GirlCanCreate presents
The RED Letter
February, 2005
Table of Contents
1. Words From Lisa Pijuan
2. Feature Show - First Kissed
3. Featured Artist Links
4. RED: A Night of Live Performance
5. Books and Websites of Interest
6. Classes and Workshops
7. L'il Bits
8. Recommended Upcoming Performances of Interest
9. Famous Last Words
1. Words from Lisa Pijuan
January was hard. With minus zero temperatures and lots of snow, many people found themselves hibernating and grumbling around town.
And now, it's February. Cold, sweet, lovely February. This has always been a very busy time in the arts. Perhaps because it is the shortest month, therefore fitting the same amount of events in a shorter time period.
I like February. I like the fact that we wait for a groundhog to show his face. It's closer to Spring. It's Valentine's Day, if you buy into that mushy lovely stuff and it happens to be the month that I was born. And a time to see some brilliant art. So February is pretty exciting for me. It's time to begin making plans for the summer and still some time to hibernate and catch up on all of those films that you missed last year!
My events list this month might be a little bit longer than usual, simply because there is a ton of superbly talented people performing.
I also wanted to thank you all for the incredibly response I received from last months issue of The RED Letter. It was truly overwhelming and very kind.
So, to all of you, thank you. Thank you for caring, shining, creating, dreaming and being simply splendid. And of course thank you so much for supporting Arts in Toronto! It is so appreciated.
Regards,
Lisa Pijuan
Artistic Director of GirlCanCreate and RED
2. Feature Show - Meagan O'Shea's First Kissed
Next Intersection Dance Theatre and GirlCanCreate present
First Kissed:
an interactive story quilt and performance event
featuring
Intimate Awkward
"O'Shea's best choreography yet! "
Wednesday February 2, a RED special event at Lula Lounge at 8 p.m.
FIRST KISSED is an interactive quilt hiding secrets built around collected stories of exceptional moments of romance, love, and lust and is the centre of the event. The stories are further animated through performances by
Susie Burpee, Megan Hamilton, , Noah Kenneally, Lisa Pijuan, Lucy Rupert, and
Leah State throughout the evening. The event culminates with the performance of
Intimate Awkward.
Meagan O'Shea's duet
Intimate Awkward is a guided tour through the beautiful-funny-awkward moments that pepper the early stages of love. Nothing is so magical, or so terrifying as when two people try to carve out space for themselves in each other.
Intimate Awkward is a celebration of those tentative beginnings.
With original music created by Newfoundland's
Lori Clarke and danced by
Clinton Draper and O'Shea Intimate Awkward features stunning partnering and captivating choreography that perfectly convey us through the uncertainties of love's opening moves.
FIRST KISSED at Lula Lounge 1585 Dundas Street West (between Dufferin and Brock) Wednesday February 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets $12, for reservations please call Lula Lounge 416. 588-0307 or go to
www.lula.ca
Media information call Meagan O'Shea at 416.899.7811 or
omeagan@sympatico.ca
3. Featured Artist Links
Often people ask me about different local artists. Here are a handful of artists that are creating interesting and essential work! Enjoy!
Musical Artists
Kevin Quain - www.kevinquain.com
Last October while organizing the RED Festival, I listened to Kevin's CD over and over and over again. His words oddly romantic, and his voice so sweet and full of raspy longing. Very Beautiful.
Claire Jenkins - www.clairejenkins.com
This woman is a strong and powerful songstress. Always a favourite at RED!
Gurpreet Chana - www.thetablaguy.com
Gurpreet is a genius. I feel that he taps into the divine when he performs. Gurpreet creates tabla fusion and combines funky beats with traditional rhythms.
Dance Artists
Kaeja D'Dance - www.kaeja.org
Allan and Karen Kaeja create dynamic dance compositions. This couple teaches and choreographs and dances in some of the most beautiful pieces I have ever seen.
Hum Projects - www.humprojects.org
Home of Susanna Hood and her works. Susanna combines images, sounds, words and movements to create pieces like no other. Brilliant work!
Alana Hock - www.dancewithalana.com
I must admit, I have a weakness for Alana Hock. I sort of look at her as a younger sister even though I only know her a bit. Let's just say that we share a certain mischeiveousness and I can see that spark in her dance!
Theatre Artists
Theatre Rusticle - www.theatrerusticle.org
Some of my favourite artists work with this company. Look to the listings for their upcoming fundraiser!
Nightwood Theatre - www.nightwoodtheatre.net
Nightwood Theatre is Canadian's foremost feminist theatre company which develops and produces diverse and innovative theatre.
Buddies In Bad Times Theatre - www.buddiesinbadtimestheatre.com
Home of the Yearly Rhubarb Festival! Support some of Canada's boldest theatre creators!
