| The RED Letter, Mar 2009 |
Table of Contents
1. Words from Lisa Pijuan-Nomura
Also, I want to put the RED Letter out to the world in a big way this month, so if you could send this letter to at least 3 people and ask them to subscribe, you would make me very happy. I know this letter is long. I am sorry. But just take a moment and be happy with what is happening in our city. It’s pretty cool. Have a good month and thanks for all of the nice birthday wishes. They made me smile! Lisa
2. An Interview with Ansuree Roy
Tell us about Letters to my Grandma and your desire to tell this story. Letters to my Grandma is a story that weaves together the journeys of a grandmother and granddaughter through Second World War India and twenty-first century Toronto. My desire to tell this story stems from my passion about wars and survival stories. My Grandma survived World War II and some parts of the play were inspired by her journey. Can you tell me a little bit about your process and how you create. Letters to my Grandma is a play four years in the making! I do a lot of back story research before I begin to write a play, I need to know what my characters look like, how they think, what they eat, how they dress before I can begin. I create detailed installation boards that have images and pictures of the “world” of the play which usually informs my writing. What are some of your favourite things/places in Toronto? Any suggestions? Any upcoming shows to watch out for? YES! I am so excited for Walking the Tightrope by Mike Kenny, Directed by Thomas Morgan Jones. Opening on April 7th 2009 at Theatre Direct, The Loop, 601 Christie Street. LETTERS TO MY GRANDMA A poignant and courageous portrayal that weaves together the journeys of a grandmother and granddaughter through Second World War India and twenty-first century Toronto. from the writer and performer of last year's award-winning hit PYAASA! Written and Performed by Anusree Roy Directed by Thomas Morgan Jones Lighting Design by David Degrow March 3 to March 8 Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace Regular $20; Students/Seniors $18 TICKETS Arts Box Office
3. Feature Dance: Krima
KRIMA! …what a shame Human Resilience and Dignity in the face of adversity, with over 100 performers from across Toronto’s diverse performing arts communities, Maxine Heppner’s Across Oceans productions transforms the Young Centre for Performing Arts on March 1. KRIMA! (the Greek expression for “what a shame”) was born in 2006, in Athens Greece. In response to a season of terrible news around the world, Maxine and the Yelp and Eniamorfo dance companies gathered 100 artists to create KRIMA at the Booze Cooperativa. The work was both powerful and gentle, underlining the dignity and resilience of individuals when experiencing personal and group tragedies. Greece of course is the home of tragedy and comedy and KRIMA encompassed both, but with the soft humour that Maxine is known for. The piece was performed by the best of Athen’s professional dancers and raised funds for the inner city immigrant centre to aid newcomers in adapting to a new life in their new home. On March 1, “KRIMA! …what a shame” will be at the Distillery’s Young Centre for the Performing Arts. The Toronto version is created to reflect the Vibe and Diversity of our city. Once again the best have responded to the heart-felt theme. 100 performers of all ages and walks of life join to share this dance and music event with the Toronto public and to fundraise on-site for DAILY BREAD food bank. “Things” do happen to good people unexpectedly. “What a shame” (“krima”) we may say. Although we feel invincible, we are all vulnerable to the unexpected. Yet this performance risks being optimistic about individuals within the mass. Says Maxine: We don’t have to leave Toronto to understand the different circumstances people live in, and the trials and celebrations that occur by virtue of merely being human. March 1, 2009 3 shows only The Young Centre for the Performing Arts 416.866.8666 or visit www.youngcentre.ca for more info
Performer update! For complete list seewww.acrossoceans.org SUPPORTED BY: the Toronto Arts Council and Dance Ontario Produced in association with the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Historic Distillery District
