We're closing 2010 by thanking you all for helping Diaspora Dialogues to make our 5th anniversary year a great success, and wishing you all a very happy new year!!
We would also like to kick off the new year by inviting you to our blog's new home: diasporadialogues.wordpress.com
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
KAREN CONNELLY: Diaspora Dialogues Mentor in Fiction 2010
by Janice Goveas
Karen Connelly bursts out laughing when I mention how impressed I am with her mastery of three genres: poetry, fiction and non-fiction. "I was writing in all three genres when I was twelve," she says, remarkably not sounding the least bit arrogant. She simply considers herself extremely lucky to have known from such a young age how she wanted to dedicate her life.
Her stunning accomplishments are easily googled. Before she was twenty-five, for example, she had won the Pat Lowther Award for her first book of poetry, The Small Words in My Body, and the Governor General's Award for Non-Fiction for Touch the Dragon: A Thai Journal. Her first novel, The Lizard's Cage, won the Orange Broadband Prize for New Writers. To date she has published nine books.
What won't come across in a google search is how down to earth she is despite those accomplishments. She speaks easily and openly about her life as a backdrop to her writing. She began writing stories and poetry at the age of ten, and makes the observation that poetry is the genre most appropriate to the emotional life of a girl. She went to Thailand when she was seventeen "because I wanted to go somewhere that was as different from Canada as possible. I wanted to go to India, but they were having political problems in the the place where they send exchange students, so I was sent to a village in Thailand, instead, which turned out to be great." Her non-fiction is rooted in the journals she kept on that trip to Thailand. Interestingly, twenty-five years later, she has yet to visit India.
In her early twenties, she became enamoured of Europe, spending time in Spain and France before travelling to and falling in love with Greece, where she owns a house and continues to spend time. She says she speaks Greek the best of the five languages she knows other than English, which include Thai, Spanish and French. She doesn't think her Burmese is fluent enough to count as a language, but she can speak it as well.
Mentoring in the Diaspora Dialogues program is part of a larger piece of her life in which she continuously mentors younger writers and instructs in Creative Writing at Humber College. She lauds the Diaspora Dialogues program for being open, community based and structured in a way that is not limiting to anyone financially or time wise. "Mentorship of younger writers is happening for free by older writers."
When I point out that some of the writers she mentors might in fact be older than she is, she responds: "Ah, but I'm a very old soul."
Karen Connelly bursts out laughing when I mention how impressed I am with her mastery of three genres: poetry, fiction and non-fiction. "I was writing in all three genres when I was twelve," she says, remarkably not sounding the least bit arrogant. She simply considers herself extremely lucky to have known from such a young age how she wanted to dedicate her life.
Her stunning accomplishments are easily googled. Before she was twenty-five, for example, she had won the Pat Lowther Award for her first book of poetry, The Small Words in My Body, and the Governor General's Award for Non-Fiction for Touch the Dragon: A Thai Journal. Her first novel, The Lizard's Cage, won the Orange Broadband Prize for New Writers. To date she has published nine books.
What won't come across in a google search is how down to earth she is despite those accomplishments. She speaks easily and openly about her life as a backdrop to her writing. She began writing stories and poetry at the age of ten, and makes the observation that poetry is the genre most appropriate to the emotional life of a girl. She went to Thailand when she was seventeen "because I wanted to go somewhere that was as different from Canada as possible. I wanted to go to India, but they were having political problems in the the place where they send exchange students, so I was sent to a village in Thailand, instead, which turned out to be great." Her non-fiction is rooted in the journals she kept on that trip to Thailand. Interestingly, twenty-five years later, she has yet to visit India.
In her early twenties, she became enamoured of Europe, spending time in Spain and France before travelling to and falling in love with Greece, where she owns a house and continues to spend time. She says she speaks Greek the best of the five languages she knows other than English, which include Thai, Spanish and French. She doesn't think her Burmese is fluent enough to count as a language, but she can speak it as well.
Mentoring in the Diaspora Dialogues program is part of a larger piece of her life in which she continuously mentors younger writers and instructs in Creative Writing at Humber College. She lauds the Diaspora Dialogues program for being open, community based and structured in a way that is not limiting to anyone financially or time wise. "Mentorship of younger writers is happening for free by older writers."
When I point out that some of the writers she mentors might in fact be older than she is, she responds: "Ah, but I'm a very old soul."
Monday, December 13, 2010
THIS WEEK IN TORONTO - DECEMBER 13-19
1) Amplifying Voices: Reaching out to LGBTQ+* South Asians
There will be a panel of engaging speakers and discussion on: History of South Asian LGBTQ+ organizing in Toronto for the past 20+ years (Speaker: Zahra Dhanani), How to better serve LGBTQ+ South Asians (Speaker: Farrah Khan, Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic), Current realities of South Asian LGBTQ+ (Speaker: Shazad Hai, ASAAP)
When: Tonight December 13, 6:30-9pm
Where: Thomas Lounge, Oakham House (Ryerson Student’s Centre), 63 Gould St
2) Dead Poets Night
The Art Bar Poetry Series is proud to present the eighth annual meeting of The Dead Poets Society, with Host David Clink. Participants include: Duncan Armstrong, Domenico Capilongo, Jillian Christmas, Adebe D.A., Sonia Di Placido, Maureen Hynes, Luciano Iacobelli, Liisa Ladouceur, Lois Lorimer, Shawn McLeod, Jim Nason, Lishai, Tim Prior, David Silverberg, and Allen Sutterfield.
When: Tomorrow December 14, 8-11pm
Where: Clinton's, 693 Bloor St W
3) Plasticine Poetry
Come join us for another knockout punch of brilliant poetry featuring: David Clink, Adebe D.A., Dawn Promislow (a former DD Rising Artist in Fiction), and Rob Welch. The evening is hosted by our lovely, hilarious Cathy Petch.
When: Sunday December 19, 6-9pm
Where: The Central, 603 Markham St
There will be a panel of engaging speakers and discussion on: History of South Asian LGBTQ+ organizing in Toronto for the past 20+ years (Speaker: Zahra Dhanani), How to better serve LGBTQ+ South Asians (Speaker: Farrah Khan, Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic), Current realities of South Asian LGBTQ+ (Speaker: Shazad Hai, ASAAP)
When: Tonight December 13, 6:30-9pm
Where: Thomas Lounge, Oakham House (Ryerson Student’s Centre), 63 Gould St
2) Dead Poets Night
The Art Bar Poetry Series is proud to present the eighth annual meeting of The Dead Poets Society, with Host David Clink. Participants include: Duncan Armstrong, Domenico Capilongo, Jillian Christmas, Adebe D.A., Sonia Di Placido, Maureen Hynes, Luciano Iacobelli, Liisa Ladouceur, Lois Lorimer, Shawn McLeod, Jim Nason, Lishai, Tim Prior, David Silverberg, and Allen Sutterfield.
When: Tomorrow December 14, 8-11pm
Where: Clinton's, 693 Bloor St W
3) Plasticine Poetry
Come join us for another knockout punch of brilliant poetry featuring: David Clink, Adebe D.A., Dawn Promislow (a former DD Rising Artist in Fiction), and Rob Welch. The evening is hosted by our lovely, hilarious Cathy Petch.
When: Sunday December 19, 6-9pm
Where: The Central, 603 Markham St
Thursday, December 9, 2010
CLAIRE DAVEY: Diaspora Dialogues Emerging Artist in Drama 2010
by Janice Goveas
In my experience, it's unusual for a writer to compare Toronto favourably to London, England, but newbie Torontonian, Claire Davey, who moved here from London sixteen months ago, is adamant that is in fact true in her case.
That could, however, be due to the fact that if there is one thing that surpasses her passion for writing, it would be her passion for the outdoors. In the seventeen years she lived in London, "I would always make sure I lived close to a railway station so that I was twenty minutes away from Epping Forest," a 6000-acre open space beginning in East London. What she relishes most about Toronto is the opportunities to be outdoors in and around the city, as well as easy access to places like Wasaga Beach and Algonquin Park. An avid hiker, canoer and camper, in the short time she has lived in Canada, Claire has canoed in Ontario lakes that I had never heard of and, after our conversation, was heading to Frontenac to camp in minus two degree weather.
She also claims that Toronto is superior to London because it has more colour than grit and greyness, and more light. "I think it has something like 600 more hours of sunshine, actually, and the light right now, in the fall, is very similar to parts of Northern China."
She knows that because she lived in Shanghai for a year while doing an undergraduate degree in Chinese and Linguistics. She worked in the airline industry for several years before joining an international development charity. She came to writing in the last two years and quite by accident.
