Every Wednesday the Gladstone Hotel and Chef Marc Breton offer urbanites farm fresh fare and an opportunity to experience the unparalleled flavour of foods harvested in the natural rhythm of our local growing season.

Each week Chef Breton’s menu is inspired by the fresh produce harvested by farmer Sherry Patterson of Chick-a-Biddy Acres CSA (Community Shared Agriculture) as well as local meats, cheeses, wines and beers from our Harvest Wednesday Partners.

Click here to view menus, prices and how to book.

The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West.

Posted: July 14th, 2010 under Uncategorized.
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THE 32nd RHUBARB FESTIVAL
Toronto’s Annual Convergence of Contemporary Performance, Feb 16-27, 2011.

Produced by Buddies in Bad Times Theatre for over 30 years, the Rhubarb Festival has offered artists a critic-free
environment to experiment with new explorations in performance. Rhubarb continuously reconsiders the possibilities for
performance – how we create it, how we present it and how we experience it. It is an invitation for artists to take risks,
investigate new directions and challenge conventions. It is an opportunity for adventurous audiences to journey off
predictable paths. Rhubarb provides artists with a rare opportunity to present work to a large and enthusiastic audience.
Many Rhubarb shows have gone on to be further developed and presented in Toronto, across Canada and internationally.

GENERAL CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE: 5PM, Tuesday August 17, 2010
Rhubarb seeks proposals for new, not previously produced performances (30 minutes or less) for the 32nd Annual
Rhubarb Festival. Submissions are encouraged from both established and emerging artists working in the areas of
contemporary theatre, performance art, dance, music, interdisciplinary and hybrid forms. Of particular interest are
projects, approaches and ideas that are new territory for the artist and the medium.

Selected projects will be featured during the festival (Feb. 16-27, 2011) and will receive technical, production,
administrative, promotional and artistic support. Invited companies will have the opportunity to access free rehearsal
space leading up to Rhubarb. In addition to an honorarium, festival artists also receive an unlimited artist pass, allowing
them to see work for free by local, national and international artists over the course of two weeks.

NEW TO RHUBARB THIS YEAR! TWO SPECIAL PROJECT CALLS:

SET IT OFF DEADLINE: 5PM, Monday August 30, 2010
Building on the culture of club nights at Buddies, Rhubarb invites DJs and musicians who venture into new and
experimental territory of music performance (especially those working in live mixing and sampling) to submit proposals.
This may include DJs/ electronic artists collaborating with animators, new media artists, choreographers, etc. to create a
short set. Other possibilities include musicians working with non-traditional equipment and instruments (i.e. kitchen
appliances, video game consoles, found objects, bicycle powered amps, etc.). Of special interest are proposals that not
only suggest experimentation with the instruments themselves, but also consider aspects of the music in relation to
staging, conceptual meaning, story and/ or form.

MOBILE WORKS DEADLINE: 5PM, Monday August 30, 2010
Taking the Rhubarb experience outside the walls of Buddies, the festival invites proposals for works that begin
elsewhere and converge at Buddies (12 Alexander Street, Toronto). Performance interventions, performances on the
subway, flash mobs, etc. that eventually end at Buddies are encouraged. Participatory projects and online performances
that are developed in the lead up to Rhubarb and culminate in another form of presentation at Buddies are also welcome.
The proposal should take into consideration not only the festival audiences but also the general public, unsuspecting and
accidental audiences who may stumble upon or intersect with the work.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
Only submissions delivered by or post-marked by the deadline dates will be accepted. Works submitted must be new and
original. Submissions must be submitted in hard copy only and must be accompanied by the 2011 Rhubarb Festival
Application Form (available online at www.buddiesinbadtimes.com) and the $20 non-refundable reading fee (payable
to: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). Fax or email submissions will not be accepted and late submissions will not be
considered.

PLEASE MAIL OR DROP OFF SUBMISSIONS TO:
Laura Nanni, Rhubarb Festival Director,
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre 12 Alexander Street, Toronto ON M4Y 1B4
For further information please contact: Laura Nanni, laura@buddiesinbadtimes.com or 416-975-9130 x58

Posted: July 14th, 2010 under Uncategorized.
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While Z’s by the C has taken place in several cities, Zurich, New York City, Ottawa, and Calgary, each event is different and Toronto will be no exception.  The location for the project here is a proposed park on Lisgar Street, right around the corner from The Theatre Centre.  As Eric and Mia explain, there are lots of possibilities for this location and a lot to be excited about.

