| The RED Letter, May 2009 |
Table of Contents
1. Words from Lisa Pijuan-Nomura
I hope that you will come and listen to all of the brilliant tales being told in our fair city. Enjoy this month’s RED letter and have some fun in the sun! Warmest wishes, Lisa
2. Feature Dance: Confluence by Anandam
International Choreographer and Anandam Artistic Director Brandy Leary will bring her latest work Confluence to the Toronto stage as part of the 2009 DanceWorks CoWorks Series. Integrating various dance and movement idioms drawn from her diverse performance background, Leary works with some of Toronto ’s top Dance Artists to create an innovative and fresh work that promises to be a highlight of the Toronto Dance season. Confluence experiments with our view of space, gender and gravity through the integration of the South Asian languages of Chhau, Kalarippayattu and the aerial arts to explore the body as a conduit between east and west. Confluence looks at the dynamics of the relationship between the masculine and the feminine and in the crash of these two immense forces asks how we relate to each other, what happens when we invert these relationships and what are the slippages in between the two spaces? Confluence explores the connection between these energies and identities with a highly charged physicality that presents us with different interactions and interpretations of grace, strength, aggression, sexuality, seduction, play and tenderness. Featuring Amy Hampton, Jennifer Robichaud, Marie France Forcier and martial artist Shawn Ziger, Leary challenges their immense talents in new ways, forging new languages and perspectives in east/west performance. Please join us for a landmark evening of contemporary dance from the choreographer whose work has been called “soulful and sensuous” by the New York Times, “fascinating” by Now Magazine and “more then thrilling” by the “Times of India” Confluence Choreography: Brandy Leary Opening with Artist Talk May 21st 8:30pm $25 Tickets Annex Theatre 736 Bathurst Street For more info www.anandam.ca,info@anandam.ca
3. Feature Theatre: The Book of Judith
In 2005, playwright Michael Rubenfeld was asked to find a lover for a quadriplegic woman named Judith Snow. Instead, he made her a play. The Theatre Centre, Absit Omen and Die In Debt are pleased to present: The Book of Judith -- a sermon unlike any other. The Book of Judith is a musical about changing lives, and how Judith remarkably changed Michael’s. She helped him see not what he could do for her, but what she could do for him. Set in a tent on the CAMH Grounds under the direction of Sarah Stanley, and musical directorship of Nick Carpenter and the choir leadership of Alex Bulmer, a choir comprised of individuals with varying disabilities will help share in the gospel as they perform to the musical score of The Book of Judith composed by Andrew Penner of the Sunparlour Players. Opening May 19 – Closing 31st with an 11 AM performance Tuesday to Saturday 8pm, Sunday 11am $20, groups of ten or more $10 CAMH grounds (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) Box Office: 416.534.9261 For more info www.theatrecentre.org
4. Feature Festival: DISHOOM! Festival
DISHOOM! The First Annual DISHOOM! South Asian Performance Festival kicks off Sunday May 24th at 6 pm following a preview of Anand Rajaram's Cowboys & Indians (opening May 26th and running to June 7th). From May 24 through 31, DISHOOM! showcases the work of some of Toronto's most exciting South Asian artists in performances ranging from play readings and new work excerpts to standup, storytelling, radio plays, audio/video installation, live music, cooking demonstrations and much more. Festival highlights include new work from Anita Majumdar; a lively discussion with CBC Radio's Monsoon House director and producer Tracy Rideout and actors Pamela Sinha & Ali Rivzi, moderated by CBC Radio's Aparita Bhandari; improv with Second City's Darryl Hinds, Kris Siddiqi and Rajaram; much sought-after musician Ravi Naimpally of award-winning ensemble Tasa; brilliant Toronto music collective LAL; and more! A special treat on the roster is a cooking class/conversation with Rajaram, director Ravi Jain and their mothers (!). Factory Studio Theatre, Single Tickets: PWYC-$15 Day Passes $20-$35 (includes one admission to Cowboys & Indians and all DISHOOM! events for that day) www.factorytheatre.ca NOTE: A LIMITED number of $40 FESTIVAL PASSES are available exclusively through www.mybindi.com subject to availability. Festival Passes offer one admission to Cowboys & Indians, and entrance to ALL DISHOOM! Events. For more info see www.dishoom.ca
5. Feature Festival: Deep Wireless
DEEP WIRELESS A month-long celebration of radio and transmission art including performances, installations, broadcasts, workshops, a Youth Radio residency and the Radio Without Boundaries conference (May 28-30). Performance dates are May 3, 7, 8, 10, 22-24, 26- 30 and installations are running throughout the month. Featured artists include Benoît Maubrey, Marie-Josée Chartier, Brandon Labelle, Gregory Whitehead, Jessica Thompson, Lisa Pijuan-Nomura, Kristen Roos, François Girouard, Chris Brookes, Hank Bull, Alessandro Bosetti, Marilyn Lerner, Andrea Dancer, Tetsuo Kogawa and many more. Deep Wireless/CBC Radios Outfront commissioned artists for 2009 include Hélène Prevost, Paolo Pietropaolo, Iain Reid and Andra McCartney. For more information see www.naisa.ca/deepwireless/