4. Feature Dance and Music – Terpsichorienteering
Terpsichorienteering: Conceived and composed by Scott Thomson & Susanna Hood Terpsichorienteering is a site-specific piece that has been inspired not only by the creativity of the six dancers and six musicians who will perform it, but also by the striking physical and acoustic spaces of the 401 Richmond Street Building that they will animate. The piece will feature these performers in small-group combinations during five twenty-minute stages. For each stage, groups (duets, trios, quartets) will play in two of the five participating art galleries on the main floor of the building. Audience members can move freely between and within these spaces as they would were they simply visiting to see the visual art on display. Linking the five stages, moreover, will be four movements. Upon the completion of a stage, some of the performers will leave their gallery and perform through the corridors for five minutes, moving as they wish toward another gallery where they will join others for the next stage. En route, they will inevitably meet other performers on their way to other places and will have the option to stop and play with them for a moment. Audience members are encouraged to move throughout the building and enjoy Terpsichorienteering as they please. Since, performers will be playing and dancing in different parts of the building at the same time throughout the piece, audience members are invited to make decisions about how they move which will inform their experience of the piece. In this way, audience members can engage in a process of creative decision-making that mirrors that of the performers. The Terpsichorienteering score, beautifully designed by Michelangelo Iaffaldano, is based on a map of the space and doubles as an event program. Audience members can consult the score to carefully plan their route through the piece, though a more meandering, serendipitous approach is equally possible and encouraged. Scores will be available on site immediately before and during the performance. To be performed by: With a score designed by Michelangelo Iaffaldano 401 Richmond Street Building (near Spadina), Saturday March 14 Free Admission Presented in Association with The 401 Richmond Building: www.401richmond.net
5. Feature Music- Hot Soup
Hot Soup Serving up the city's finest innovators in sound and performance [and delicious hot soup] Hot Soup is a monthly series serving up some of the city's finest innovators in sound and performance in jazz, experimental sound, contemporary dance and theatre. Shows are held on the first Thursday of every month at Labspace Studio, a 2000 SF warehouse and performance venue in Toronto's east-end (Leslieville) . Vibe is low key and relaxed. Format is open and casual with a focus on collaborative performance. Doors open at 8 and performances run till midnight. Feel free to drop in and out throughout the night for beer, wine homemade soup, made with love. Featuring Nilan Perera and Susanna Hood Labspace Studio, 2A Pape Ave Admission: $5 Interested in performing or collaborating? Contact us. Contact: info@labspacestudio .com
6. Feature Visual Artist – Deborah Wiles and The Sublime Show
Contemporary , interdisciplinary, feminist, Canadian artist Deborah Wiles is a sculpture graduate of Ontario College of Art and Design. In practice she is an interdisciplinary visual artist, poet, and teacher. She presently runs and teaches at Marks of Perception; a Neighborhood art school . She has authored three volumes of poetry and a cook book. Ms. Wiles presently lives and works in Toronto. Her website is at www.debwiles.com. The Sublime Show You are cordially invited to The Sublime Show, an exhibit of new paintings by Deb Wiles.The paintings exhibited in this show are paintings inspired by the artist's archive of collages that she has produced over the last 20 years. There is an opening reception for this exhibition on Thursday March 5th, from 6-8 pm at The Sublime Cafe'. The Show runs form March 5th - March 29th. The Sublime Cafe is in Kensington Market at 219 Augusta Ave. Click here for more information about the show
7. Feature Comedy: chaos/controlchaos | control chaos | control: two compelling mysteries, two remarkable adventures, one rewarding theatrical event.