What are your expectations for the event in Toronto and how do you think it will be different?

We have done this project in a few different cities over the past couple of years, but this is the incarnation that we are most excited about. The premise of the project is about generating temporary public spaces, but in Toronto the project is literally on the site of a proposed new public space! How exciting. We love that people will be in the site of a future park dreaming of what that park will one day become. It is as if we are conducting our Boalian Legislative Theatre process, except we are not creating policy, but instead generating ideas for what people imagine for the park will be.

Any special plans for the event here?

In the past we have been located in areas of a city that have multiple architectural features. In Toronto, it is an old parking lot with sod on it. So it is flat and with out much design. So we are very excited about using some simple design elements to begin the imagining process of what the park will be (or rather, we are planning to dream up our own version of the park, before others do the same thing!)

Posted: July 13th, 2010 under Uncategorized, Z's by the C.
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We got some great insight from Mia Rushton and Eric Moschopedis, creators of Z’s by the C, about what the project is like and what you can expect.

What are some of the best/most interesting moments from the past events that have stuck with you?

Because we facilitate the project, we actually don’t sleep ourselves (or rarely), so much of our time is spent talking to people while they design their sleeping masks (we have blank sleeping mask for people to design using simple crafting techniques) or talking to witnesses of the event about the project itself. So for us, it is the dialogue that we have with people from the communities we are in that is most exciting.

How have people reacted to the event?

Very positively, though there are multiple layers of reactions. The spectacle that is created by having a number of people sleeping in public is both funny and strange. This interventionist element of the work is what tends to draw more participants into the project. They see nappers and they too want to nap! What we love about the responses we get from people is that first, they suddenly realize they have never slept in public before and second that their dreams really are specific to a particular location–or rather our dreams are site-specific. The sounds of the environment, the texture and temperature of the ground etc. These things all effect what we dream of.

Posted: July 5th, 2010 under Uncategorized, Z's by the C.
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We would like you to join us for an invitation-only workshop performance of OUT THE WINDOW - a new project we are developing in partnership with Crow’s Theatre.

This startling documentary piece examines the death of Otto Vass during an altercation with four Toronto police officers in 2000 that was witnessed by playwright Liza Balkan.  Using court transcripts, interviews and fictional material, Liza re-creates the events she observed that night from her apartment window, in an attempt to understand exactly what it is she saw.

We are not presenting the piece publicly yet, but are eager to engage with an audience.  Post-performance, you will be invited to participate in the development process through a discussion with cast and creative.

May 7 and 8 at 7.30pm. May 9 at 2.30pm. The Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen Street West (corner of Dovercourt).

 Please RSVP to ruth@theatrecentre.org, no later than Friday April 30, 2010. Space is very limited, on a first-come, first-served basis. This invitation is non-transferable.

Posted: April 20th, 2010 under Uncategorized.
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On behalf of The Theatre Centre, we would like to invite you to a very special performance of STITCH - an a cappella opera by maverick composer-librettist duo Juliet Palmer and Anna Chatterton.  Ruth Madoc-Jones directs the sublime and wild voices of Christine Duncan, Patricia O’Callaghan and Neema Bickersteth.

STITCH premiered in 2008 as part of The Theatre Centre’s Free Fall festival and having wowed the critics and received 2 Dora Award nominations, we are delighted to be presenting it once again.

‘An extraordinary melding of lyric singing, sung speech, and the whir of the sewing machines… new, different and stimulating’ Michael Crabb, CBC Radio

RECEPTION
The evening will begin with an intimate wine and cheese reception.

IN-CONVERSATION WITH JULIET PALMER, ATOM EGOYAN AND TOM DIAMOND
Following the performance, guests will be treated to an intimate in-conversation.

Juliet Palmer is an award-winning composer, sound artist, performer and co-founder of urbanvessel. Her work has been featured worldwide and she received 2 Dora Award nominations for STITCH.