4. RED:A Night of Live Performance
"This popular bimonthly cabaret opens Red's third season. Curated by enterprising choreographer Lisa Pijuan, Red is designed to present cutting-edge performers. Past lineups have included dancers, actors, poets, clowns, musicians, comedians, puppeteers and filmmakers, and the delight of Red is how these seemingly strange bedfellows work together in one serendipitous show. February's performers include Ottawa urban dancer Maureen Shea and her Grasshoppa Dance Exchange and the performance group Emergency.exit. An added feature is the Yellow Room series (in Lula's intimate back space), showcasing storytellers and puppeteers." -Paula Citron, Toronto Life"
February's Featured Artists:
Grasshoppa Dance Exchange - Dance
Wakefield Brewster - Spoken Word
Tova Kardonne - Song and Movement
Elana Freeman and Noah Kenneally - Puppetry
Marjorie Chan - Radio Play
Chris Church - Violin
Touch of Tartan - Celtic Dance
Yellow Room Series - Storyteller Ann McDougall performing her pieceBlack Ash
Special Event at RED!
22 Tiny Performances About Love
22 Performers.
Dancers, Actors, Puppeteers, Spoken Word Artists, and Musicians have one minute to share their ideas about love.
Wednesday February 16, 2005
8:30 p.m.
Lula Lounge
1585 Dundas Street West. One Block West of Dufferin
Tickets $10
5. Books and Websites of Interest
Random Picks from my Bookshelf
A Natural History of The Senses by Diane Ackerman
Sunbeams: A Book of Quotations Edited by Sy Safransky
Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism, and the Future by Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards
A Whack on the Side of the Head by Roger Von Oech
Websites That Amuse and Educate
One Word - www.oneword.com
Book Closeouts - www.bookcloseouts.com
Interesting Facts about Our World - www.nationmaster.com/facts.php
6. Classes and Workshops
NightSwimming Lessons
a new series of classes with Nightswimming senior artistic associates
Body Physics with Andy Massingham and Finding Your Feet as an Actor with Julian Richings
Limited class sizes: register soon!!
There is a discount if you take both courses ($25 off each course).
To register reply to this email or call 416 703 5491 for further information.
Body Physics by Andy Massingham
Massingham's physical dexterity is a constant joy. - Toronto Star on Rough House
Hot on the heels of Andy's hugely successful debut one man show we are proud to offer Body Physics, an interactive workshop which will seek to explain and demonstrate the process which has gone into the creation of
Rough House thus far. The goal of the workshop is to give a basic physical understanding of movement and slapstick, and create a personal springboard in which to realize your own creative physical goals. This two-day intensive will explore role playing, balance, body-momentum, body protections, rolls and the like.
Pre-requisites: Some physical background is required (dance, movement, theatrical/body training) Please submit a short description of your physical background, as well as the reasons for your interest in this course. A resume is also helpful, but not mandatory (if you don't have one).
Attire: Please wear clothing that is comfortable, allows you to move and breathe, and that you don't mind scuffing up a bit. Protective gear (elbow and knee pads) is encouraged for the learning process.
Price: $200 (limitied class size)
Two Sessions of Lessons: Saturday, February 19th and Sunday, February 20th, 10am-4pm (with a lunch break) or Saturday, February 26th and Sunday, February 27th, 10am-4pm (with a lunch break)
Andy Massingham has just completed a sold-out run of his one-man theatre/movement extravaganza,
Rough House . He is a teacher, movement coach and workshop leader, and was the Physical Comedy Instructor at Humber College from 2000-2004.
Finding Your Feet as an Actor by Julian Richings
Process. Product. Finding Feet.
An actor-friendly workshop focusing on the process of getting the text on its feet. So often for an actor, "blocking" can mean confinement and contradiction. We will take the first steps toward realizing a script, looking for openings not blockage! Using published scripts and plays-in-development, we will utilize exercises that hone personal skills, instinct, and serve the text.
n.b. This is not an audition preparation class
Pre-requisites: No specific level of interest required, but interest and energy is a must - please send a letter of interest that includes your background.
Attire: Comfortable clothing
Price: $200
Dates: Monday, March 14, Wednesday March 16 and Thursday March 17: 7pm-10pm
Julian Richings is one of Canada's most acclaimed actors. He has been teaching workshops for professionals, universities and high schools for over 20 years. He has worked in theatres throughout Toronto, Canada and Europe and has received two Dora Awards for his performances.
Nightswimming is a dramaturgical company dedicated to exploring the boundaries of dramaturgy and performance. We commission and develop new works of theatre, dance and music. For more information visit our website at www.nightswimmingtheatre.com
.
Aerial Arts and Acro Classes: Register Now!
Toronto's top aerialists are now offering classes in trapeze, hoop, silks and acrobatics.
Aerial arts are a unique fusion of grace, power, flexibility and daring... up in the air! You'll discover, strengthen and lengthen muscles you never knew existed, while developing body and spatial awareness. Plus, you'll get fit and have fun along the way!
You'll learn safe body alignment, graceful positions, tricks and transitions.
As you progress at your own pace, you'll explore more advanced skills and create some of your own!
Winter or Spring Session : $240 + GST
Sundays 3PM - 5PM or Mondays 7PM - 9PM
Location : MBS Performing Arts Studio, 100A Ossington Avenue
To register for Trapeze, Hoop, Silks or Acrobatics,
Call Robin at 416-459-0406 or Email
robin@highstrung.ca
7. L'il Bits: A Place to Share
A big thanks to all those who showed up for Chris Gibbs show The Power of Ignorance. Lula Lounge was filled to the brim and by 8:00 p.m and we all suffered from sore cheeks from too much laughing the next day. The success of the show has inspired another showing on March 9th , 2005! More info to come!
