. In doing so, he proves himself a god of musicianship and showmanship, if not one in the literal, immortal sense.
Created with Christian Barry, The God That Comes tells the fable of a cruel king, the king’s, and Bacchus. The god of sex and wine takes up residence on the mountain above the city where the king rules and welcomes the citizens to worship him in drunken orgies. Dictators are known for being party-poopers, and this king is no exception. He disapproves of the hedonism happening in the hills above him and when he hears his own mother has attended a bacchanal it’s the final straw and he sends his army to capture the deity. What ensues shows us the psychological torment that has turned a little boy into a sadistic, power-hungry monster. Continue reading Review: The God That Comes (Tarragon Theatre/2b theatre company)→
Teens make their pledge to aid Toronto class divisions in Promises to a Divided City playing at The Theatre Centre
Promises to a Divided City is an interactive experience where teenagers engage the audience in thinking about geographic and class divisions in Toronto. You also get to explore the new Theatre Centre in the former Carnegie Library building at Queen and Lisgar; hear some of the history behind Andrew Carnegie, the American industrialist multimillionaire who gave Toronto the money to build this (and other) libraries; and you even get a free book. Continue reading Review: Promises To A Divided City (Mammalian Diving Reflex/Theatre Centre)→
The Blue Show at Toronto’s InspiraTO Festival delivers a variety of mini plays to tug at your emotional strings
It has often been said that variety is the spice of life. And with an eclectic selection of 25 10-minute plays to enjoy, the InspiraTO Festival is sure to have something on the docket for every taste. From short absurdist comedies to heart-breaking slice-of-life snippets, the plays run the full gamut of emotions – all centred on this year’s theme of crossing dimensions.
The plays are grouped into four main shows: the Red Show, the Blue Show, the Orange Show and the White Show. Each show runs for approximately 70 minutes and features works from established authors and both internationally recognized and up-and-coming playwrights.
I had the privilege to attend and review the opening night performance of this year’s Blue Show.
