Beyond the many Valentine’s Day events this week, there are still countless others for those seeking an unrelated adventure around Toronto. If theatre premieres sound like your vibe, Tarragon and Berkeley Street Theatres have you covered. But if you’re looking to learn a new skill or beat artistic burnout, Life Drawing might be the bit for you as well. Nonetheless, the city has many events going on throughout the week and we’re back to give you the best eight.

 

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Guilt – A Love Story

This play turns love stories on their heads and takes a deep dive into the resounding, hard to shake, feelings of guilt. Emmy nominee and Canadian icon Diane Flacks stars in this one woman show that is heavily inspired by her journey of guilt as she recovers from her hardships. This is her fifth solo show, and her first in 10 years as she returns to a comic still that is wrought with guilt. More info.

When: February 6 – March 3

Where: Tarragon Theatre

Courtesy of Canadian Stage

Universal Child Care

This week, theatre artists Amy Nostbakken and Norah Sadava open their long-awaited play, Universal Child Care. From the acclaimed creators of the runaway indie theatre success, MOUTHPIECE, this play will be an equally feminist exploration of global approaches to childcare which they have created both as a piece of art and political act. The show addresses the truth behind affordable childcare and how these barriers are preventing women from participating in society. Audiences will be able to witness the power and forces of human voices in this concert-theater hybrid show! More info.

When: February 13 – 25

Where: Berkeley Street Theatre

 

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Valentine’s Life Drawing

Embrace your inner renaissance artist with Slow Night x Barbet: Valentine’s Life Drawing class. They invite non-artists, bad artists, and burnt out creatives to get back into the groove of creativity with this class! With tickets starting at $45, this drawing session will feature a live model doing a variety of timed short and long poses. Materials, guidance, and beverages will be included to set the Valentine’s vibe. Though this is not an instructional class, warm-up exercises and basics will be covered for those looking to start anew! More info.

When: February 14

Where: Geary House

Toronto Black Film Festival 

Toronto’s iconic Black Film Festival marks Black History Month with diverse and innovative programming. Founded by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, Black stories will be represented in cinema amongst an ever-changing cultural landscape. The festival is set to open with Goodbye Julia, set in 2005 in the aftermath of the Sudanese war. If you’re interested in Black stories, you won’t want to miss Canada’s largest celebration of Black History Month with 80 film releases from over 20 countries! More info.

When: February 14 – 19

Where: Select theatres around Toronto

Just Us

Black artists are being celebrated at Worth Gallery’s newest exhibition titled Just Us. This show will showcase works created as part of the StreetARToronto Just Us Mural Program in 2023. Each mural speaks to the historical and current social issues and movements within Black and Indigenous communities. To build a collaborative and inclusive future, these works investigate the importance, benefits, and opportunities of collective action. For no cost, this diverse range of art happenings include mural photography, video screenings, and even a dance workshop! More info.

When: February 15 – 24

Where: Worth Gallery 

Courtesy of TIFF

Oscar Nominated Films at TIFF Lightbox

The last year has been filled with breathtaking stories, dialogues, and artistic visions in the realm of film. To celebrate film excellency, catch these screenings of Oscar-nominated films such as Oppenheimer, Anatomy of a Fall, and To Kill a Tiger. TIFF will also be highlighting Oscar Shorts with genres including animated, live action, and documentary shorts in various languages that uncover multicultural stories around the world. More info.

When: Various dates

Where: TIFF Lightbox Theatre

Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé

Join Hot Docs for a special screening of Beyoncé’s immersive self-directed film on the Renaissance world tour. From performances to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, this film solidifies her as a master of music. This weekend, attendees will have their screening accompanied by disco decor, specialty cocktails, and a live performance by rapper, DJ, and producer Myst Milano! More info.

When: February 17

Where: Hot Docs Theatre

Courtesy of Beyond Mental Borders

Mind Over Matter

At this new mentalism performance,  performers will play a series of mentalism games to engage audience members with themes of nostalgia, memories, and the innocence of the past. “We originally wanted to bring a Vegas-style magic show to Toronto with Connection,” said Armand Antony. The show previewed in January with two sold-out performances, and is set to run through November 10, 2024! More info.

When: February 18

Where: The Rec Room Roundhouse