The Mystery Bang at The Theatre Centre raised $250.00 for the RED Cross Tsunami Fund! Thanks to all of those brave souls who showed up on one of the coldest evenings of the winter! The audience was surprised with mystery performances by the likes of Nur Intan Murtzada, Theatre Artist Erin Sheilds, Singer Songwriter Evalyn Parry, Aviva Armour-Ostroff, Belly Dancer Roula Said, Musician Ansgar Schroer, Cathy Gordon, Musician Vanessa AvRuskin and Dancers Yves Candau, Susanna Hood, Tanya Williams, Pam Johnson, and Lisa Pijuan. The Mystery Bang has inspired the upcoming Mystery RED in June at Lula Lounge. Check www.girlcancreate.com
for more info in upcoming months.
Are you a writer? Photographer? Poet? The RED Letter is currently looking for writers and articles for upcoming issues. Contact lisa@girlcancreate
or call 416-591-0225 for more information.
8. Recommended Upcoming Performances of Interest
February 2 - February 6
Brampton Indie Arts Festival
The Heritage Theatre, 86 Main Street North, Brampton
Tickets: $12 at the Door, $6 for students
Box Office: 905-874-2800 www.friendlyrich.com
I don't plan to comment on all of these but I must commend the organizers for getting something this cool in my hometown of Brampton! Never thought I would make a trip to Brampton to see such amazing and independent artists! Whooo Hoooo!
February 2
Meagan O'Shea's First Kissed: an interactive story quilt and performance event
A RED Special Event Featuring Susie Burpee, Clinton Draper, Megan Hamilton, Noah Kenneally, Meagan O'Shea Lisa Pijuan, Lucy Rupert, Leah State
Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas Street West
$12
February 3
Cirque Du Poulet- an evening of theatrical clown and physical comedy
Hosted by Sandra Battaglini with co-host Mark Andrada. Cast includes: Helen Donnelly, Trefor Randal, Rachelle Elie, Bella French, Lindy Zucker Erin Marian, Lo Bil, Jane Latimer, and Jenny Parsons.
Bad Dog Theatre, 138 Danforth Ave(just East of Broadview)
Showtime: 8pm
Tickets: $8
www.cirquedupoulet.com
February 2 - February 20
Rhubarb Festival: Canada's Premiere New Works Festival
With New Works by Becky Johnson, Francisca Zentilli, Lindy Zucker, Teresa Pavlinek, Shoshana Sperling, Anna Chatterton, Sonja Mills and many more.
Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander Street
Evening begins at 7:30 p.m. with many shows in the evening
Evening Passes $15
Box Office: 416-975-8555
www.buddiesinbadtimestheatre.com
February 5 - February 13
Kuumba: Celebrating African Heritage Month
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
More Information see www.harbourfrontcentre.com
February 9 - February 13
World of Comedy International Film Festival
For more info www.worldcomedyfilmfest.com
February 11
Carnaval at Lula! Lose your self in the rhythms of Brazil with Carnaval Braza.
Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas Street West, (One Block West of Dufferin)
Time: Dance Class at 9:00 p.m. Show at 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15
For more information see www.lula.ca
or 416-588-0307
February 12
T-Dot Griots: From The Page To The Stage
Featuring Kamau, Naila Belvett, Steven Green and Karen Richardson.
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
Brigantine Room
Time: 7pm
Tickets :Free
For more information www.mustardseeds.net
February 12 - March 13
Cast Iron
by Lisa Codrington
Nightwood Theatre in association with Obsidian Theatre Company
Directed by ahdri zhina mandiela Starring Alison Sealy-Smith
Tarragon Theatre's Extra Space, 30 Bridgman Avenue,
Tickets $16 - $33
Box Office 416 531 1827
For Information and Group Sales 416 944 1740 ext. 4
www.nightwoodtheatre.net
February 16
RED: A Night of Live Performance
Featuring Wakefield Brewster, Grasshoppa Dance Exchange, Marjorie Chan and more!
Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas Street West (One Block West of Dufferin)
Showtime: 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10
Contact: 416-591-0225 or lisa@girlcancreate.com
February 20
Pomengranate: Celebrate the love with girl on girl klezmer brunch!
The Free Times Café, 320 College Street
First seating is between 10:30 and 11:00, and the second seating is after 1:15.
Brunch is $17.95.
Contact the Free Times to make reservations www.freetimescafe.com
February 24 - February 27
Grace, dance by Eryn Dace Trudell
Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester St.
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Tickets" $20 Gen. Admission $12 CADA Members
Box Office: 416-778-9844
February 26
Upswing- An Evening of Work to Chase Away the Cold
Fundraiser for Theatre Rusticle and Blue ceiling
the Victory Cafe on February 26th
8 p.m.
More information see www.thetrerusticle.org
9. Famous Last Words
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Act as though it were impossible to fail.
- Dorothea Brandt