Claire and her partner were on a year-long sabbatical in New Zealand where, in the town of Te Anau, she discovered a movie theatre that had been built by a helicopter pilot to screen a film he had shot of the spectacular mountains, glaciers and lakes in which the town is nestled. It inspired her to write a film script. She first learned of the Diaspora Dialgoues mentorship program through a poster in the library, and hoped it would be an opportunity for her to workshop her screenplay - but then wrote a play when she realized the program does not include film. She was thrilled that her play was accepted to the program, and is looking forward to returning to her film script once it is done.
"All I want to do now is write."
In my experience, it's unusual for a writer to compare Toronto favourably to London, England, but newbie Torontonian, Claire Davey, who moved here from London sixteen months ago, is adamant that is in fact true in her case.
That could, however, be due to the fact that if there is one thing that surpasses her passion for writing, it would be her passion for the outdoors. In the seventeen years she lived in London, "I would always make sure I lived close to a railway station so that I was twenty minutes away from Epping Forest," a 6000-acre open space beginning in East London. What she relishes most about Toronto is the opportunities to be outdoors in and around the city, as well as easy access to places like Wasaga Beach and Algonquin Park. An avid hiker, canoer and camper, in the short time she has lived in Canada, Claire has canoed in Ontario lakes that I had never heard of and, after our conversation, was heading to Frontenac to camp in minus two degree weather.
She also claims that Toronto is superior to London because it has more colour than grit and greyness, and more light. "I think it has something like 600 more hours of sunshine, actually, and the light right now, in the fall, is very similar to parts of Northern China."
She knows that because she lived in Shanghai for a year while doing an undergraduate degree in Chinese and Linguistics. She worked in the airline industry for several years before joining an international development charity. She came to writing in the last two years and quite by accident.
Claire and her partner were on a year-long sabbatical in New Zealand where, in the town of Te Anau, she discovered a movie theatre that had been built by a helicopter pilot to screen a film he had shot of the spectacular mountains, glaciers and lakes in which the town is nestled. It inspired her to write a film script. She first learned of the Diaspora Dialgoues mentorship program through a poster in the library, and hoped it would be an opportunity for her to workshop her screenplay - but then wrote a play when she realized the program does not include film. She was thrilled that her play was accepted to the program, and is looking forward to returning to her film script once it is done.
"All I want to do now is write."
Monday, December 6, 2010
THIS WEEK IN TORONTO - DECEMBER 6-12
1) Wrecking Ball Toronto #11: Now what?
On Tuesday December 7, the new Toronto City Council including 14 new city councillors and His Worship Mayor Rob Ford will meet for the first time. The night before this new era of civic governance, The Wrecking Ball presents the works of six Toronto writers who consider the question, “Now What?”
Wrecking Ball Toronto #11: Now What? creators: Judith Thompson, Jovanni Sy, Anthony Furey, Darren O’Donnell and The Torontonians, Edwige Jean-Pierre, Yvette Nolan
When: Tonight December 6, 8-11pm
Where: The Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen St W
2) Brockton Writers Series #14
This month, the Brockton Writer's Series is excited to host 11 contributors to the recently released anthology, Canadian Voices 2 (edited by Jasmine D'Costa)
Readings and performances by: R.G. Thompson, Emily Dunn, Sherry Isaac, Donna Kirk, Maurus Cappa, Maria Pia Marchelletta, Cassandra Cronenburg Hunter, Brandon Pitts, Elizabeth Carina Ramos, Jefferson Guzman, and Gemma Meharchand
When: Wednesday December 8, 7-9pm
Where: St. Anne’s Church, 270 Gladstone St
3) Book Launch: Sheilagh's Brush, Other Tongues: Mixed-Race Women Speak Out, Living the Edges: A Disabled Women's Reader, Singing Me Home
When: Thursday December 9, 6:30-9pm
Where: Toronto Women's Bookstore, 73 Harbord St
4) Theatre Passe Muraille presents Anusree Roy's Roshni
When: Ongoing - Saturday December 11, 7:30pm
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave
On Tuesday December 7, the new Toronto City Council including 14 new city councillors and His Worship Mayor Rob Ford will meet for the first time. The night before this new era of civic governance, The Wrecking Ball presents the works of six Toronto writers who consider the question, “Now What?”
Wrecking Ball Toronto #11: Now What? creators: Judith Thompson, Jovanni Sy, Anthony Furey, Darren O’Donnell and The Torontonians, Edwige Jean-Pierre, Yvette Nolan
When: Tonight December 6, 8-11pm
Where: The Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen St W
2) Brockton Writers Series #14
This month, the Brockton Writer's Series is excited to host 11 contributors to the recently released anthology, Canadian Voices 2 (edited by Jasmine D'Costa)
Readings and performances by: R.G. Thompson, Emily Dunn, Sherry Isaac, Donna Kirk, Maurus Cappa, Maria Pia Marchelletta, Cassandra Cronenburg Hunter, Brandon Pitts, Elizabeth Carina Ramos, Jefferson Guzman, and Gemma Meharchand
When: Wednesday December 8, 7-9pm
Where: St. Anne’s Church, 270 Gladstone St
3) Book Launch: Sheilagh's Brush, Other Tongues: Mixed-Race Women Speak Out, Living the Edges: A Disabled Women's Reader, Singing Me Home
When: Thursday December 9, 6:30-9pm
Where: Toronto Women's Bookstore, 73 Harbord St
4) Theatre Passe Muraille presents Anusree Roy's Roshni
When: Ongoing - Saturday December 11, 7:30pm
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave
Friday, December 3, 2010
JENNIFER MARSTON: Diaspora Dialogues Emerging Artist in Fiction 2010
When I was a child, I liked to dress up. My parents tell a story that goes like this: It was the early 80s, and I was in kindergarten. My mother had an appointment, so my father was responsible for getting me fed and off to school. Instead of choosing an outfit for me, he sent me to my bedroom to dress myself while he made breakfast. When I emerged in a colourful ensemble of dresses and skirts layered over pajamas accessorized with belts and sashes and beads, my father stifled a smile.
He asked, “Are you sure that’s what you want to wear?”
I knew without hesitation that it was.
Telling stories doesn’t come easily to me. I struggle to know what to put in and what to leave out, what’s implied and what’s really part of another narrative. Knowing what to say, like knowing what to wear, gets lost among the complex constructions that dictate our adult choices: external expectations both real and projected, the difference between wanting something and wanting to want it, the proper ratio of standing out to fitting in, the effort of making all effort look accidental, and the self-consciousness of knowing how transparent the whole operation is. It’s safer to keep quiet. It’s safer to wear beige.
But caution is not a thing I want to cultivate. I don’t want to want safety, and so I write. For me, writing is a practice of stripping away those constructions and listening for what’s underneath. It’s about finding that version of a story that feels true, where the details aren’t embellishments for their own sake, but a means of illuminating what was there all along. And it’s a process of trial and error. I don’t know which scarf or word will work until I try it on.
All I can do is keep going until I hit the combination that I know is honest, so that when someone asks, “Are you sure that’s what you want to say?”, I can answer with the same certainty I had when I was four.
Monday, November 29, 2010
THIS WEEK IN TORONTO - NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5
1) A Tribute to Nelson Mandela
Suhanna Meharchand, Andrew Moodie, and M.G. Vassanji read from Mandela’s new memoir, Conversations with Myself.
When: Tuesday November 30, 7pm
Where: Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St (2nd floor)
2) Theatre Direct presents Binti's Journey
A young African girl seeks her grandmother after losing her family to HIV/AIDS
Price: $20 December 1 (World AIDS Day), $10-15 December 4
Where: Wychwood Theatre, 601 Christie Street
When: Wednesday December 1, 7pm
Saturday December 4, 4pm and 7pm
3) Book Launch - Walk Myself Home: An Anthology to End Violence Against Women
Walk Myself Home is an anthology of poetry, fiction, nonfiction and oral interviews that chronicles the ways women experience gendered violence. Edited by Andrea Routley, it contains contributions from both emerging and award-winning authors such as Kate Braid, Yasuko Thanh and Susan Musgrave. Walk Myself Home makes a powerful statement. These women break the silence.
When: Thursday December 2, 7-9pm
Where: Toronto Women's Bookstore, 73 Harbord St
4) Theatre Passe Muraille presents Anusree Roy's Roshni
When: Ongoing, 7:30pm
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Avenue
Suhanna Meharchand, Andrew Moodie, and M.G. Vassanji read from Mandela’s new memoir, Conversations with Myself.
