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.
Stuff Happens, playing at the Randolph Academy, brings the political aftermath of 9/11 to the Toronto stage
On September 11, 2001 two of New York City’s most iconic skyscrapers toppled. And on that fateful day, the world was forever changed. Many of us can vividly recall exactly where we were and what we were doing at that very moment, but what of the politicians who were charged with leading their nations in the aftermath of that tragedy?
A poignant and intensely paced work of theatre, this production masterfully knits together fact and speculation in order to create a narrative that hypothetically exams the backroom goings-on in America, Britain and France.
Muse, at Sterling Studio Theatre in Toronto, is a series of monologues inspired by art and creation
Muse is playing for a limited time at Sterling Studio Theatre and it is comprised of thirteen discrete monologues linked by a common thread: art and the artist’s muse. The monologues are short, all less than five minutes. Some are from the perspective of the muse, telling us why they like or don’t like being the artist’s inspiration. Some are from the perspective of the artist, who describes with neurotic zeal the agony and the ecstasy of their craft. There are moments of tenderness, dread, terror and humour. Continue reading Review: Muse (Little Black Afro Theatre Company)→
Improvised Shakespeare, with audience input, took Toronto’s Second City stage in Slings and Errors
Slings and Errors (playing the Second City) is improvised Shakespeare — an idea with some pedigree, but which hasn’t yet reached a wide audience. And this company, drawn from all over the place — Second City improvisers, stand-up comedians, Canadian Comedy Award-winning sketch artists — make a game attempt to bring it home.
There are laughs. In fact, there are lots and lots and lots of spill-your-drink laughs. But while this cast is talented and this concept is promising, I found that opening night had a few format kinks holding the project back.
Dazzling circus acts are the focal point of A Spectacle Play by the Hercinia Arts Collective in Toronto
A Spectacle of Play is a collection of works from the world of contemporary circus. Hercinia Arts Collective brings a variety of pieces involving aerial silks, trapeze, ropes, hula-hoop and even clowning. Unfortunately, these shows can’t take place in a giant circus tent in the middle of the city: instead, the circus found its home in a mysterious location rightfully named “The Bat Cave”.
I think the abilities of the performers are amazing, especially considering that I have no upper body strength to pull myself up a rope. The artists twist and spin in the air like they are weightless. There is no fear or hesitation as they hover by the ceiling. Even though I know they are professionals, I feel my heart beating fast as a woman slides down into a full split with each foot precariously wrapped in strips of silk, dangling in the air. Watching anyone do that without flinching or calling the fire department is impressive. Continue reading Review: A Spectacle of Play (Hercinia Arts Collective)→
Around brings multidimensional dance to the Dancemakers Centre for Creation in Toronto
Around lived up to name the minute I walked into the Dancemakers Centre for Creation. Rather than finding a stage and a row of seats, I found a white curtained-off circle in the middle of the space. This set up the dancing to feel a like an installation or a moving sculpture; something that has no one right way of being seen. Around is an experiment, in movement and sound, and there are no right or wrongs. Continue reading Review: Around (Dancemakers)→
On September 11, 2001 two of New York City’s most iconic skyscrapers toppled. And on that fateful day, the world was forever changed. Many of us can vividly recall exactly where we were and what we were doing at that very moment, but what of the politicians who were charged with leading their nations in the aftermath of that tragedy?