Atom Egoyan is best known worldwide as a critically acclaimed independent filmmaker. Films include Exotica, The Sweet Hereafter, Felicia’s Journey, Ararat and most recently Chloe.  He has also directed and produced work for theatre and opera.

Tom Diamond’s award-winning productions in theatre and opera have been seen across Canada and both off and on Broadway. Tom is Resident Director at Tapestry New Opera and has staged eight operas for Canadian Opera Company.

TICKETS: $100  ($70 tax receipt will be issued per ticket)
The Theatre Centre is a registered charity. All proceeds raised go towards The Theatre Centre’s ongoing work with artists and developing new work.  The Theatre Centre serves as an arts incubator by providing emerging and established artists with the facilities, funding, mentorship, profile and sense of community to enable new work to be creatred, explored and developed.

TO BOOK: Please call 416-534-9261 or email info@theatrecentre.org
The Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen Street West, Toronto (corner of Dovercourt)

STITCH also runs from May 26 - 30 May at The Theatre Centre. Tickets $20.

www.theatrecentre.org

Presenting Sponsor COLLECTIVE PROS
Hospitality Sponsors ON THE MOVE CATERING, STEAM WHISTLE BREWING

Posted: April 12th, 2010 under April 2010 Newsletter, Uncategorized.
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Contribute to our mentor wall and get 2 for 1 tickets to see KISMET one to one hundred by The Chop Theatre - a fantastic new show based on 100 interviews with Canadians from across the country aged 1 to 100, about the role fate and destiny play in their lives.

Our MENTOR wall is an exhibit taking place throughout FREE FALL in the cafe/gallery located at the front of the theatre. We want you to celebrate those in your life who have helped you become who you are. Simply by emailing ruth@theatrecentre.org a name of someone who has helped you, supported you or inspired you in the past, or right now, you will automatically receive a voucher allowing you to take-up the 2 for 1 offer ($20 for 2 tickets). Alternatively, pop by cafe/gallery before the show, add your message to the exhibit and then buy your tickets right there at the Box Office. 

KISMET one to one hundred opens March 25 at 8.30pm and continues March 26 at 9pm, March 27 at 7pm and March 28 at 4pm. The Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen St W. (corner of Dovercourt and Queen). Box Office 416 538 0988.

Posted: March 24th, 2010 under Free Fall '10, Uncategorized.
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‘Wit In Love’: Hillar Liitoja opens up his home to Free Fall audiences.

DNA Theatre’s performance Wit in Love heightens the sense of fascination surrounding artist Hillar Liitoja. As one of only 16 audience members, you are a guest in Hillar’s Bathurst Street home.

Based on Sky Gilbert’s novella, the performance is a dialogue with 20^th century philosopher, Ludwig Wittgenstein. In Wit’s kitchen, with the gas-stove flame burning hot, amidst copious kitchen knives and pairs of hanging underwear, we are given a glimpse into the psyche of this great mind. Our host pulls us into the complex and conflictual reality of loving his brother, a love that extends beyond familial.

Intrigue seeps out of Hillar’s every pore. Although his actions as Wit are unpredictable, each gesture is executed with the utmost precision as he walks a fine line between genius and madness. Gilbert’s lyrical text is at once brooding and humorous, simple yet deeply troubling.

The simmering intensity of this performance will stay with you; it is an experience not to be missed.

March 20-22, 24-28 @ 6:45 pm. 133 Bathurst Street.

Call Hillar to reserve tickets. 416 504 5099

-Shannon Roszell

Posted: March 22nd, 2010 under Free Fall '10, Free Fall '10 Blog, Uncategorized.
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Harbourfront Centre, in partnership with The Theatre Centre, is pleased to host the third annual Culture Congress, as part of World Stage/Free Fall ‘10.

This event strives to bring together local, national and international cultural players in creative ways that promote authentic conversation and cultural exchange around a given topic.

How do we come together?

This year The Culture Congress poses the question How do we come together? — artist to artist, artist to presenter and artist to audience. Through a series of informal talks, roundtable discussions, post-show parties and game-nights, Culture Congress intends to break down the walls that can  separate artist, presenter, audience – all of whom are necessary to any creative work.