When: Tuesday November 30, 7pm
Where: Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St (2nd floor)
2) Theatre Direct presents Binti's Journey
A young African girl seeks her grandmother after losing her family to HIV/AIDS
Price: $20 December 1 (World AIDS Day), $10-15 December 4
Where: Wychwood Theatre, 601 Christie Street
When: Wednesday December 1, 7pm
Saturday December 4, 4pm and 7pm
3) Book Launch - Walk Myself Home: An Anthology to End Violence Against Women
Walk Myself Home is an anthology of poetry, fiction, nonfiction and oral interviews that chronicles the ways women experience gendered violence. Edited by Andrea Routley, it contains contributions from both emerging and award-winning authors such as Kate Braid, Yasuko Thanh and Susan Musgrave. Walk Myself Home makes a powerful statement. These women break the silence.
When: Thursday December 2, 7-9pm
Where: Toronto Women's Bookstore, 73 Harbord St
4) Theatre Passe Muraille presents Anusree Roy's Roshni
When: Ongoing, 7:30pm
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Avenue
Friday, November 26, 2010
LYNDA ALLISON: Diaspora Dialogues Emerging Artist in Fiction 2010
I love learning and sharing, and find that writing provides the opportunity to do both. After delving in to explore the causes of tough issues and seeking out solutions, I find myself challenged to write about them. Approaching the issues from various points of view helps me gain perspective. It is my desire to write stories that reveal the difficult places people find themselves in, discover how they got there and share their hopeful futures.
Since I find it difficult to write in isolation, I enjoy writing in community. I suppose that is why Write-Up, my part-time business, is about creating communities in which writers can flourish.
When I am not teaching or writing, I am raising up inter-generational teams who hang out with at risk children, teens and their families. Together we enjoy meals, create art, play sports, explore stories and share life.
I learned of Diaspora Dialogues’ mentorship program through the e-announcements of the Writers’ Community of Durham Region and submitted a short story that explores how a young teen finds herself pregnant and living on the street in Toronto. I was surprised to discover that I had been accepted and paired with mentor, Karen Connolly, a fiction writer who coached me through several revisions. I appreciate the time she spent giving my story a careful reading and providing thoughtful feedback. I trust that what I have learned in the process will help me poignantly share stories that help us gain an understanding into who we are and who we can be.
Monday, November 22, 2010
THIS WEEK IN TORONTO - NOVEMBER 22-28
1) A Drag Cabaret - My Baby's Got a Secret
My Baby's Got a Secret is an 8-week Asian Arts Freedom School Drag, Music, Dance and Theatre Program for youth of colour held at the 519 and at fu-GEN Theatre Company.
Cost: $5-10 Sliding Scale. No one turned away at the door because of lack of funds.
When: Tuesday November 23, 7:30-9:30pm
Where: Tallulah's Cabaret, Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St
2) Book Lauch of First Wives Club by Lee Maracle
join us for the launch of Lee Maracle's new book
When: Wednesday November 24, 1-2:30pm
Where: Toronto Women's Bookstore, 73 Harbord St
3) How to Attend the Salman Rushdie Event
Salman Rushdie discusses his new book, Luka and the Fire of Life, with author and professor Randy Boyagoda.
When: Wednesday November 24, 7pm
Where: Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St (2nd floor)
4) TSAR Fall Book Launch
Celebrating the 2010 release of A Cycle of the Moon (Uma Parameswaran), Bleeding Light (Sheniz Janmohamed), Echoes from the Other Land (Ava Homa), Jewels and Other Stories (Dawn Promislow), Lives: Whole and Otherwise (H Nigel Thomas), To Love a Palestinian Woman (Ehab Lotayef)
With readings by: Sheniz Janmohamed, Ava Homa, Dawn Promislow (a former DD Emerging Artist in Fiction), and H Nigel Thomas.
When: Wednesday November 24, Doors Open at 7pm
Where: The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St W
5) Theatre Passe Muraille presents Anusree Roy's Roshni
Roy plunges us headlong into the story of two fearless youths who work as beggars in a Calcutta train station. As they shine shoes, pick pockets and beg, Chumki dreams of the gift of sight, while King Kumar dreams of stardom.
When: Wednesday November 24 - Ongoing, 7:30pm
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Avenue
My Baby's Got a Secret is an 8-week Asian Arts Freedom School Drag, Music, Dance and Theatre Program for youth of colour held at the 519 and at fu-GEN Theatre Company.
Cost: $5-10 Sliding Scale. No one turned away at the door because of lack of funds.
When: Tuesday November 23, 7:30-9:30pm
Where: Tallulah's Cabaret, Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St
2) Book Lauch of First Wives Club by Lee Maracle
join us for the launch of Lee Maracle's new book
When: Wednesday November 24, 1-2:30pm
Where: Toronto Women's Bookstore, 73 Harbord St
3) How to Attend the Salman Rushdie Event
Salman Rushdie discusses his new book, Luka and the Fire of Life, with author and professor Randy Boyagoda.
When: Wednesday November 24, 7pm
Where: Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St (2nd floor)
4) TSAR Fall Book Launch
Celebrating the 2010 release of A Cycle of the Moon (Uma Parameswaran), Bleeding Light (Sheniz Janmohamed), Echoes from the Other Land (Ava Homa), Jewels and Other Stories (Dawn Promislow), Lives: Whole and Otherwise (H Nigel Thomas), To Love a Palestinian Woman (Ehab Lotayef)
With readings by: Sheniz Janmohamed, Ava Homa, Dawn Promislow (a former DD Emerging Artist in Fiction), and H Nigel Thomas.
When: Wednesday November 24, Doors Open at 7pm
Where: The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St W
5) Theatre Passe Muraille presents Anusree Roy's Roshni
Roy plunges us headlong into the story of two fearless youths who work as beggars in a Calcutta train station. As they shine shoes, pick pockets and beg, Chumki dreams of the gift of sight, while King Kumar dreams of stardom.
When: Wednesday November 24 - Ongoing, 7:30pm
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Avenue
Sunday, November 21, 2010
RABINDRANATH MAHARAJ: Diaspora Dialogues Mentor in Fiction 2010
In the early 1990s Maharaj immigrated to Canada, and in 1993, he completed a second M.A. at the University of New Brunswick. In 1994 he moved to the town of Ajax, in Ontario’s Durham Region, where he taught high school for a number of years. In 1998, Maharaj, along with three other Durham Region writers, founded and co-edited the literary magazine LICHEN. Since then he has, among other posts, been a Writer in Residence at the Toronto Reference Library, a mentor for young writers with Diaspora Dialogues, and more recently an instructor with both the Humber School for Writers and the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. Apart from his novels and collections of short stories, he has published in various literary journals and anthologies; written reviews and articles for The Washington Post, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, and others; and written the play Malcolm and Alvin for CBC Radio.
His books have been shortlisted for The Commonwealth Writer’s Prize (twice); The Chapters/Books in Canada First Novel Award; and Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize.
Monday, November 15, 2010
THIS WEEK IN TORONTO - NOVEMBER 15-21
1) Asian Arts Freedom School - with Sharanpal Rupai & Proma Tagore
* be/longings * queerloving * cultures * identities * sisterhood * struggle * strength * defiance *
Don't miss this special guest workshop with poets Sharanpal Ruprai and Proma Tagore (Proma who is only in the city for a short amount of time) for a poetry reading and workshop.
When: Tomorrow November 16, 6-8:30pm
Where: Kapisanan (in the basement), 167 August Avenue
2) Book Launch: DOCTORED by Sky Curtis
Many women are sexually abused by their doctors. Doctored is a moving true story about the devastating impact of this abuse of power. It is a first-person account of one woman’s steely determination to recover and to find justice.
When: Thursday November 18, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Toronto Women's Bookstore, 73 Harbord St, at Spadina
* be/longings * queerloving * cultures * identities * sisterhood * struggle * strength * defiance *
Don't miss this special guest workshop with poets Sharanpal Ruprai and Proma Tagore (Proma who is only in the city for a short amount of time) for a poetry reading and workshop.
When: Tomorrow November 16, 6-8:30pm
Where: Kapisanan (in the basement), 167 August Avenue
2) Book Launch: DOCTORED by Sky Curtis
Many women are sexually abused by their doctors. Doctored is a moving true story about the devastating impact of this abuse of power. It is a first-person account of one woman’s steely determination to recover and to find justice.
When: Thursday November 18, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Toronto Women's Bookstore, 73 Harbord St, at Spadina
Friday, November 12, 2010
TARA BEAGAN: Diaspora Dialogues Mentor in Drama 2010
Tara Beagan is a proud halfbreed of Ntlakapamux (Thompson River Salish) and Irish Canadian heritage. She was a playwright in residence at Native Earth Performing Arts for the 2009/2010 season with her play, free as injuns, and she now works at NEPA as an Artistic Associate.
