PLAID’S PICKS FOR THE LARGEST JURIED THEATRE FESTIVAL IN THE COUNTRY

Story by Megan Leahy
Images provided by SummerWorks

For the next ten days, Torontonians can enjoy both emerging and acclaimed local and international talent at the 22nd annual SummerWorks Festival.  Including plenty of musical acts and interactive performances, the festival strives to push boundaries on stage and as much as possible treats theatre as a communal experience. With much difficulty we’ve narrowed our favourites down to five.

EXTINCTION SONG

Winner of the Sterling award for best new play, this one man show deals with a childs retreat into his imagination where he conspires with wolves to save himself from his alcoholic father

Playing at the Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace August 10th to August 19th.

JOHN MORAN

I am convinced that there is no more important composer working today than John Moran – PHILIP GLASS

SummerWorks is hosting the first public screening of the film version of renowned New York composer and performer John Moran’s piece. Moran became a protégé of Philip Glass upon his arrival in New York in the early 90s, and his works have featured performers such as Uma Thurman, Iggy Pop and Allen Ginsberg. He has been touring internationally since 2007, often alongside virtuosic Japanese performer Saori Tsukada.

Playing at the Lower Ossington Theatre, Cabaret Space Friday, August 17th at 11:30 PM.

THE MAGIC WITH ARK ANALOG

Leading off the festival’s music series, Geordie and Evan Gordon from Guelph- better known as The Magic - are hosting a space disco dance party to celebrate the release of their debut LP, Ragged Gold. Toronto-based electronic duo Ark Analog are set to open.

Playing at The Theatre Centre Friday, August 10th at 9:30PM.

RON PEDERSON & ATOMIC VAUDEVILLE

Ron Pederson is a multiple canadian comedy award winner and founding member and artistic director of the critically acclaimed company, The National Theatre of the World. Atomic Vaudeville has gained a cult-like following for their long running cabaret in Victoria, BC. Together Captain Ron and Atomic Vaudeville, joined by a mash-up of guest artists from across art forms, will woo audiences with puppets, songs, crayons and candy.
Playing at the Lower Ossington Theatre, Cabaret Space from August 10th to August 18th.

LOCKDOWN

Prepare yourself for 15 hours of “an all-night horrifying sleepover dare-filled lockdown night” presented by The Torontonians and Mammalian Diving Reflex. Bring your sleeping bag for a classic night of pizza and ghost stories at the Gladstone Hotel followed by a morning in Dufferin Grove complete with cookout breakfast and baseball. We are most looking forward to The Astral Project’s sleep-along-seminar on having an out-of-body experience.

At the Gladstone Hotel Friday August 10th, 7PM to Saturday August 11th, 12PM.

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