Act one: LIONHEART LIONHEART is the story of Litty, a lion-tamer trapped in a ring where the usual rules don't apply. Unravelling time, old nightmares, lost loves, a roiling cauldron of memories...it will take more than her whip to bring these beasts to heel. Death is the ringmaster in this circus, using magic and memory to prompt Litty to open her heart to love and take the next step on her cosmic journey. Lionheart premiered as part of Sarasvati Productions' Femfest in Winnipeg in 2007. Directed by John Turner (Citizen Pochsy, Mump & Smoot), Lionheart marries a rich, poetic text and complex dramatic structure with a physical, unabashedly theatrical performance style. Diana Kolpak is a writer, performer and director whose play, Bedtime Stories, was published last year in Theatre Ontario's anthology Eight Ontario Playwrights. Stage appearances include Butterfly Body (Groundswell Festival), Goodnight Ladies (Rhubarb Festival) and Whetstone's Dora-nominated The Gorgonetrevich Corps de Ballet Nationale in 'Bethany's Gate.' Act two: CHAOTICA CHAOTICA reveals the madcap adventures of Alice, a stressed out artist caught in a nightmarish board game that transforms her into different versions of who she thinks she wants to be. But this isn't your usual parlour game. Strategies both comic and brutal force Alice to confront her fears and desires, until she realizes who is really in control of her destiny. Chaotica premiered at the 2008 London Fringe ("Impressario Winner" and "Outstanding Touring Production" Brickenden Award nomination). Directed by Diana Kolpak, Chaotica features music by Dora-nominated composer James Fisher (Misery, Bethany's Gate). Christel Bartelse is half of the Canadian comedy award-nominated duo The Burnt Marshmallows (U-Haulywood, STUCK, Burnt on a Stick). Last year Christel appeared as Pugg with Mump and Smoot in Something (with Pugg). She has also performed at the Lunacy Cabaret, March of Dames, the Hysteria Festival, and the Chicago Improv Festival. chaos | control Opens Thursday, March 12 and runs to March 15 The Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen Street West Performances: Thursday-Saturday at 8pm, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.
8. New! She Can Create: Women and Creativity Meetup GroupOne of the most common things I hear from artists and my creativity clients is the desire to connect with other creative women. For a few years I have struggled with how to do this in an effective way. A few weeks ago I received an invite to a Meetup.com group. Meetup Groups are special interest groups that meet monthly to discuss, network and participate in the chosen activities of the group! Well, after checking out the website, I feel confident that this is a good way to facilitate a networking group of creative women in our city. So, I welcome you to join us for She Can Create: Women and Creativity! She Can Create: Women and Creativity aims to facilitate talks and organize events about art, creativity, community and women in Toronto. Learn about how to kick start creativity, overcoming creative blocks, finding more art in your life and taking steps to make your dreams a reality. This group is for both the professional artist and the women who wants more art in her life. We welcome artists, artrepreneurs, small business owners, crafty ladies, students and those seeking to discover more in life. We welcome all levels of artists and art lovers! Join the group at! If you are interested in meeting other creative women, join our group and come to our first meetup on March 7 at 1:00 at the Theatre Direct Studios at Wychwood Barns! Come and join us for an afternoon of creative talk, inspiration and fun! The meeting will consist of a discussion about Women's Creativity. I will then host a brainstorming session and then everyone will be free to have a meet and greet. I really think it's important to have some time to meet and network with each other in a no stress, easy way. I will provide some snacks and drinks. For every meeting, i am interested in putting together info packs that would include coupons, flyers and a booklet re: events of interest to the membership. If you have anything that you might like to contribute, please do let me know. I will only include bits that I think are of interest to this group. If you might be interested in doing some sort of event, talk or class with the participants, please feel free to contact me atlisa@girlcancreate.com! She Can Create Meetup Number 1: Meet and Greet
9. NEW! Artist Trading Card Trading Sessions at the Workroom