We have invited five Artistic Programmers from Ireland to join in this discussion. They will be asked to share and compare their Irish experiences – as a culture similar to ours and yet so profoundly different in its world perspective. Discussion topics include mentorship, the Canadian presenting ecology and building community.

The Theatre Centre and Harbourfront Centre acknowledge the support of Theatre Junction in making our Irish Delegation possible.

MARCH 24 – OPENING:    Harbourfront Centre - 10:00pm

Culture Congress opens with a Late-Night Stampede Breakfast in conjunction with Theatre Junction’s On The Side Of The Road (Calgary). 

MARCH 25 – 27: AFTERNOON SERIES:

Present Your City

Informal discussions around the presenting ecologies of different cities.

Mentorship Talks

Senior artists discuss the meaning of mentorship with a variety of artists they have mentored in their long careers.

POST-SHOW EVENTS:  Why Not Have A Party? & Games Night!

MARCH 28 – CLOSING:  The Theatre Centre / Cream Tangerine Café – 12 noon

As it began, Culture Congress closes with breakfast. This time, the public is invited to meet the artists of Free Fall over an Artist Breakfast.

For updates on Culture Congress, please email culturecongress@theatrecentre.org. 

The Theatre Centre’s FREE FALL ’10

in partnership with Harbourfront Centre’s World Stage

March 18 - 28, 2010

 Tanya Mars Six Images in Search of An Artist: Remix l Bob Wiseman + Becky Johnson The Bob and Becky Cabaret  l  Why Not Theatre I’m So Close… l  DNA Theatre Wit in Love  l  Theatre Junction On the Side of the Road  l  The Chop Theatre in association with Rumble Productions KISMET one to one hundred l Bill James/ Atlas Moves Watching with Old Men Dancing: Wiser and Still Gorgeous  

FESTIVAL EXTRAS:

L’Orchestre d’Hommes-Orchestres performs Tom Waits at The Music Gallery (Queen & John St.)

One Reed Theatre Little Iliad at The Great Hall (Queen & Dovercourt)

theatrecentre.org l harbourfrontcentre.com

Posted: February 9th, 2010 under Feb 2010 newsletter, Uncategorized.
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It comes as no surprise when Ravi Jain of Why Not Theatr…e asks, ‘What the hell is time?’ Time is quite a big factor for Ravi who battles time zones and borders in collaborating with Katrina Bugaj of the US and Troels Hagen Findsen of Denmark. Poor Ravi, it’s Monday morning, he has just returned from a weekend away and he now faces a stranger over the phone who is anything but indirect. I dive right in and read a line from Why Not’s promotional material, ‘[The] ensemble takes you into a universe where the fabric of space and relationships tears and repairs itself.’ These are no small topics for a Monday morning but I ask Ravi how this subject matter came about. He, Katrina and Troels began their process by examining Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time. (At this point I doubt my own ability for such conversations; I should have kept to small talk.) Ravi articulates his belief that time is getting faster and faster and sees technology as playing a key role in this. ‘I spend more time with my computer than with people.’ I agree with him.
Ravi is kind enough to simplify Hawking’s theory for me (and I still am probably missing something here). Either the universe is expanding and will do so until ‘the planets and stars sail away from one another’ or … … the universe will contract and ‘come together in a big crunch and slam together’. These opposite relationships with time and space are applied to the story of a couple in Why Not’s piece, I’m So Close…. The husband’s life is continuously speeding up more and more with his career while his wife, who stays at home, is experiencing an opposite shift in pace.

After their successful run at the SummerWorks Festival in 2008, the band of merry actors (to mention one of many abilities) have partnered up with writer, Nicolas Billon to balance the narrative with the abstract. ‘I’m So Close… is a love song drowned out by the hum of the technological landscape we find ourselves in.’

I am eagerly anticipating the show that opens on March 23^rd as part of the Free Fall Festival. In fact, I’d like time to speed up even more so that I could be sitting in the audience of the Theatre Centre tonight.

Posted: February 9th, 2010 under Feb 2010 newsletter, Free Fall '10 Blog, Uncategorized.
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