Phew, more theatre and performance art fun is here. The SummerWorks Festival kicked off last night, with a fantastic party and live music at The Great Hall. This years festival features 41 productions, plus the new Live Art series and an exciting expansion to the Music Series. This year there is definitely something for everyone. We couldn't possibly cover it all but Now Magazine has committed to covering the entire festival so be sure to check in with reviews and show announcements there. Here's Now's Starting off SummerWorks article which ran this week.
Though we wont be at every show and concert there are definitely a few that should not be missed. A number of the festival highlights are in the much expanded Music Series, this year. Up first is the Hawksley Workman and Christina Barry collaboration The Gods That Come on Saturday night at The Theatre Centre, at The Great Hall.
Hawksley, for those who don't know is one of Canada's best indie pop musicians, and I've thought for a while that his style and creativity would be well suited for the stage. Add to that, powerhouse director Christina Barry of 2b theatre production company and you've got yourself a winning combination.
Also part of the Music Series is Blood Ties - Musical Works in Concert. Conceived and directed by up-and-comer and EAP friends Anika Johnson and Barbara Johnson. This show features EAP regular Jusitn Bott and is musically directed by one of our great friends Jeffery Newberry. Blood Ties is a darkly funny chamber musical in one act based on the true story of four friends who must clean up after a suicide. Blood Ties runs at The Theatre Centre, at The Great Hall Tuesday August 14th at 9pm.
For CBC Radio 2 fans Buck 65 may not ring a bell but you'd be sure to know Drive host Rich Terfry. Rich has been performing as hip hop artist Buck 65 for over 2 decades. He makes his SummerWorks debut Wednesday the 15 at 10:30.
EAP is also really excited about some of the Theatre events this year. Most notably Voodoo Theatre Company's award winning Extinction Song. A one man play about a child's retreat from reality into an imaginary world. A world of wolves who help save him from his real life alcoholic father. This is a touching portrayal of the childish spirit and hope, which will pull at even the tightest heartstrings. Extinction Song runs at Theatre Passe Muraille
Friday August 10th at 5:30 pm.
Sunday the 12, at 3:00 pm.
Wednesday the 15th at 8:00 pm.
Friday Aug. 17 at 8:00 pm
Saturday Aug. 18 at 5:30 pm.
and Sunday Aug 19th at 12:30 pm.
Hoping for something a bit more lighthearted? France, or the Niqab promises to be a funny, sexy romp of physical humor. Defense Attorney and high-heel devotee Tabatha is about to risk it all and find out what her heels have in common with the Islamic niqab. France, or the Niqab plays at Theatre Passe Muraille.
Saturday Aug 11th. at 8:00 pm.
Monday Aug. 13th. at 10:30 pm.
Friday Aug. 17th. at 10:30 pm.
Saturday Aug. 18th at 3:00 pm.
and Sunday Aug. 19th at 8:00 pm.
In addition to the Theatre and Music series this years SummerWorks festival also features late night acts at the Performance Bar. Click the link for information about the Performance Bar line up.
And last but certainly not least, this year the SummerWorks festival introduces the Live Art series. As part of the Live Art series Toronto icon Nina Arsenault presents 40 Days + 40 Nights. In the first 29 days of this performance (closed to the public) Nina spent 4 days in isolation in total darkness, 5 days fasting and 3 days without sleep. Inside heightened emotional states she rendered drawings in charcoal and began to design an elaborate decadent cloister for 40 Days + 40 Nights.
She also gave up Facebook, sex, and financial support from her “sugar-daddy.”
The sacred space she created is filled with her drawings and artistic collaborations with Bruce LaBruce, Istvan Kantor, and Jordan Tannahill, meditations towards a contemporary language of lived spiritual beliefs. Nina’s sculpture ‘Pure Form with Blood and Silicone’ will also be on display.
During the final 11 days of this experiment, open to the public, Nina will continue her spiritual actions.
However, visitors to the installation/ gallery can also choose to participate in Nina’s recreation of Marina Abramovic’s ‘The Artist is Present’, listen to a story called ‘The Ecstasy of Nina Arsenault’ about
her surgical/spiritual quest for youth… or simply talk to her (in sacred confidence.) Available for viewings and free of charge from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am throughout the festival.
These are just a few of this year's offerings. We will continue to update you here about shows that generate buzz, shows we love and shows you might want to skip. Check out the full schedule and here for buying tickets. See you at the SummerWorks Festival!
Hawksley, for those who don't know is one of Canada's best indie pop musicians, and I've thought for a while that his style and creativity would be well suited for the stage. Add to that, powerhouse director Christina Barry of 2b theatre production company and you've got yourself a winning combination.
For CBC Radio 2 fans Buck 65 may not ring a bell but you'd be sure to know Drive host Rich Terfry. Rich has been performing as hip hop artist Buck 65 for over 2 decades. He makes his SummerWorks debut Wednesday the 15 at 10:30.
Friday August 10th at 5:30 pm.
Sunday the 12, at 3:00 pm.
Wednesday the 15th at 8:00 pm.
Friday Aug. 17 at 8:00 pm
Saturday Aug. 18 at 5:30 pm.
and Sunday Aug 19th at 12:30 pm.
Hoping for something a bit more lighthearted? France, or the Niqab promises to be a funny, sexy romp of physical humor. Defense Attorney and high-heel devotee Tabatha is about to risk it all and find out what her heels have in common with the Islamic niqab. France, or the Niqab plays at Theatre Passe Muraille.
Saturday Aug 11th. at 8:00 pm.
Monday Aug. 13th. at 10:30 pm.
Friday Aug. 17th. at 10:30 pm.
Saturday Aug. 18th at 3:00 pm.
and Sunday Aug. 19th at 8:00 pm.
In addition to the Theatre and Music series this years SummerWorks festival also features late night acts at the Performance Bar. Click the link for information about the Performance Bar line up.
And last but certainly not least, this year the SummerWorks festival introduces the Live Art series. As part of the Live Art series Toronto icon Nina Arsenault presents 40 Days + 40 Nights. In the first 29 days of this performance (closed to the public) Nina spent 4 days in isolation in total darkness, 5 days fasting and 3 days without sleep. Inside heightened emotional states she rendered drawings in charcoal and began to design an elaborate decadent cloister for 40 Days + 40 Nights.
She also gave up Facebook, sex, and financial support from her “sugar-daddy.”
The sacred space she created is filled with her drawings and artistic collaborations with Bruce LaBruce, Istvan Kantor, and Jordan Tannahill, meditations towards a contemporary language of lived spiritual beliefs. Nina’s sculpture ‘Pure Form with Blood and Silicone’ will also be on display.
During the final 11 days of this experiment, open to the public, Nina will continue her spiritual actions.
However, visitors to the installation/ gallery can also choose to participate in Nina’s recreation of Marina Abramovic’s ‘The Artist is Present’, listen to a story called ‘The Ecstasy of Nina Arsenault’ about
her surgical/spiritual quest for youth… or simply talk to her (in sacred confidence.) Available for viewings and free of charge from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am throughout the festival.
These are just a few of this year's offerings. We will continue to update you here about shows that generate buzz, shows we love and shows you might want to skip. Check out the full schedule and here for buying tickets. See you at the SummerWorks Festival!
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