6. This Wednesday! Creative Kickstart Seminar!
Wednesday May 13th, 6pm to 9pm Creative Kickstart Seminar! Want to start creating more time for your art and craft? Or perhaps you're a working ARTrepreneur wanting to refocus? This 3-hour hands on workshop will give your creative mojo a jumpstart just in time for spring! Overcome creative blocks and set some artistic goals into action, using journaling and collage. Participants will also create a collection of Artist Trading Cards, as inspiration for your creative dreams. $60 + GST, including all materials, plus tea & scones served on the break. 1015 Queen St. East @ Pape, Leslieville How to sign up: For more info see www.nathalie-roze.com
7. 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!
Sunday May 31, 3:00-5:00 p.m. PWYC
8. Creativity Classes with GirlCanCreate in June“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. 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
9. Classes, Workshops and ConferencesOne Person Show Workshop with Anne Marie Scheffler “I went in with no ideas and came out with an almost complete solo show. The best way to get work is to make work. Act in the best role, the one you wrote for YOU! Find your story, write new material, and leave with an outline of your one person show.Learn how to produce, market and sell out your show. Free Workbook with valuable tips, secrets and resources. Anne Marie Scheffler has been honing her skills as a solo performer since 1994. With 6 shows, a one hour TV special, television shows in development and a long list of acting and writing credits and awards, you will not want to miss this opportunity! Friday May 29th, 8 to 10pm The S.P.A.C.E., $300. 20% discount for CAEA members/ under employed ($240) To register: email amscheffler@rogers.com, or call 416 904 1562 Anne Marie Scheffler has 6 successful shows (including Situation: NORMA) which she has performed to rave reviews and sold out crowds all over North America. Her 5th show, Not Getting It, is now a one hour TV special on CTV and The Comedy Network. Second City Alumnae, nominated for a Canadian Comedy Award, award winning actor and writer Scheffler shares her expertise with those who want to create their own work. www.annemariescheffler.com
Professional Development Workshop with Theatre Gargantua Led by core members of the award-winning Theatre Gargantua (TG) ensemble, this workshop offers an exciting opportunity for professional actors and advanced students to experience TGs critically acclaimed method of creating imagistic, physical, music theatre. Participants will be instructed in TG's distinctive approach to movement, vocal work and text exploration and creation. Actors will be given unique tools to develop original movement and vocal compositions, and will learn how to integrate these creations with text. "compelling theatre...theatre of the best sort. - Gargantua never ceases to push the boundaries of our imaginations. And beyond those boundaries, it is clear, Gargantua has envisaged a whole new world and called it theatre." - The Toronto Sun One of Canada's leading multi-disciplinary theatre companies, TG has been developing ensemble-based works for over 16 years, garnering 27 prestigious Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations. TG has toured nationally and internationally to critical acclaim, 2 Workshop Times Available: COST $95 ($75 FOR CAEA MEMBERS) Space is limited to 8 participants. Interested actors should submit their resume to: info@theatregargantua.ca Please note, this course is physically demanding and participants should be in good physical condition.