Tara’s debut play, Thy Neighbour’s Wife, was produced by UnSpun Theatre in 2004, and garnered three Dora Award nominations. Beagan won for New Play, becoming the first female First Nations playwright to take home a Dora. Ensuing plays include Dreary and Izzy, (Native Earth at the Factory Studio Theatre. In print, Playwright’s Canada Press.) Here, Boy! (halfbreed productions at the 28th Rhubarb! Festival) and the Crate Productions collective, The Fort at York. This expansive, site-specific piece marked Beagan’s directorial debut (she was one of two directors). Beagan was the head writer alongside fourteen other actor/collaborators. Tara has worked on the Playwrights Units at Tarragon Theatre and Nightwood.
Quilchena (halfbreed productions) which Beagan also directed, debuted in 2007. That same year, Beagan was named, in NOW Magazine, as one of the Top Ten Theatre Artists. Beagan further developed Quilchena during her playwright residency at Cahoots Theatre Projects in 2007/2008, and at the 2009 CrossCurrents Festival.
Foundlings (writer/director) is a mixed-media, interactive piece. Other short plays include the Caravan Farm Theatre commission, BLUEBEARD’S WI7E, TransCanada, (Native Earth at Harbourfront), and the topical Anatomy of an Indian, at the 8th Wrecking Ball, which starred Lorne Cardinal and was directed by Weyni Mengesha.
Beagan’s Miss Julie: Sheh’mah – a radical new adaptation of Strindberg’s play – brought fledgling company KICK Theatre tearing onto the Toronto theatre scene in ‘08. The production ultimately earned five Dora Award nominations.
Tara is one of four commissioned playwrights on the Theatrefront serial theatrical project, The Mill. The thesis for the series is that “Canada is a haunted house.” Her piece, The Woods, debuted this March at the Young Centre in Toronto, and returns in rep with all four plays in January 2011.
Tara is honoured to work as a workshop facilitator for youth, a playwriting instructor for First Nations theatre students, and a mentor for emerging First Nations artists. She also works as an actor, director and producer.
Monday, November 8, 2010
THIS WEEK IN TORONTO - NOVEMBER 8-14
1) Asian Arts Freedom School - This Bridge Called My Baby
This writing/arts based workshop is dedicated to the child within us: our childhood experiences, memories, dreams and struggles.
When: Tomorrow November 9, 6-8:30pm
Where: Kapisanan (in the basmement), 167 August Avenue
2) Star Talks
Margaret Trudeau in conversation with Toronto Star columnist Susan Delacourt on her new memoir, Changing My Mind.
When: Wednesday November 10, 7pm
Where: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St
3) Off Bathurst Theatre District Marathon
2pm: Stretching and swag at Tarragon Theatre
2:30pm: Performance of Joan Didion's "The Year of Magical Thinking"
4pm: Head down Bathurst St to Theatre Passe Muraille
4:30pm: Performance of Andrew Kushnir's "The Middle Place"
6pm: Sprint to Epicure Cafe & Grill for Prix Fixe Dinner
7:30pm: Final Dash to Factory Theatre
8pm: Performance of Ken Gass's "Bethune Imagined"
10pm: Rehydration in Factory Lounge
Tickets on sale now for only $90!
Available through T.O tix or 416-596-8220
When: Saturday November 13, 2-10pm
Where:
Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Ave, 1 block north of Dupont St, 2 east of Bathurst
Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave, north of Queen St W, east of Bathurst
Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst St
4) Project Humanity Presents The Middle Place
When: Ongoing - Saturday November 13, 10pm
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave, north of Queen St W, east of Bathurst
This writing/arts based workshop is dedicated to the child within us: our childhood experiences, memories, dreams and struggles.
When: Tomorrow November 9, 6-8:30pm
Where: Kapisanan (in the basmement), 167 August Avenue
2) Star Talks
Margaret Trudeau in conversation with Toronto Star columnist Susan Delacourt on her new memoir, Changing My Mind.
When: Wednesday November 10, 7pm
Where: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St
3) Off Bathurst Theatre District Marathon
2pm: Stretching and swag at Tarragon Theatre
2:30pm: Performance of Joan Didion's "The Year of Magical Thinking"
4pm: Head down Bathurst St to Theatre Passe Muraille
4:30pm: Performance of Andrew Kushnir's "The Middle Place"
6pm: Sprint to Epicure Cafe & Grill for Prix Fixe Dinner
7:30pm: Final Dash to Factory Theatre
8pm: Performance of Ken Gass's "Bethune Imagined"
10pm: Rehydration in Factory Lounge
Tickets on sale now for only $90!
Available through T.O tix or 416-596-8220
When: Saturday November 13, 2-10pm
Where:
Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Ave, 1 block north of Dupont St, 2 east of Bathurst
Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave, north of Queen St W, east of Bathurst
Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst St
4) Project Humanity Presents The Middle Place
When: Ongoing - Saturday November 13, 10pm
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave, north of Queen St W, east of Bathurst
Friday, November 5, 2010
MARTIN MORDECAI: Diaspora Dialogues Mentor in Fiction 2010
by Janice Goveas
Early into a conversation with Martin Mordecai (pictured with a young fan), one of Diaspora Dialogues' four mentors in fiction for 2010, it becomes understandable why his debut novel, Blue Mountain Trouble (Toronto: Scholastic Canada, 2009), has been so remarked on for its magical realism and the cadence of its language. A reviewer for the Quill & Quire, for example, comments on his surprise at finding himself interested in a children's book that mixes adventure with magical realism, and says this: "Most delicious of all in this plum pudding of a book is the language. For some young Canadian readers the diction and cadence of this story will be as comfortable and familiar as an old boot. For the rest of us, Mordecai, without resorting to explanations or a glossary, teaches us how to hear and understand."
The reason this is understandable is because, early into a conversation with him, Mordecai confesses to two passions: music and reading, especially the writing of Colombian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez, winner of the 1982 Nobel Prize for Literature, whose work is most noted for its magical realism.
Mordecai recalls agreeing with a literary critique in which the critic argued that there were only two books that absolutely had to be read: Marquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude and the King James Bible.
As for music, Mordecai has had a life-long love of genres like classical, jazz, and 60's and 70's rock, but enjoys almost all other types of music except for some dance hall and much of rap. He believes, however, that a love of music transcends genre because "good songs get into you and bad songs irritate you."
Blue Mountain Trouble, incidentally, began as a bedtime story he created for his younger son, the youngest of his three children, who is now a struggling writer in his thirties. Mordecai hopes his son will consider applying to the Diaspora Dialogues mentorship program in the near future.
Over his lifetime, Mordecai has worked in newspapers, radio and television. His intriguing observation about television is that it is "the great wasted technology of the twentieth century" having not lived up to its potential to deliver quality work, unlike film, a medium created around the same time. Mordecai also spent twelve years in the diplomatic service for his birth country, Jamaica, much of it in England. He remarks on the delightful coincidence of the daughter of his one of his former diplomatic colleagues being one of his mentees in the Diaspora Dialogues' program.
Monday, November 1, 2010
THIS WEEK IN TORONTO - NOVEMBER 1-7
1) Brockton Writers Series #13
Readings and performances by: Nehal El-Hadi, Carole Giangrande, Jules Lewis, and May Lui
Open mic sign up is 6:55pm. There will be three 5 minute slots.
When: Tomorrow November 2nd, 7-9pm
Where: St. Anne’s Church, 270 Gladstone
2) Dangerous Mammals Tour: Ivan Coyote & S. Bear Bergman
Come and celebrate the co-launch of S. Bear Bergman’s Butch Is A Noun and Ivan Coyote’s Missed Her, both hot off the presses at Arsenal Pulp Press.
tickets sliding scale $10-$20
When: Thursday, November 4, 8-10:30pm
Where: Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander Street
3) Heart in Hand Theatre Presents The Commune - Excerpt Reading/Workshop
Written by Martha Schabas
Featuring Jessica Huras, Kiran Friesen, Nika Mistruzzi & Claudia Yiu
Directed by Esther Jun
Tickets for November 4th are $30 and include food and open bar.
Tickets for November 5th are $10 and there will be a cash bar.
When: Thursday November 4 & Friday November 5, 7:30-9:30pm
Where: Wylde Project Studio, 215-52 St Lawrence St (Near King & River)
4) Latin-Afro-South Asian Festival
The Latin-Afro-South Asian Festival is a 3-day contemporary multi-disciplinary arts festival that shows the fusion between the different cultures and roots of the Latin American, African and South Asian artists involved and the influence of the multicultural society where they work and reside.
Cover: $5
When: Friday November 5, 8pm
Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St W
5) Anand (bliss, peace, happiness) Plays Toronto!
