As February winds down, Toronto closes the month with an array of events ranging from sensual puppet performances, to the city’s well-loved Wavelength Music Festival. Whether you are looking for a new sensory experience, or you want to empower women in theatre, this week’s Best Bets have you covered!
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Wavelength Winter Festival
For all music lovers, the annual Wavelength Winter Festival showcases three nights of amazing talent and art! The festival goes “East to West” across downtown Toronto to highlight local music communities. There will be panel discussions, projections, and photo shows for those seeking to support local musicians! Musicians include Georgia Harmer, DIJAHSB, Beams, Kali Horse, Charles Spearin and more! More info.
When: February 29 – March 2
Where: Hugh’s Room Live, Hart House Music Room, St. Anne’s Parish Hall
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Women at Play(s)
Highlighting women in theatre, this series features original one-act plays written, directed, and acted by women playwrights, directors, and actors. The sixth edition will highlight 6 plays, 10 to 20 minutes in length. Topics ranging from ageism, domestic violence, femicide, sisterhood, and women empowerment will be represented throughout these shows. You won’t want to miss a night led by Canadian women in theatre! More info.
When: March 1-3, 7-10
Where: Red Sandcastle Theatre
Epidermis Circus
Epidermis Circus has entertained sold out crowds across Canada, and this brain-melting adult puppet show will be making its stop in Toronto before heading south to tour Off-Broadway. The live puppet film will animate ‘cheeky vignettes’ in the palm of Ingrid Hansen’s hand. Previously leading Sesame’s new TV series Helpsters, to puppeteering on Jim Henson Company’s Fraggle Rock, Hansen has stepped foot into an array of characters. This ‘spicy’ puppet show is for audiences over the age of 14, but if this sounds interesting, give it a shot! More info.
When: March 1-3
Where: Sweet Action Theatre
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The Making of Priscilla
Join TIFF for a special behind-the-scenes look with Liv McNeil’s documentary The Making of Priscilla. Shadowing Sofia Coppola, this film follows the 30-day shoot of Priscilla. Exclusive interviews with Coppola, Priscilla Presley, and Cailee Spaeny will be shown as well as the games and rituals that make Coppola’s sets unique! Following the screening, attendees can tune into Liv McNeil’s conversation about her journey breaking into the industry. More info.
When: March 1
Where: TIFF Lightbox
Biolumen
Experience a radiant art installation of light and sound at Yonge-Dundas Square with Biolumen by Radha Chaddah x RAW DESIGN. This immersive work is a sensory experience with changing light, textures, and sound. Featuring ten large luminescent structures where art, science, and nature merge, Biolumen will represent resilience and beauty in harsh environments. Whether it’s day or night, this installation will illuminate the square in a new light. In the daytime, the inner and outer layers reveal different ways to experience sounds and sights, whereas the night reveals ambient landscapes to evolve with time! This ever-changing installation in the heart of Toronto truly represents the landscape of the space. More info.
When: March 1 – April 1
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
Analogue Revolution: How Feminist Media Changed the World
Come check out this film that recalls the importance of feminist storytellers from the ‘70s to ‘90s. Set prior to the #MeToo movement, this film traces the rise, fall and resurgence of feminist media and activism in Canada. The stirring film features media trailblazers such as Susan G. Cole (Broadside Feminist Review), Grace Channer (Our Lives Black Women’s Newspaper), and Dykes on Mykes, the longest-running lesbian radio show in the world! More info.
When: March 2-3
Where: Hot Docs Theatre
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Canada Reads
The great Canadian book debate is looking for one book to carry us forward! Canada Reads is back and this new collection of books is about finding resilience and the hope needed to carry on. With five contenders featured on CBC, their stories will be celebrated and further discussed in the realm of Canadian literature. Kudakwashe Rutendo will be one of five notable Canadians championing the books at these lively debates, starting March 4. Readers across the country can cheer on their favourites and fall in love with new reads for their home libraries. More info.
When: March 4-7
Where: CBC TV, CBC Radio and CBC Books
Large and Small Art Affair
No matter the size of the art, both large and small-scale pieces make profound impacts on viewers. The Women’s Art Association of Canada reveals expansive landscapes and intricate abstract pieces from women-identifying artists to explore the intersections of space, form, and imagination. The art affair receptions will have the featured artists in attendance! More info.
When: On now until March 9
Where: Dignam Gallery