If you enjoy avant garde theatre, you might want to check out the first SoulOTheatre Festival, a festival featuring solo performances, panels and workshops in Leslieville. The brainchild of Artistic Director Tracey Erin Smith, the festival takes place May 23-26, 2013 at the Red Sandcastle Theatre at 922 Queen Street East. One innovative and interactive feature of the festival includes a theatrical installation featuring festival performers that takes place in the window of the Red Sandcastle Theatre. Observers of A Window on the SoulO will be able to complete and display cards to the window asking questions of the performers or suggesting writing topics. See Precious Chong in the window on Thursday, May 23 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Below are the SoulOTheatre Festival performances and events:
Festival Gala: Antoine Feval – Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 8 p.m. –
Chris Gibbs stars in this performance about Victorian London’s most overlooked detective.
Gala Party – Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 9:30 p.m. Location to be announced.
SoulOTheatre Grad Showcase – Friday, May 24, 2013 at 7 p.m.
Cancer Can’t Dance Like This – Friday, May 24, 2013 at 9 p.m.
Daniel Stolfi puts a comedic spin on his experience with cancer complete with colourful characters and a no-holds-barred approach.
Desperate Church Wives – Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 7 p.m.
Diane Johnstone piece is about unconditional love and is based on the bible story of Prophet Hosea and his harlot wife, Gomer.
Beowulf or Gilgamesh, You Decide! – Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 9 p.m.
U.S. theatre star Charlie Bethel has transformed the epics “Beowulf” and “Gilgamesh” into vibrant, entertaining one-hour presentations. On Friday evening, the audience will vote for Bethel to perform one of works.
Goddess – Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 11 p.m.
Alex Dallas performs Goddess, a funny story of adolescence set in 1970s London and Cyprus. Seventeen-year-old Sandra uncovers family secrets that rattle her sense of identity and her relationship with her family members.
Naked Ballerina – Sunday, May 26, 2013 at 7 p.m. –
Sarah Murphy Dyson stars as a ballet dancer who reveals the grittier side of the dance world. The Naked Ballerina was honoured for Outstanding Performance and Outstanding Direction at the 2010 Toronto Fringe Festival.
Precious, like the Adjective – Sunday, May 26, 2013 at 9 p.m. –
Precious Chong talks about growing up with her father, comedian and drug icon Tommy Chong, two black half sisters, a Chinese grandfather and a young mom.
Opening Night Show and Festival Gala: $50
Mainstage Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 at the door
Panels and Workshops: $10 at the door
A full festival Pass, which includes all shows and workshops except the Opening Night Show and Gala and The Master Class is $90
Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 416-465-5609.
