Staff Picks

Fiction in the Age of E-Books
Produced in association with THE ATLANTIC
Last year we began a partnership with the Atlantic magazine, examining major subjects in the world of letters. Our inaugural talk, hosted by Deputy Editor, Scott Stossel, aimed to explore the question "Is there such a thing as national literature?" and included Canadian novelist Anne Michaels. This year we gather again at the Isabel Bader theatre to debate away about one of the most exciting, and challenging topics, in writing and publishing - the advent of E-books.

I have to say, I was given a Kindle for Christmas and it sits quietly on my desk. Every so often I walk by and look at it in wonderment. I'm fascinated but somehow haven't gotten down to downloading a digital book...I'm hoping our in-festival discussion, with some of the Atlantic's first e-contributors to the Kindle - including bestselling author Paul Theroux - will enlighten me.

Dark Star Requiem
Tapestry new opera works
Take an acclaimed poet and mix with one of Canada's most important and innovative compositional voices. Add an award-winning classical ensemble, an internationally renowned chamber choir, and four accomplished vocalists. Bake in one of the best producing companies of new opera in the city. The result is Dark Star Requiem.

This project couldn't have come at a more perfect time for Luminato. Thematically it enhances our focus on East/West, complimenting Volcano's The Africa Trilogy, and giving poetic and operatic expression to the exploration. Artistically, it reconnects us with the Gryphon Trio (who performed Constantinople in 2007 and Colour.For the End of Time in 2008) and Tapestry New Opera (who created our 2008 production of Sanctuary Song). Plus, it gives us the opportunity to work with The Elmer Iseler Singers for the first time - one of Canada's most illustrious professional choral ensembles.

This is an oratorio that will make you think, and a group of artists that will make you leap to your feet. I definitely won't miss it!

Light On Your Feet - Wish Come True Family Dance Party
Produced in association with Bunch Family
Rain or shine, LIGHT ON YOUR FEET in Yonge-Dundas Square is the place to be during Luminato. Every year, it keeps getting better and this year is bound to be the best yet! I'm especially looking forward to seeing all the fierce people out on Queer Diva night (June 13th). Also, like OMG, '80s Girls Night (June 15th) seems like it will be totally awesome! Okay, now that I've just embarrassed myself, you have to go!

The Africa Trilogy
Volcano Theatre
I got excited about this project from the first moment I heard about it 2 years ago. Everything about it peaks my interest. I love the idea of international collaboration around a central theme, I like that Volcano is trying to wrestle with something that is too large to be contained within a single play, and that the issues at stake need to be explored from multiple perspectives. I also like that it’s about the dialogue that takes place when worlds collide – that each voice is a valid one.

I bought Stephen Lewis’s A Race Against Time book which served as inspiration for the original concept, and was surprised at how evocative it was in the reading. I’m intrigued to see how Volcano transforms it into live action, and uses it as a springboard into a broader exploration. I’ve had a chance to chat with some of the artists and staff, and it sounds like the rehearsals are charged and full of excitement about what is being discovered/created.

Homage
2b theatre company
For the past three years, I’ve actually seen very little of the festival’s theatre programming. Of course, I’ve seen all the visual arts installations and exhibitions. I’ve also managed to see a good deal of the outdoor programming, even most of Cirque du Soleil thanks to a rain delay. When it comes to theatre productions, though, it seems that I can never make my crazy festival schedule work out.

This year, though, I’m going to make it to Homage produced by 2b theatre company. Housed in the vast Tanenbaum Opera Centre, this piece explores the tricky ground of artistic moral rights. While the ruling against decorating Michael Snow’s geese in the Eaton Centre for the holidays serves as the landmark ruling for artistic moral rights in Canada, this is an issue that will continue to shape artistic practice as we move further into digital mediums. Homage takes a serious look at who can do what with an artwork and whether it is anything more than a collection of parts.