Yasmin Virani gets ready to close the North American tour of her successful one-woman play, Anand (bliss, peace, happiness), by performing her last show in Toronto.
Tickets are $15
When: Saturday November 6, 8-9:30pm
Where: The Second City Training Center, 70 Peter Street
6) Godot Art Productions Presents Homeland
When: Ongoing - Saturday November 6
Tuesday - Saturday 8pm
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave, north of Queen St W, east of Bathurst
7) Project Humanity Presents The Middle Place
When: Ongoing - Saturday November 13, 10pm
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave, north of Queen St W, east of Bathurst
Readings and performances by: Nehal El-Hadi, Carole Giangrande, Jules Lewis, and May Lui
Open mic sign up is 6:55pm. There will be three 5 minute slots.
When: Tomorrow November 2nd, 7-9pm
Where: St. Anne’s Church, 270 Gladstone
2) Dangerous Mammals Tour: Ivan Coyote & S. Bear Bergman
Come and celebrate the co-launch of S. Bear Bergman’s Butch Is A Noun and Ivan Coyote’s Missed Her, both hot off the presses at Arsenal Pulp Press.
tickets sliding scale $10-$20
When: Thursday, November 4, 8-10:30pm
Where: Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander Street
3) Heart in Hand Theatre Presents The Commune - Excerpt Reading/Workshop
Written by Martha Schabas
Featuring Jessica Huras, Kiran Friesen, Nika Mistruzzi & Claudia Yiu
Directed by Esther Jun
Tickets for November 4th are $30 and include food and open bar.
Tickets for November 5th are $10 and there will be a cash bar.
When: Thursday November 4 & Friday November 5, 7:30-9:30pm
Where: Wylde Project Studio, 215-52 St Lawrence St (Near King & River)
4) Latin-Afro-South Asian Festival
The Latin-Afro-South Asian Festival is a 3-day contemporary multi-disciplinary arts festival that shows the fusion between the different cultures and roots of the Latin American, African and South Asian artists involved and the influence of the multicultural society where they work and reside.
Cover: $5
When: Friday November 5, 8pm
Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St W
5) Anand (bliss, peace, happiness) Plays Toronto!
Yasmin Virani gets ready to close the North American tour of her successful one-woman play, Anand (bliss, peace, happiness), by performing her last show in Toronto.
Tickets are $15
When: Saturday November 6, 8-9:30pm
Where: The Second City Training Center, 70 Peter Street
6) Godot Art Productions Presents Homeland
When: Ongoing - Saturday November 6
Tuesday - Saturday 8pm
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave, north of Queen St W, east of Bathurst
7) Project Humanity Presents The Middle Place
When: Ongoing - Saturday November 13, 10pm
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave, north of Queen St W, east of Bathurst
Friday, October 29, 2010
DORIANNE EMMERTON: Diaspora Dialogues Emerging Artist in Fiction 2010
by Janice Goveas
You wouldn't expect a self-described "femme, but low-maintenance femme" to be into Mixed Martial Arts. But then meeting Dorianne Emmerton will correct that expectation, because she has enough energy to snap you, me and a score of others out of our sleepy sense of contradictions and into a world where they make total sense.
Let's begin by qualifying our terms. On being femme, Dorianne includes among the things she enjoys: not wearing pants. Not, she explains, that she walks around with nothing on her bottom half, even if she does think that the recent trend for women to wear tights as pants is deplorable. She just prefers skirts and dresses. However, she can’t wear high heels and rarely wears makeup. Therefore, she’s femme, but low-maintenance femme. On her love of Mixed Martial Arts: it's the homoerotic text that most engages her. "It's goons in Tag Out shirts and oooh! they're hugging. That's so sweet," she coos. Even the language used, like doms and subs, is "totally kink terminology"
The other things she enjoys are cheese, cats, beer, direct sunlight, unconventional relationships and board games. We didn't discuss beer, direct sunlight, board games or unconventional relationships because those seemed self-explanatory - but now that I've met Dorianne I'm wondering if that was a misperception.
About cheese: "everything tastes better with cheese," she argues. She could write a commercial about it. She's not into very mouldy blue cheese, but judiciously consumed pizza topped with it when it was served to her on her second date with her current girlfriend. She remembers a recent trip to Paris where the cheese experience was outstanding. "But the French don't believe in refrigeration, and even my girlfried wasn't hard core enough to eat the furry parts, so we cut around them."
She is also an internet junkie. "If I could have a wifi connection implanted under my skin and wear glasses with screens displayed on the backside I would, and I don’t care how much that would make me look like a member of the Borg." She is a fiction junkie, as well, and would like nothing better than to spend all day reading and writing and tooling around the internet.
"However, I have not yet found a way to pay my rent with these pursuits, so I sadly spend 36.25 hours a week at an office job in the public sector."
Monday, October 25, 2010
THIS WEEK IN TORONTO - OCTOBER 25-31
1) Rasik Arts Roundtable
We meet informally around a table, hand out scripts, read a play (outloud) together, and then talk about it. There is no admission charge. All are welcome. And anyone who wants to read a part is more than encouraged to do so! We will be reading "After the Fall," by Rafi Khan and Alim Khan of Ottawa and Toronto, respectively.
When: Monday October 25, 7-9pm
Where: Urbana Coffee, 1033 Bay St (corner of Bay & St. Joseph)
2) Project Humanity's The Middle Place
When: Ongoing - Saturday November 13, 10pm
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave, north of Queen St W, east of Bathurst
3) Toronto Women's Bookstore Three Day Re-Opening Party & Cabaret
The Toronto Women's Bookstore invites you to join us for our official opening party! Come celebrate the re-opening of the store with a three-day cabaret featuring readings, performances, DJ's and refreshments.
When: Wednesday October 27 - Saturday October 29, 7-10pm
Where: Toronto Women's Book Store, 73 Harbord St
4) Homeland
Presented by Godot Art Productions, Homeland is a multi-faceted examination of the meaning of home in a hybrid setting of dance, live music and documentary film. The words of the personalities in the film are translated into a solo dance and physical theatre against the beat of drums and flow of electronic sequences performed by two musicians on stage.
Tickets: $20, Mantinee & Preview $10, Advance in Group $15
When: Thursday October 28 - Saturday November 6
Tuesday-Saturday 8pm
Saturday Mantinee 2pm
Preview October 27
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave, north of Queen St W, east of Bathurst
5) WESTEND Stories
Spend Halloween 2010 by hearing ghoulish tales and horrifying stories to celebrate the joy of fears that we all secretly have deep within. Join us in friendship surrounded by books and stories from around the world and the intimate bookstore of The River Trading Company and WESTEND Stories, a different way to spend a Saturday night!
When: Saturday October 30, 7-9pm
Where: The River Trading Company, 1418 Queen St W
6) Latin-Afro-South Asian Festival
The Latin-Afro-South Asian Festival is a 3-day contemporary multi-disciplinary arts festival that shows the fusion between the different cultures and roots of the Latin American, African and South Asian artists involved and the influence of the multicultural society where they work and reside.
October 30, 2010 - TRANE STUDIO – Music and Dance
November 5, 2010 – GLADSTONE HOTEL – Music and Dance
Cover: $5
When: Saturday October 30, 8pm
Where: Trane Studio, 964 Bathurst St
We meet informally around a table, hand out scripts, read a play (outloud) together, and then talk about it. There is no admission charge. All are welcome. And anyone who wants to read a part is more than encouraged to do so! We will be reading "After the Fall," by Rafi Khan and Alim Khan of Ottawa and Toronto, respectively.
When: Monday October 25, 7-9pm
Where: Urbana Coffee, 1033 Bay St (corner of Bay & St. Joseph)
2) Project Humanity's The Middle Place
When: Ongoing - Saturday November 13, 10pm
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave, north of Queen St W, east of Bathurst
3) Toronto Women's Bookstore Three Day Re-Opening Party & Cabaret
The Toronto Women's Bookstore invites you to join us for our official opening party! Come celebrate the re-opening of the store with a three-day cabaret featuring readings, performances, DJ's and refreshments.
When: Wednesday October 27 - Saturday October 29, 7-10pm
Where: Toronto Women's Book Store, 73 Harbord St
4) Homeland
Presented by Godot Art Productions, Homeland is a multi-faceted examination of the meaning of home in a hybrid setting of dance, live music and documentary film. The words of the personalities in the film are translated into a solo dance and physical theatre against the beat of drums and flow of electronic sequences performed by two musicians on stage.
