Last night at the Theatre Centre I saw Dancing to a White Boy Song. Due to the title I expected a dance-heavy performance, which was not the case. With that said, this play did a great job and conveyed what it aimed to.

Dancing to a White Boy Song is a play simply about immigration and the struggles immigration brings to those who partake in it. It combines not only dance, but also poetry, spoken words, and visual imagery. Even though it specifically deals with African immigrants, the issues are easily relatable to those of all backgrounds.

Three stories are developed simultaneously by going back and forth between them. It keeps the plot interesting without getting confusing.

The simplicity in the set and costumes – all white – allows for the actors to come through and pull the play together. The lighting and sound is also very straightforward, but accentuates the play at just the right moments.

These factors put the spotlight on the choreography which fits very well with the rest of the play.

As an immigrant myself I can certainly relate and have experienced most of these dilemmas. Living in Toronto I feel everyone has dealt with immigration in one way or another. I think this play is a great insight into what we have all endured to get where we are and the steps we can take considering this new knowledge. I think this is a play that everyone should watch, it’s an eye-opener to those who are not familiar with immigration.

Details:
Dancing to a White Boy Song plays at the Theatre centre (1087 queen west)

Showtimes:
Tuesday, August 9, 7:30 pm
Thursday, August 11, 5:00 pm
Friday, August 12, 10:00 pm
Saturday, August 13, 12:00 pm

– All individual SummerWorks tickets are $15 at the door (cash only). Tickets are available online at www.artsboxoffice.ca, by phone at 416.504.7529, in person at the Arts Box Office (located at Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave., One block North East of Bathurst & Queen W. M-F 12PM-7PM, Weekends 10AM-8PM) (Advance tickets are $15 +HST and $1 service fee)

– Several money-saving passes are available if you plan to see at least 3 shows