One Day Solo Show Bootcamp MAY 16th, 10am-6pm This is a take-your-solo-show-to-the-next-level BootCamp for Actors, Writers & Comics. *Share your existing material and receive awesome feedback. Gentle suggestion.....Register Now, past workshops have sold-out. FEE: $95 (includes $15 workbook) REGISTER: tbb.productions@gmail.com | 416.909.0680 Tracey Erin Smith is a Solo Theatre Artist and the winner of Best of the Toronto Fringe 2006 & 2007 (award-winning shows in Canada and NYC include; 'The Burning Bush' & 'Two in the Bush'). She has six years experience as an Instructor of Solo Show Creation at ACT 2 Studio, Ryerson University. "The Burning Bush" will have its first full run outside the Fringe from June 17-27th at the Young Centre and in New York City June 3rd-11th.. www.theburningbush.ca
Writing Practice Class with Sarah Selecky Think of this as weekly writing coaching, but with a hot cup of tea. Shorter classes means there will be less of my instruction, but consistent writing time for you. By the end of eight weeks, you'll have two first drafts written. Plus you'll be writing every week with a group of like-minded people. Fun. Wednesday evenings, May 13th - July 1st Email me to sign up! write@sarahselecky.ca
10. Calls for EntriesCity on the Move: Toronto Cultural Services invites submissions from emerging artists for City on the Move: A Festival of Young Artists in Transit. City on the Move will present the creative talent of young artists and performers ages 18 to 32 on the TTC - platforms, subways, stations, buses and streetcars - from June to December, 2009. Whether you express yourself through spoken word, dance, music, visual art, installations/ sculptures, performance art, theatre and anything and everything in between, City on the Move is a great opportunity to make your art known to the public, and GET PAID for it. Artists are to submit the following to nsheikh@toronto. ca : Toronto Cultural Services will review all submissions to create a program that reflects the diversity of Toronto's vibrant arts community. Preference will be given to artists from the City's priority and underserved neighbourhoods. Only artists selected to showcase their art will be contacted. Deadline: Ongoing until October 30, 2009 For further information contact
HATCH: Harbourfront Centre is pleased to announce an Open Call for proposals from Toronto-area artists and companies working in the field of performance for HATCH: emerging performance projects for the 2009-2010 series. Companies and artists selected to participate in HATCH will receive a one-week residency in Harbourfront Centre’s Studio Theatre. Deadline for Proposals: July 3, 2009 HATCH is designed to incubate and foster invention and innovation in the local performance scene. Entering its seventh year, this programme has become an important element in the milieu of local performance development. Full criteria, qualification information and instructions for applicants can be found at HATCH is a key initiative in Harbourfront Centre’s mission to develop local artists and their unique practices. The HATCH residency and mentorship programme provides resources and professional assistance to a new generation of engaging and innovative contemporary artists to reach the next stage in the development in their work and careers. HATCH is seeking artists committed to the development of contemporary, inventive and creative performance-based work and invites projects from emerging creators and established artists engaging in new collaborations or entering into new artistic territory. Proposals are encouraged from artists working across all disciplines, including, but not limited to, dance, theatre, performance art, music, multi-media, etc. Of particular interest are proposals that can demonstrate how HATCH will benefit the project or the artist during this stage of development. Please mail proposals to:
Obsidian Theatre Company – Obsidian Theatre Company is passionately dedicated to the exploration, development and production of the Black voice. Funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage, Obsidian Theatre Company is offering 4 paid apprenticeship positions as part of the 2009-10 season. Placements will occur between Autumn 2009 and Spring 2010. Apprentices will be given the opportunity to work alongside noted members of the Canadian theatre community, including Obsidian Theatre company members. Past partners for this program have included Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, Factory Theatre, Tarragon Theatre, Mirvish Productions, Nightswimming and Canadian Stage. Past Mentors include: Philip Akin, Jeff Cummings, Christopher Dennis, Monica Esteves, Joanna Falck, Donna Feore, Michael Gianfrancesco, Astrid Janson,Tamara Marie Kucheran, Steve Lucas,Allen MacInnis, Paul Mathiesen, Doug Morum, Brian Quirt, Allan Ross, Michael Sinclair, Colin Taylor, Julia Tribe, Iris Turcott, Lesley Wilkinson, Quammie Williams, Martin Zwicker Depending on the interests and abilities of the applicants, FOUR (4) apprentices - Apprentice Director - Apprentice Production Manager Requirements You must be actively pursuing a professional career in the theatre. Having an education in theatre, or equivalent experience at the community or professional level is essential to this program. You are Canadian citizen or landed immigrant and you are, or identify yourself as, a member of the African Diaspora. In addition to a resume, applicants must provide a letter of intent indicating their career goals and how an apprentice position would help in achieving those goals. Submission deadline: Friday May 29th, 2009 Submit applications by e-mail or mail to: Rupal Shah For more information about this program or about Obsidian Theatre, visit www.obsidian-theatre.com or call Philip Akin, Artistic Director at 416 463 8444. 11. Bits and BitesDVD Authoring by Zeesy Powers Custom DVD menus for artists and independent filmmakers. Make your menu theme fit your content! Add something special to your reel! Many options including: Contact Zeesy at zeesypowers@gmail.com if you are interested.
12. Upcoming Performances of InterestMay 4 to May 31 May 12 May 13 to May 17 May 13 May 14 May 16 to May 18 May 17 to May 31 May 18 May 21 to May 30 May 22 May 29
13. Photography by Dave Pijuan-Nomura
Dave specializes in macro and live event photography.
14. Last ThoughtI will not play tug o’ war. I’d rather play hug o’ war. Where everyone hugs instead of tugs, Where everyone giggles and rolls on the rug, Where everyone kisses, and everyone grins, and everyone cuddles, and everyone wins. |
