I am always interested and excited to see performances (dance, theatre, music) that are setting-specific, designed for the performance space. There is something special and unique that happens when a show is cultivated with and using its setting. There is so much strength, and significance, that can be derived from setting. The Talking Treaties Spectacle […]
It’s said that Sir Isaac Newton believed in a mysterious substance called ‘ether’ which surrounded everyone – a belief which helped him on the road to many discoveries. The thing is, though, it never actually existed. Isaac’s Eye, a new play making its Canadian debut at the Assembly Theatre, grants us discoveries about Newton himself […]
Given the heated discourse on race relations today – on and off stage – I am not sure if my title’s statement is positive or negative. One thing is for sure: we can never escape our history. This is the position which Sybil (Virgilia Griffith) maintains and will fight to the death to honour in […]
A decade of research went into the making of the well crafted I Call Myself Princess, written by Jani Lauzon, and a joint Paper Canoe Projects and Cahoots Theatre Production, in association with Native Earth Performing Arts. I Call Myself Princess weaves two stories together, one of Tsianina Redfeather (Marion Newman), a Creek/Cherokee singer and […]
Dry Land is a coming of age tale that digs uncomfortably into both the tenderness and cruelty of North American teenage girlhood. Swim teammates Amy (Veronica Hortiguela) and Ester (Mattie Driscoll) forge a bond over the secret of Amy’s unwanted pregnancy. The strongest aspect of this work is the deep bond of friendship Amy […]
A bold new rock musical that brings a contemporary feel to the story of the Bronte sisters, this is a fun and smart piece of work that doesn’t shy away from experimental ideas, and while still a little rough around the edges, is an admirably successful piece of work. There are many parts of this […]
James Hogan’s new play is a touching portrayal of love, struggle and bereavement, but lacks the bite to make the drama gripping, spending too long stomping on well-trodden ground. Centring around Stan, recently out of prison and returning to the home he has been left by his late father, the play focuses on his interactions […]
The Music Man The best production at the Stratford Festival this year is an incredibly dated musical with a couple good (not great) songs and a story made of truly silly stuff. But there’s a reason Stratford asks so much of Donna Feore every season- basically handing her their full musical slate and saying “go, […]