Tickets: $20, Mantinee & Preview $10, Advance in Group $15
When: Thursday October 28 - Saturday November 6
Tuesday-Saturday 8pm
Saturday Mantinee 2pm
Preview October 27
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave, north of Queen St W, east of Bathurst
5) WESTEND Stories
Spend Halloween 2010 by hearing ghoulish tales and horrifying stories to celebrate the joy of fears that we all secretly have deep within. Join us in friendship surrounded by books and stories from around the world and the intimate bookstore of The River Trading Company and WESTEND Stories, a different way to spend a Saturday night!
When: Saturday October 30, 7-9pm
Where: The River Trading Company, 1418 Queen St W
6) Latin-Afro-South Asian Festival
The Latin-Afro-South Asian Festival is a 3-day contemporary multi-disciplinary arts festival that shows the fusion between the different cultures and roots of the Latin American, African and South Asian artists involved and the influence of the multicultural society where they work and reside.
October 30, 2010 - TRANE STUDIO – Music and Dance
November 5, 2010 – GLADSTONE HOTEL – Music and Dance
Cover: $5
When: Saturday October 30, 8pm
Where: Trane Studio, 964 Bathurst St
Friday, October 22, 2010
PRADEEP SOLANKI: Diaspora Dialogues Emerging Artist in Fiction 2010
The Inner Editor
When I first began writing in earnest, the words used to pour out like a river whose dam had just burst. Those were the good old days, when I could sit at the computer for hours on end. Of course, most of the things I wrote then have been deleted, banished to some cyber-purgatory. The writer, Carol Murphy. once told me about the ‘golden turd’ phenomenon. Babies, when they first learn to defecate, think they have produced the most wonderful thing in the world. New writers are not unlike babies. And if one keeps at writing, slowly the inner editor emerges. The stronger the inner editor, the better the quality of writing one produces. And also less the quantity.
Writing workshops help educate the inner editor, as does the guidance of a good mentor. I was lucky enough to have been guided this summer by Rabindranath Maharaj, through the Diaspora Dialogues Mentorship program. I have to be honest, the first time I sent a draft for him to review, I was apprehensive. Just who was this man, he didn’t even know me, nor the style of writing I was aspiring to? How could his advice possibly have any merit? It turned out that he is not only a seasoned writer, but a seasoned mentor also. He seemed to understand immediately both my strengths and my weaknesses. And he explained each one of his critiques in a way that made sense to me. That is important. Often in writing groups, people have valid feedback, but they are unable to express it in a constructive way.
Being a co-editor at Descant Magazine has also sharpened my inner editor. Seeing the mistakes in others’ writing helps one see them in one’s own writing because we all make very similar mistakes.
Thus, when the inner editor has sharpened enough, one finds the volume of writing slows to a trickle. One scrutinizes each word, every comma; the rhythm, the imagery of each sentence has to be sing before it allowed into one’s fiction. Sometimes, the inner editor can be debilitating for the writer. Writer’s block is sometimes a symptom of a too-powerful inner editor. When this happens, how does one learn to switch off the inner editor?
I discovered one way recently, quite by chance. A short story of mine, "The Glass Eaters", was published in Echolocations, the literary magazine for the University of Toronto English Department. This is a magazine that only began in 2002, and is thus not well-known. However, I knew anything to do with the U of T should not be underestimated. Atwood, Ondaatje, and many other literary stars are alumni and/or mentors there. Publishers read such publications, searching for the next fresh voice. When I was asked to read an extract from my story at the launch, my inner editor worried me. Each time I practiced reading aloud, it kept doubting my grammar, my choice of words and imagery. I wasn’t even sure why Echolocations had even accepted my story, it was so full of flaws.
To add insult to injury, the morning of the launch I woke up with a head cold, my nose stuffed up and my throat sore. Should I cancel? Luckily I didn’t. Because when I did read my work aloud, to a room of perhaps fifty students and alumni, a surprising thing happened: it was my inner editor who was silent with fright, not me. Reading the words without the editor, I began to appreciate what was good about the story.
I had discovered a wonderful secret: like fire, the inner editor is a good servant, but a very poor master.
DD Wraps Up Its Season with Fun at the Park and a Glowing Night at Scotiabank Nuit Blanche!
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Have you ever had a personal reading from a Giller Prize nominee? Or taken a psychogeographic tour of Queen’ s Park? Have you ever had a personal line of verse written just for you by a professional poet? If so, you probably participated in our Literary Scavenger Hunt at Word on the Street this year! We had close to 500 people divulge their favourite Canadian authors and books to us, find writers hidden around the park, and hit the tents and booths of our literary friends—all in competition for our fabulous grand prizes. The weather was lovely, competition was fierce but friendly, and it turned out to be a huge success! It was the perfect way to cap off a busy summer. Check out our pictures and video.
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And while our energy was still high, we geared up for collaborative project Future City at Scotiabank Nuit Blanche. On a night where the city belongs to pedestrians, artists and art lovers, we transformed the top floor of the Gardiner Museum. With help from poet Heather Hermant and glass artist Melina Young we mounted an installation called “Nice Bumping Into You” — an open exchange of poetry, art, ideas and anything else you can express with a piece of glowing glass, a sharpie, and a crowd of good-spirited and like-minded people. Atop a custom built light table courtesy of Humber College, visitor’ s thoughts, fears, desires, drawings – and sometimes even phone numbers! – glowed. People wrote or drew whatever they wanted, with our artists there to guide them should anyone need inspiration—and our guests didn’ t let us down. One guest captured the night perfectly, writing “ stoplights in the rearview, as the city falls cold” and another advised “ don’t let life and love slip by.” A young sightseer declared his hunger, and an even younger one told us how much her family meant to her. By the time the sun broke through the windows of the Gardiner, “ Nice Bumping Into You” had been an outlet for the whole spectrum of human emotion and thought, and it was hard to know if it was the journey or the all-nighter that had us all so spent. Either way, it was exciting, inspiring and gratifying to see how excited and willing people were to share.
It was a hectic change in season for us, with two major events back-to-back, but WOTS afforded us the opportunity to enjoy one of the last days of summery sunshine by soaking up the air in Queen’ s Park. And we kept warm all night long despite the first chill of autumn, bumping into strangers and huddled over the glow of our art exchange at Scotiabank Nuit Blanche. As always, it was beyond worth it to share in the enthusiasm, curiosity and talent of everyone who came out to both events, our endlessly talented writers and artists and our ever-patient volunteers. Thank you to all, and we hope to see you at the next one!
Monday, October 18, 2010
THIS WEEK IN TORONTO - OCTOBER 18-24
1) Asian Arts Freedom School - Vivek Shraya
You don’t want to miss this special writing workshop facilitated by Vivek Shraya focusing on creative and editing processes and techniques derived from working on his collection of short stories, God Loves Hair.
When: Tuesday October 19, 6-8:30pm
Where: Kapisanan Centre (in the basement), 167 Augusta Avenue
2) Book Launch: Imagining Toronto
Amy Lavender Harris will launch her long-awaited new book, Imagining Toronto. This is also Mansfield's 10th anniversary party, and other books launching the same evening will include Leigh Nash's Goodbye, Ukulele, Peter Norman's At The Gates Of The Theme Park, Natasha Nuhanovic's Stray Dog Embassy and Priscila Uppal's Winter Sport: Poems.
When: Tuesday October 19, 7pm - Wednesday October 20, 1am
Where: The Boat, 158 Augusta Avenue in Kensington Market
3) imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
The imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival is an international festival in Toronto that celebrates the latest works by Indigenous peoples on the forefront of innovation in film, video, radio, and new media. The works accepted reflect the diversity of the world's Indigenous nations and illustrate the vitality and excellence of our art and culture in contemporary media.
Ticket pricing here.
When: Wednesday October 20, 1pm - Sunday October 24, 9pm
Where: See here for events and locations.
4) Rakkatak's Cd Release
Rakkatak is Anita Katakkar's solo project, incorporating Indian classical rhythms, lustrous melodies, tabla soaked electronica and waves of synths. She collaborates with like minded Toronto musicians to create an atmospheric backdrop for her work.
Cover: $15 (including cd)
When: Wednesday October 20, 8-11:30pm
Where: The Painted Lady, 218 Ossington just south of Dundas West
5) The Middle Place
Project: Humanity's The Middle Place starts this week at Theatre Passe Muraille. Come see this new version of the play, further developed since our SummerWorks showing.
When: Thursday October 21, 7:30pm - Saturday November 13, 10pm
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Avenue, just north of Queen
St. West, east of Bathurst Street
6) Book Launch: Echoes of the Other Land
You are invited to the book launch of Echoes from the Other Land, a collection of short stories by Ava Homa. Event is free. Books will be available to purchase at the launch, along with author signing, readings and light refreshments.
