All posts by Candice Irwin

Review: In Adagio (Art & Lies Productions)

Art & Lies Productions brings Opera and Fado together with their Toronto theatre production of In Adagio

As I first approached the Sterling Studio Theatre I thought to myself, “What have I got myself into?” Nestled in amongst the warehouses of Sterling street sits an intimate and eclectic theatre where Art & Lies Productions is currently staging In Adagio. Once I crept around the dimly lit side entrance and opened the door, I was greeted by a smiling bartender and ushered into the charming one room theatre.

The unexpected setting seems appropriate considering the content of In Adagio.  During the 1960s, a young  Fado singer and a fading Opera star are both preparing for a performance at the Paris Opera house when the Algerian riots breakout, which leaves them trapped together inside the theatre. The tension between the two divas comes to a head just as the threats outside move closer to their dressing rooms.

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Review: Translations (Toronto Irish Players)

Toronto Irish Players’ production of Translations is theatre for history buffs and language enthusiasts

Translations, presented by Toronto Irish Players, at The Alumnae Theatre, is not the usual style of show I am sent to review. I was excited to see the show, but a little worried as to what I would have to say about the evening. Luckily, my guest for Thursday night was a linguistics student, therefore had a lot of great observations about Translations, which helped me gather my thoughts about the evening.

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Review: I Am An Animal (The Dietrich Group)

Playing at the Citadel Theatre in Toronto, The Dietrich Group’s powerful dance production might move you to tears.

I like to try and bring guests with me who don’t get to see dance shows that frequently. Yet while sitting in the Citadel Theatre waiting for The Dietrich Group‘s I Am An Animal to start I was a little nervous of what my guest would think. When we turned to each other at the end of the show, any concerns I had about her not enjoying the evening disappeared.

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Review: HOMEbody lessons in prairie living… (Shannon Litzenberger Contemporary Dance)

The Winchester Street Theatre has never looked as spacious as it did Thursday at the opening night of HOMEbody lessons in prairie living… Shannon Litzenberger Contemporary Dance had transformed the tiny theatre into a vast landscape, bringing a piece of Saskatchewan into metropolitan Toronto.

HOMEbody has been in development since 2008. The solo work, conceived, choreographed and performed by Shannon Litzenberger, is an exploration of the question ‘what is home?’ discussed through the personal story of the performer herself. Through the use of movement, recorded text and video, Litzenberger tracks her history from growing up in rural Saskatchewan to currently living in Toronto. Interspersed into the telling of her own journey is also the greater story of her family, her native province, and the stories of people she has met along the way. Continue reading Review: HOMEbody lessons in prairie living… (Shannon Litzenberger Contemporary Dance)