Review: We Are Proud to Present … (The Theatre Centre)

Photo of Marcel Stewart in WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT... by Dahlia KatzToronto’s Theatre Centre’s play We Are Proud to Present … pushes boundaries, unsettles

I’ve just returned from seeing Why Not Theatre‘s We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as Southwest Africa, From the German Sudwestafrika, Between the Years 1884-1915, playing at The Theatre Centre.

It’s a story about a group of actors uncovering truths about the Namibian genocide – and themselves – during stage rehearsals. Over two hours later and I’m still processing what I saw and heard. And I mean that in a good way.  Continue reading Review: We Are Proud to Present … (The Theatre Centre)

Review: Banana Boys (Factory Theatre)

5exK6oxLDFmsvc-pNmAwLlZO1I2KiPMXzIsChP-mO-AToronto’s Factory Theatre revives a classic Canadian play: Banana Boys by Leon Aureus

Pop quiz: name an Asian-American male actor who’s played a romantic lead role in a mainstream movie or TV show … Trick question, that’s literally never happened. We all-but-invisible (East) Asian-American/Canadian men; yellow on the outside, white on the inside, often stereotyped as diminutive, nerdy, and asexual, are finally given a chance to step into the spotlight and break down those prejudices in Banana Boys. Continue reading Review: Banana Boys (Factory Theatre)

Review: The River (Coal Mine Theatre)

photo of David Ferry by Michael Cooper

Coal Mine Theatre’s The River is “transporting”, on stage in Toronto

As I have heard from my actor, producer, and director friends, opening night of a live production can be a nervous mess. With the Coal Mine Theatre’s production of The River, at their temporary location at 982 Danforth St., nerves only made an appearance from the emotionally fraught characters in what was a professional, polished and very tense show.

Continue reading Review: The River (Coal Mine Theatre)

Preview: Caminos 2015 (Aluna Theatre and Native Earth Performing Arts)

Caminos 2015 is a week-long festival of new “propuestas” (performance proposals) presented by Aluna Theatre in partnership with Native Earth Performing Arts. Caminos ask Toronto audiences to join them in “re-imagining las Americas” through the presentation of new works in theatre and dance from 60 Panamerican and Indigenous artists. Each night features a wide variety of long and short-length programming, including: conversation and experimental performance labs on making theatre in two languages, a remount of the award-winning 2015 SummerWorks production of Ayelen, an interdisciplinary creation on the history of stoning, and a Latin American dance lesson.

We asked Aluna Theatre‘s Artistic Director Beatriz Pizano for her thoughts on some of the important themes in this year’s festival. Continue reading Preview: Caminos 2015 (Aluna Theatre and Native Earth Performing Arts)

Cheap Theatre in Toronto the Week of November 2nd

Five Shows Under $25 in Toronto this Week

This week we have a mix of heavy and light. Whether you’re feeling like something deep and dramatically hefty, or something a little bubblier in tone, there’s an eclectic mix this week. Prices range from free to 25 dollars each, so not only are these shows diverse, they’re easy on the bank account. Check out this week’s picks under the cut. Continue reading Cheap Theatre in Toronto the Week of November 2nd