What is an ATC? Well, think of a baseball card. Or a playing card. Only, it doesn't have your favourite ball player, it has a one of a kind work of art. Originally these cards were created so that artists who couldn't afford art would swap with their friends. It has grown to become a movement that let's many people create and exchange original art! The only rules are that it must be 2.5' by 3.5' and it must be traded. ATC Toronto wants to spread the good word of Artist Trading Cards and is hosting monthly swaps and card making sessions! Exciting news is that we will hosting a regular trade on the last Sunday of each month at the wonderful Workroom! These cards are for everyone, not only artists! Join us once a month to make and trade some cards. Or come with your own cards to trade at our monthly session. This is a great way to meet new people, find some creative time and play with crayons, paper, glue, paint and just have time to make art! We will provide the basics such as cards, paints, papers and glue! Beginners welcome! Please know that this is for everyone! Even if you have never done any sort of art, you are welcome! It’s fun, and addictive, and you can have a great afternoon! We will also have some vintage paper packs available for sale! Sunday March 29, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. PWYC
10. Creativity Classes with GirlCanCreate“As a workshop leader, Lisa brings a sense of excitement and passion few can match. Her enthusiasm rubs off on the participants, now co-creators, in a world of movement and creativity carefully explored and unleashed in a safe, fun-filled experience. Lisa is both a masterful facilitator and a catalyst for stepping into the unknown. With such warmth and humour, she truly creates a joyous atmosphere in her classes and workshops.” - Beth Mairs, Director of Wild Woman Expedition
She Can Create: Creativity Classes for Women Join us for an experiential woman's creative group that meets once a week to play and create using a variety of different inspirations. Focusing on self-expression and the desire to bring more art to our lives we will use Collage, Storytelling, Movement, Doll making, Beadwork and Journaling to jumpstart our creativity and help create unique pieces of art and find ways how to continue creating after the classes are finished. Lisa will also talk about the overcoming creative blocks, taking steps to complete projects and letting the world know about your work. A sure fire inspiring workshop, register early to avoid disappointment as there is a limited amount of participants. Monday Nights from 6:30 to 9:30 Wednesday Nights from 6:30 to 9:30 Price: $175 To register and place a deposit to hold your spot please email Lisa at lisa@girlcancreate.com or call 416-516-4925 One on One Creativity Coaching Do you have a creative dream welling up inside? Or do you feel stuck by anxiety when you take a step towards your creative vision? Perhaps you simply want more art in your life. As a creativity coach, I am interested in helping people discover their most creative, true and fulfilling selves. I bring over 20 years experience as a performance artist to my work and understand the practice of starting from an idea and moving towards creation. Together with clients, I aim to bring more art to their lives, work towards specific project goals and assist to make their creative dreams a reality. Together we look towards clarity, inspiration and realization in regards to all aspects of their creative life. Sessions are either in person or on the phone with additional weekly email support. Rates: Single 1 hour session = $70 I am currently accepting new coaching clients. If you are interested in working with me please email me at lisa@girlcancreate.com with a short introduction. I look forward to hearing from you! About Lisa: For many years Lisa has helped other artists when times were tough. It seemed to be a natural extensions of her work as an artist and curator. Lisa has studied with many great creative minds including author and creativity expert Eric Maisel, Art Therapist Jacqueline Gautier, dancer Lisa Nelson, singer Ysaye Barnwell, musician Babatunde Olatunji, storyteller Judith Black and many others! Lisa has taught at Rio Caliente Wellness Spa, Wild Women Expeditions and as an Artist in Education in the Toronto School Board. With over 15 years of working as a performance artist, writer and educator, Lisa is especially passionate about bring art, humour and creativity to lives of women, youth and children.