When: Friday October 22, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Beit Zatoun House, 612 Markham Street (Bathurst Station, beside Honest Eds)
7) Latin-Afro-South Asian Festival
The Latin-Afro-South Asian Festival is a 3-day contemporary multi-disciplinary arts festival that shows the fusion between the different cultures and roots of the Latin American, African and South Asian artists involved and the influence of the multicultural society where they work and reside.
October 22, 2010 - LULA LOUNGE - Music, Dance and Video
October 30, 2010 - TRANE STUDIO – Music and Dance
November 5, 2010 – GLADSTONE HOTEL – Music and Dance
Cover: $5
When: Friday October 22, 7:30pm
Where: Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St. W.
8) Canzine 2010: Canada's Largest Festival of Zines and Underground Culture
Over 100 zines, book publisher, comic artists and crafters will take over The Great Hall. Plus play homemade video games on the Hand Eye Society's video console and buy tiny poems from the Toronto Poetry Vendors poem vending machine.
Cost: $5 at the door. Includes a copy of the fall issue of Broken Pencil.
When: Sunday October 24, 1-7pm
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West (Dovercourt and Queen)
You don’t want to miss this special writing workshop facilitated by Vivek Shraya focusing on creative and editing processes and techniques derived from working on his collection of short stories, God Loves Hair.
When: Tuesday October 19, 6-8:30pm
Where: Kapisanan Centre (in the basement), 167 Augusta Avenue
2) Book Launch: Imagining Toronto
Amy Lavender Harris will launch her long-awaited new book, Imagining Toronto. This is also Mansfield's 10th anniversary party, and other books launching the same evening will include Leigh Nash's Goodbye, Ukulele, Peter Norman's At The Gates Of The Theme Park, Natasha Nuhanovic's Stray Dog Embassy and Priscila Uppal's Winter Sport: Poems.
When: Tuesday October 19, 7pm - Wednesday October 20, 1am
Where: The Boat, 158 Augusta Avenue in Kensington Market
3) imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
The imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival is an international festival in Toronto that celebrates the latest works by Indigenous peoples on the forefront of innovation in film, video, radio, and new media. The works accepted reflect the diversity of the world's Indigenous nations and illustrate the vitality and excellence of our art and culture in contemporary media.
Ticket pricing here.
When: Wednesday October 20, 1pm - Sunday October 24, 9pm
Where: See here for events and locations.
4) Rakkatak's Cd Release
Rakkatak is Anita Katakkar's solo project, incorporating Indian classical rhythms, lustrous melodies, tabla soaked electronica and waves of synths. She collaborates with like minded Toronto musicians to create an atmospheric backdrop for her work.
Cover: $15 (including cd)
When: Wednesday October 20, 8-11:30pm
Where: The Painted Lady, 218 Ossington just south of Dundas West
5) The Middle Place
Project: Humanity's The Middle Place starts this week at Theatre Passe Muraille. Come see this new version of the play, further developed since our SummerWorks showing.
When: Thursday October 21, 7:30pm - Saturday November 13, 10pm
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Avenue, just north of Queen
St. West, east of Bathurst Street
6) Book Launch: Echoes of the Other Land
You are invited to the book launch of Echoes from the Other Land, a collection of short stories by Ava Homa. Event is free. Books will be available to purchase at the launch, along with author signing, readings and light refreshments.
When: Friday October 22, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Beit Zatoun House, 612 Markham Street (Bathurst Station, beside Honest Eds)
7) Latin-Afro-South Asian Festival
The Latin-Afro-South Asian Festival is a 3-day contemporary multi-disciplinary arts festival that shows the fusion between the different cultures and roots of the Latin American, African and South Asian artists involved and the influence of the multicultural society where they work and reside.
October 22, 2010 - LULA LOUNGE - Music, Dance and Video
October 30, 2010 - TRANE STUDIO – Music and Dance
November 5, 2010 – GLADSTONE HOTEL – Music and Dance
Cover: $5
When: Friday October 22, 7:30pm
Where: Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St. W.
8) Canzine 2010: Canada's Largest Festival of Zines and Underground Culture
Over 100 zines, book publisher, comic artists and crafters will take over The Great Hall. Plus play homemade video games on the Hand Eye Society's video console and buy tiny poems from the Toronto Poetry Vendors poem vending machine.
Cost: $5 at the door. Includes a copy of the fall issue of Broken Pencil.
When: Sunday October 24, 1-7pm
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West (Dovercourt and Queen)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
THIS WEEK IN TORONTO - OCTOBER 11-17
1) OUTwords 2010: a queer| spectrum community arts exhibition & fundraiser
When: Ongoing - Friday October 15th at 9:30 pm
Where: The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West
2) Hard Times
based on the novel by Charles Dickens
adapted and directed by Chris Earle, with the company
performed by Ann Powell, David Powell, Anand Rajaram
puppet design and construction by Ann Powell and David Powell
dramaturged by Shari Hollett
music by Rick Sacks
design consultant Camilla Koo
Stage managed by Bonnie Thomson
Performances:
Tuesday-Saturday 7:30pm
Saturday Matinees 2:30pm
Tickets $15 - $25 at Arts Box Office or at 416.504.7529
When: Ongoing - October 16 at 7:30pm
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace, 16 Ryerson (East of Bathurst & North of Queen)
3) 10½ Stories
A night of ten 5-minute stories on a common theme, "Choices", told by volunteer audience members drawn at random from a hat. The eleventh story will be left unfinished – its ending will begin our next storytelling night. Hosted by MothUP Toronto's Daniel Goldbloom.
When: Wednesday October 13, 8-10:30 pm
Where: Terrazza Restaurant, 372 Harbord St. (Just east of Ossington)
4) Breakfast Club Series: Bravo!FACT & You
Discuss with Executive Director Judy Gladstone why both established and emerging filmmakers are interested in working on shorts, and pick up some tips on how to put together a great application.
When: Wednesday October 13, 8-9:30 am
Where: Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, 49 Ontario Street, Suite 501
5) Broken Pencil's Indie Writers Deathmatch IV
Enter your best story (1500-3000 words) by December 31, 2010!
When: Ongoing - Friday October 15th at 9:30 pm
Where: The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West
2) Hard Times
based on the novel by Charles Dickens
adapted and directed by Chris Earle, with the company
performed by Ann Powell, David Powell, Anand Rajaram
puppet design and construction by Ann Powell and David Powell
dramaturged by Shari Hollett
music by Rick Sacks
design consultant Camilla Koo
Stage managed by Bonnie Thomson
Performances:
Tuesday-Saturday 7:30pm
Saturday Matinees 2:30pm
Tickets $15 - $25 at Arts Box Office or at 416.504.7529
When: Ongoing - October 16 at 7:30pm
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace, 16 Ryerson (East of Bathurst & North of Queen)
3) 10½ Stories
A night of ten 5-minute stories on a common theme, "Choices", told by volunteer audience members drawn at random from a hat. The eleventh story will be left unfinished – its ending will begin our next storytelling night. Hosted by MothUP Toronto's Daniel Goldbloom.
When: Wednesday October 13, 8-10:30 pm
Where: Terrazza Restaurant, 372 Harbord St. (Just east of Ossington)
4) Breakfast Club Series: Bravo!FACT & You
Discuss with Executive Director Judy Gladstone why both established and emerging filmmakers are interested in working on shorts, and pick up some tips on how to put together a great application.
When: Wednesday October 13, 8-9:30 am
Where: Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, 49 Ontario Street, Suite 501
5) Broken Pencil's Indie Writers Deathmatch IV
Enter your best story (1500-3000 words) by December 31, 2010!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
JOYCE WAYNE: Diaspora Dialogues Emerging Artist in Fiction 2010
When you’re my age, 59, being included in the Diaspora Dialogues literary mentorship program is the most rewarding experience imaginable. This year I completed my first novel, The Cook’s Temptation and I also began writing short stories focused on the 1947 spy trials of Soviet sympathizers in Canada. Robin Maharaj is my mentor and his editorial comments have been so helpful that I can envision writing more stories (maybe even a novel) based on the tragic characters embroiled in the start of the Cold War. I think this is called “finding your voice.”
My day job is as the head of the Media for Global Professionals program at Sheridan College. Right now I’m leading a research project investigating the relationship between diversity arts organizations and “mainstream arts” in the GTA. By the way, it was a former student of mine, and an emerging voice in last year’s Diaspora Dialogues contest, Mayank Bhatt, who encouraged me to submit my story to the 2010 competition. I’m so thankful that he did.
Monday, October 4, 2010
THIS WEEK IN TORONTO - OCTOBER 4 - 10
1) The Brockton Writers Series - readings and performances by:
Vivek Shraya, Catherine Paquette, Michael Erickson,
Fraser Sutherland and Hema Vyas
We pass a hat for the writers ($3-$5, pwyc suggested donation).
