Theatre Smith-Gilmour presents a stripped down black box take on the Victor Hugo classic in Toronto
The story of Les Misérables is well known to most as the 1980 musical by Claude-Michele Schöenberg, be it on stage or the movie starring Hugh Jackman. This theatrical adaptation by Dean Gilmour and Michele Smith, co-artistic directors of Theatre Smith-Gilmour, dives into the pathos of the story without relying on any of the big scores and big sets audiences have grown accustomed to. For me, this stripped down retelling of the well-known tale underscores some of the most timeless elements of the story. We do not need as much stuff as we think we need, and adhering to the status quo is not always the right choice. Continue reading Review: Les Misérables (Theatre Smith-Gilmour)→
At least, that’s how my guest and I felt leaving the theatre. We were haunted, terrified, and struck by just how important it was to hear this specific story in this day and age.
Tanya Tagaq and Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory deliver awe-inspiring performance, on stage in Toronto
If you wanted to prepare yourself for this edition of Voices3 at Canadian Stage, featuring Tanya Tagaq + Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory you could watch Tagaq’s video Retribution, which is a collaboration between the two. In the comfort of your home, you might feel prepared. You aren’t, but until the lights go down, and the theatre is as dark as an arctic night you would think you were prepared. And then Tagaq + Williamson Bathory would be there in the room with you, live and holy, and you will find yourself brilliantly discomfited in whole new way.
Finding Wolastoq Voice is Indigenous artist and playwright Samaqani Cocahq (Natalie Sappier)’s debut work. The show’s tour makes a stop in Toronto from March 29-31, 2018 as part of the Indigenous Dance Showcase.
Hailing from Tobique First Nation, Samaqani’s personal journey deeply and directly inspired this work. We had the chance to ask her a few questions about this unique “dance-theatre hybrid performance that explores the personal discovery, identity and culture of a young Wolastoqiyik woman awakened by the voices of her ancestors.” See what she had to say after the cut:
Theatre Smith-Gilmour presents a stripped down black box take on the Victor Hugo classic in Toronto
A dark comedy of a woman’s life pre birth control, on stage at Streetcar Crowsnest in Toronto
Tanya Tagaq and Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory deliver awe-inspiring performance, on stage in Toronto
Classic Ibsen play Peer Gynt arrives on the Toronto stage