11. Classes, Workshops and ConferencesButoh Workshop with Natsu Nakajima Training with Natsu Nakajima begins with a thorough physical warm-up and specific energy-based exercises. Essential principles of body awareness and articulation are explored. Each participant is encouraged to acquire the fundamental tools of an expressive body and sensitivity to the artistry of the craft. Selections of choreography are introduced and detailed refinement is addressed. Ms. Nakajima has been a primal force in butoh since the 1960's and continues to hold dynamic presence through her teaching, solo work, and company, Muteki-Sha. Much scholarship has lauded Ms. Nakajima for her cultivation of the feminine and spiritual. She has said, “It is not art that I aspire to, but love.” Her dance research brought butoh off the stage to the community of elderly, children, and people with disabilities to explore the intersections of the body, spirit, and community. In 1969, she founded Muteki-Sha, making it one of the oldest butoh groups in Japan. Ms. Nakajima has choreographed numerous pieces including the internationally acclaimed, NIWA (The Garden)and Sleep and Reincarnation from Empty Land. Ms. Nakajima has received numerous awards, grants, and commissions, including choreographing Sumida River for Toronto’s own Denise Fujiwara. March 24-27, 2009 For more information and to register, please call: 416-593-8455 Fiction Writing Workshops with Sarah Selecky Introducing the Story Where do stories come from? How do we get our ideas? More importantly, what do we do with the bits in our notebooks, once we have written them down? This workshop teaches beginning writers to use freewriting, clustering, and other writing prompt tools to generate rich, complex, satisfying stories. It introduces the elements of fiction - character, plot, dialogue and setting - and provides the structure that is necessary for a sprouting story to take root and flourish. A variety of exercises stimulate and train the writing mind. The goal is to encourage a personal writing practice that students will continue after the workshop is finished. Introducing the Workshop You know you can write a story, but you seem to need a deadline to get it out of your head and onto the page. Or you'd simply appreciate a community of writers who will read your work critically to help you begin your editing process. In this workshop series, you will do some in-class writing exercises but you will work on your story from home, with a deadline set for the completed draft. The workshop sessions will be guided, the critique respectful of each writer's unique voice. You'll gain the valuable insight of fellow writers who understand the challenges of the writing life, and through the process of reading critically, you'll deepen your relationship to your own writing. For more information see www.sarahselecky.ca TAKING THE STRAIN OUT OF ART with Physiotherapist Ginette Hamel Don't let injuries and pain impact on your ability to create! This interactive workshop combines basic theory, practical tips and exercises designed to assist visual artists with the specific physical challenges of their practice. Participants will learn to identify potential ergonomic hazards, how to create healthy workflow environments and improve posture to minimize and prevent injury. Topics of focus will include: Basic anatomy and ergonomic concepts Ginette Hamel, BSc PT, is trained in sports physiotherapy and is a certified Pilates instructor. She has more than 20 years of experience as a physiotherapist and specializes in the treatment of performing artists. Ginette has worked with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the National Ballet School and is currently consultant physiotherapist at the National Ballet of Canada and with the musical Dirty Dancing. She has been working with the Artists' Health Centre since it opened in 2002. Jennifer McGillis, M.Sc., C.K. has experience performing physical demands assessments, ergonomic risk identification and re-designing work environments. She has developed effective teaching techniques as a Professor of Lifestyle Management at Georgian College and as a result is a dynamic speaker who specializes in providing informative and interactive ergonomic training sessions. For your comfort, this is a scent-free workshop. Please refrain from wearing any perfume, cologne, aftershave or scented products. Please wear or bring clothes that allow ease of movement. Thank you. Saturday March 14 Workshop: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Artists’ Health Centre Pre-registration is required, as space is limited. To register please contact us at:
Making Contact a Dance Explore Contact Dance as a tool in the creative process. Focus will be on movement quality, skill building and the playful act of creating and performing dances. Dancers must have intermediate to advanced level dance skillls Music by Ariel Brink: Sundays March 22 to May 10 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Dovercourt Penthouse Price: Registration: * please note due to scheduling conflict, the Sunday March 29th class will run from 3:30 to 5:30 pm * please note there will be no class on Easter SundayHealer Within – Shiatsu Based Workshop Have you felt more stressed than usual, feeling thrown off your balance by the stress!!! Healer Within is a workshop which creates a space to reconnect with our own innate healing abilities allowing us to counter-off and deal with daily stresses while learning to stay balanced in face of challenges, ultimately enjoying a happy life!!! In this practical hands on 10-hour workshop we will use various techniques such as Shiatsu Therapy, meditation, breathing, and stretching to strengthen our self-awareness and create wellness in the physical, emotional, and spiritual areas of our lives. Sunday March 8, 15, 22nd Pure Intent Yoga Studio in Kensington Market Cost: $200 For more information: 647-893-7115 Discover Your Clown Suitable for actors and non-actors alike, adults only. This 6-day workshop “Discover Your Clown” is a level one approach to theatrical clown for students with limited or no clown experience. Drawing on various approaches, we uncover your clown persona through the use of the world’s smallest mask-- the clown nose. Both character and costume will be explored. Wednesday nights - April 15, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27 $255 ($230 if registered by March 15) Place: Labspace Studio, 2A Pape Ave Toronto Develop Your Clown This level 2 clown class is a continuation of the work from “Discover Your Clown”. Students will further develop their clown persona, using rhythm, movement and verbal/non-verbal communication. Duo and group work will be explored. A short presentation will give the opportunity to prepare and play in front of peers. Monday nights - April 20-May 25th 6pm-9:30pm 947 Queen St E, Toronto To register, visit www.helendonnelly.com Marks of Perception Neighbourhood Art School for the Young Artist! Marks of Perception is a neighborhood art school headed by professional interdisciplinary artist Deb Wiles and run from her home studio in the heart of Seaton Village. Visit Marks of Perception online here http://www.debwiles.com/marksofperc.htm This summer Marks of Perception offers a series of exciting day trips for your adventurous young artist! Draw on the Go is a new branch that has grown organically form the Marks of Perception school . Over the past two years we’ve organized a number of drawing trips. We’ve gone on gallery hops, to the Royal Winter Fair, and to the Zoo. The children love these trips so we’ve decided to make trips a regular part of summer curriculum. Students will learn new techniques and put them to use immediately as they will be in drawing ‘in the field’, working in the spirit of the Canadian landscape tradition. Like the landscape artists we will be observing and recording, with hand to paper, that which surrounds us while we are out and about. Marks of Perception has two spring terms of regular classes March 2 - April 30th and May 4th - June 26th. The Summer program begins June 29th. This summer Marks of Perception offers 7 fabulous day trips for children: Animal Study at the Toronto Zoo For all the details about our Spring and Summer programming please visit http://www.debwiles.com/summer2009.htm.
12. Read this Book! With Book Lady Sarah Selecky
This book was given to me by a friend of a friend, who I believe discovered it on the syllabus for a summer course. She was taking a writing class – or an English class? I’m not sure. No matter. However it comes into your life, this book is a gift. It is the kind of book you give to a friend the way you’d make her a cup of tea if she was feeling hopeless or tired, the way you’d feed him Vitamin C if he was feeling under the weather. This book has a permanent place on my writing desk. I open it every day, consulting at random like the Tao Te Ching, to remind myself about how I’m going to do what I’m trying to do when I sit down to write. It shines in a new way to me each time. It is a beautiful description of the difficulties and joys of the writing life. It reads like a potent instruction manual, a wry and mystified guide to the natural world, a sacred book of images and advice. The only thing is, my colleague underlined several passages in ballpoint ink before giving it to me. In ink! But I understood: this book will appeal to different people for different reasons. Various passages will shine out to everyone differently. It’s full of gold; stories and images that you will feel pressed to copy out into your notebook, print in large letters and post above your desk, stick to your fridge, quote in your Facebook status. And make your own, by underlining them. In my copy, most of my colleague’s underlined passages are noted with the handwritten words, “metaphor” and “simile.” On and on it goes, throughout the book: “metaphor,” “metaphor,” “simile,” “metaphor.” Sure, it’s annoying to see it pointed out again and again, but it’s true. Annie Dillard is a master metaphor-maker. And a carefully created metaphor turns this writer into a shaman; as she illuminates the connection between the natural world and the mysterious world of the mind, she makes us aware of the utter interconnectedness of everything. See how she advises us about how to write, when she figures out how to chop wood properly: “Aim for the chopping block,” she tells us. “If you aim for the wood you will have nothing. Aim past the wood, aim through the wood, aim for the chopping block.” On writing a first draft: “Now you watch symbols move on your monitor; you stare at the signals the probe sends back, transmits in your own tongue, numbers. Maybe later you can guess at what they mean –what they might mean about space at the edge of the solar system, or about your instruments. Right now, you are flying. Right now, your job is to hold your breath.” If you are a writer, this book will feed you when you are lonely and struggling at your work; as you jump off cliffs, calling out for your genius/muse/deity to help you as you attempt to create something out of nothing. For readers who are not writers, this book offers a captivating vision of life spent with language, story and image. I know you’ve heard of Annie Dillard before. Now is the time to give yourself this book as a gift. For more about the Book Lady, see www.sarahselecky.ca
13. Calls for EntriesKids At Comedy Bar Hello fantastic fellow artists! Just wanted to let all of you know about a fun new series called Kids at the Comedy Bar which is starting up on Saturday, April 18th from 12 to 1, and will run bi-weekly (every other week) after that. It's run by fellow kids writer Jim Taylor and myself (Kristen McGregor) and we're looking for some great acts! Our aim is to bring independent Toronto artists to a kids level. Would you be interested? We're looking for artistic contributions of all kind. Visual artist? Would you be interested in drawing some colouring sheets that we can copy and have lying around for kids? In a band that's not necessarily kid friendly? Would you be interested in adapting your work ever so slightly so that a preschooler and parents can enjoy it as well? Any other sort of artist or go-getter? Come be a part of this! The one thing we do require is that all art acts are somewhat participatory! Meaning the kids have to take part in some way at some point in the show, be it a sing-a-long, a meet and greet, parts in an act etc. It'd be a 30-45 minute set that we'd be looking for. Please send all proposals to me at kristendawnmcgregor@gmail.com and I'll be in touch! CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS SUMMERWORKS Performance Gallery
Launched in 2008, The Performance Gallery (Inside the Box) was one of SummerWorks many new initiatives. In its inaugural year, the gallery, which took place on the 2nd floor of the Gladstone hotel, featured an eclectic group of artist offering everything from short plays to dance to performance art to improvised concerts. This year we return to the Gladstone (Aug 6- 9 & Aug 13-16th) and are seeking site-specific but not necessarily site-themed pieces (7-10minutes) in all performance mediums. What would you do in a completely empty hotel room or the hallway in between? What is the importance of the audience to this piece? Does the risk and imagination stretch beyond the physical confinements? SummerWorks 2009 is a juried theatre and arts festival of approximately 40 one-act plays, 8 concerts and multiple performance pieces, that runs for eleven days from August 6-16, 2009 in Toronto. We feature primarily new Canadian work, complemented by international premieres, new visions of contemporary Canadian plays and interpretations of classics. SummerWorks is a developmental festival, supporting new work that has a clear artistic vision and/or explores a specific aesthetic. We encourage risk, questions, and creative exploration while insisting on accessibility, integrity and professionalism. SummerWorks is the place where dedicated, professional artists are free to explore new territory and take artistic risks. We look to introduce professional artists from diverse communities and be inspired by our similarities and differences. SELECTION 1. Letter of Intent: Maximum 2 pages, giving an overview of your work, this project, where it is at in its development, what you plan to do, and how you plan to do it. What excites you about it? Please specify whether you are looking to perform for one night or the duration of the gallery. 2. Support Materials: (Optional) We will accept up to three pages of support material for you and your project. These can include resumes, short bios of key members in your team or letters of support from professional artists if the jury may be unfamiliar with your work. Please do not exceed the maximum of three pages. The deadline for submissions is Friday April 3rd 2009 by 7:00 p.m. Applications can be mailed to: SummerWorks Theatre Festival Successful applicants will be contacted June 1st. If you have any further questions with regards to your submission or about the Festival in general, please visit our website at www.summerworks.ca or contact us by email atinfo@summerworks.ca.
14. Upcoming Performances of InterestMarch 3 March 5 March 8 to April 5 March 9 March 12 to March 14 March 13 March 14 to April 5 March 20 March 21 March 27 March 31
15. Photography by Dave Pijuan-Nomura
Dave specializes in macro and live event photography.
16. Last ThoughtI like living. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing. |