Books and drinks also available by donation to the Jeremiah Community, who provide us with yummy baked treats.
Limited parking available--choose spots labelled "St. Anne's Church"
When: Tuesday October 5th, 7-9 pm
Where: St. Anne's Church, 270 Gladstone Ave (just north of Dundas)
2) Asian Arts Freedom School - Free Silk Screening with No One Is Illegal
This is a free silkscreening from No One Is Illegal-Toronto!
Bring Shirts. Patches. Canvass. Enthusiasm. We will use art as a tool
of resistance within the migrant justice movement and highlight through
our workshop changes in the immigration system, lived realities of migrants in this sweatshop city, and resistance both globally and locally.
When: Tuesday October 5th, 6-8:30 pm
Where: 167 Augusta, Kapisanan Centre in the basement
3) 2010 De Colores Festival of New Works
The playwright’s festival that started it all for Latin American writers in Canada is back and better than ever! Toronto audiences will be able to hear the new works in development by Martha Chaves (Nominated for Best Female Stand-up, Just For Laughs), Amaranta Leyva (one of Mexico’s most prolific playwrights for children), Marilo Nuñez (Artistic Director of Alameda Theatre Co.) and Juan Carlos Velis (Lead actor in The Refugee Hotel by Carmen Aguirre).
General tickets $15, Students/Seniors $12, Festival Pass $28 (HST Included)
When: Thursday October 7th, 8 pm - Friday October 8th at 8 pm
Where: Theatre Direct's Wychwood Theatre, 601 Christie St. (at St. Clair Ave. W.)
4) Music and Stories from Persia
Shahin Fayaz (tar, setar)
Kouhsa Nakhaei (kamanche)
special guest:
Ariel Balevi (storyteller)
With storyteller Ariel Balevi, Sarv Ensemble will take you on a journey to the mysterious land of Persia. Close your eyes, open your ears, and let your imagination
bring the story to life.
Admission: $15
When: Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 7 PM
Where: Musideum, 401 Richmond St W. suite #133
5) OUTwords 2010: a queer| spectrum community arts exhibition & fundraiser
This exhibit showcases the work of the participants of OUTwords, a free and intensive eight month Media Arts and Leadership program for LGBTTQQ2SIA* youth. Their work engages themes of homophobia, gender performance, and racism, with proud and political undertones. The photography and short films being screened communicate the vulnerabilities and resilience of diverse queer/trans personalities.
October 8 opening 7pm | 2nd floor
October 9 tour & talk back 1pm | 2nd floor
October 13 OUTwords @ Granny Boots 7pm. after party at Vitamin G 10pm | Melody Bar
When: Friday October 8th at 12 pm - Friday October 15th at 9:30 pm
Where: The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West
6) Broken Pencil's Indie Writers Deathmatch IV
Enter your best story (1500-3000 words) by December 31, 2010. Grand prize includes publication in the Spring 2011 issue, $300 cash money, a BP prizepack worth $300, and, most importantly, bragging rights forever more. Two runners-up Will also receive publication in Broken Pencil and paid standard publication rates.
Entrance fee: 20 dollars (includes a 1 year subscription to Broken Pencil).
Vivek Shraya, Catherine Paquette, Michael Erickson,
Fraser Sutherland and Hema Vyas
We pass a hat for the writers ($3-$5, pwyc suggested donation).
Books and drinks also available by donation to the Jeremiah Community, who provide us with yummy baked treats.
Limited parking available--choose spots labelled "St. Anne's Church"
When: Tuesday October 5th, 7-9 pm
Where: St. Anne's Church, 270 Gladstone Ave (just north of Dundas)
2) Asian Arts Freedom School - Free Silk Screening with No One Is Illegal
This is a free silkscreening from No One Is Illegal-Toronto!
Bring Shirts. Patches. Canvass. Enthusiasm. We will use art as a tool
of resistance within the migrant justice movement and highlight through
our workshop changes in the immigration system, lived realities of migrants in this sweatshop city, and resistance both globally and locally.
When: Tuesday October 5th, 6-8:30 pm
Where: 167 Augusta, Kapisanan Centre in the basement
3) 2010 De Colores Festival of New Works
The playwright’s festival that started it all for Latin American writers in Canada is back and better than ever! Toronto audiences will be able to hear the new works in development by Martha Chaves (Nominated for Best Female Stand-up, Just For Laughs), Amaranta Leyva (one of Mexico’s most prolific playwrights for children), Marilo Nuñez (Artistic Director of Alameda Theatre Co.) and Juan Carlos Velis (Lead actor in The Refugee Hotel by Carmen Aguirre).
General tickets $15, Students/Seniors $12, Festival Pass $28 (HST Included)
When: Thursday October 7th, 8 pm - Friday October 8th at 8 pm
Where: Theatre Direct's Wychwood Theatre, 601 Christie St. (at St. Clair Ave. W.)
4) Music and Stories from Persia
Shahin Fayaz (tar, setar)
Kouhsa Nakhaei (kamanche)
special guest:
Ariel Balevi (storyteller)
With storyteller Ariel Balevi, Sarv Ensemble will take you on a journey to the mysterious land of Persia. Close your eyes, open your ears, and let your imagination
bring the story to life.
Admission: $15
When: Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 7 PM
Where: Musideum, 401 Richmond St W. suite #133
5) OUTwords 2010: a queer| spectrum community arts exhibition & fundraiser
This exhibit showcases the work of the participants of OUTwords, a free and intensive eight month Media Arts and Leadership program for LGBTTQQ2SIA* youth. Their work engages themes of homophobia, gender performance, and racism, with proud and political undertones. The photography and short films being screened communicate the vulnerabilities and resilience of diverse queer/trans personalities.
October 8 opening 7pm | 2nd floor
October 9 tour & talk back 1pm | 2nd floor
October 13 OUTwords @ Granny Boots 7pm. after party at Vitamin G 10pm | Melody Bar
When: Friday October 8th at 12 pm - Friday October 15th at 9:30 pm
Where: The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West
6) Broken Pencil's Indie Writers Deathmatch IV
Enter your best story (1500-3000 words) by December 31, 2010. Grand prize includes publication in the Spring 2011 issue, $300 cash money, a BP prizepack worth $300, and, most importantly, bragging rights forever more. Two runners-up Will also receive publication in Broken Pencil and paid standard publication rates.
Entrance fee: 20 dollars (includes a 1 year subscription to Broken Pencil).
Friday, October 1, 2010
SARAH FELDBLOOM: Diaspora Dialogues Emerging Artist in Poetry 2010
I've lived with my best friend for a cumulative five years. We've had homes blocks from both oceans that touch Canada's toes, but spent the majority of our cohabitation in one kind old house in Toronto's annex. We aren't big partiers, but have been known to throw hullabaloos here that make everyone laugh sideways. One February when we were undergrads we had a Valentines celebration. We had prepared a piñata but couldn't figure out how to hang it up. A small team of guests drunkenly bashed it open on the floor atop a spilling pile of hermaphroditic porno magazines that someone had brought to craft magnets out of. This was the crowning ceremony for the main event - a poetry reading where we recited our worst love poems. Encouraged were those written in high school or earlier. The idea was to take something that wasn't “good” and appreciate it for how raw and emotionally elicit it was. My favourite piece was a narrative rhyme-scheme written by the fifteen year-old version of a flower of a friend about the experience of giving her first blow job.
I've read lot's of “bad” poems that I've admired. I've also read many poems that have disappointed me - in that they relied too much on prettiness, or used language so well to say something that didn't feel particularly new. Of course everyone has their own preferences, but there are many “fine” poems that I find haughty or gushy and really turn me off. I guess that's why I write poetry, because I see more than your insecure, brainiac older brother in it. It's got wide shoulders, and pink lips. I don't want it to have a lame-o reputation.
To me poems are the delivery of special moments. They are the bird's eye view of a great story, or the magnification of an integral flash in one. They are songs without melodies. I like when they prickle like record static over and over in my head. I like to watch the words up close, look at their curves, see where they shake or stay still.
I spent much of this year living in St. John's, Newfoundland, a place of fairies, and forest ponds, and kind eyes. I had fallen in love with the city when I moved there on a whim the summer before, and had returned to it with a hasty lack of self-control. As much as I wanted to be there I was finding it a struggle to be actively “different” everyday. I didn't talk like a Newfoundlander, think like a Newfoundlander, joke like a Newfoundlander, or drink like a Newfoundlander. The culture there has defined itself through hundreds of years of invasions, isolation, and heartiness. I often felt like a lone mainlander living in a foreign country that was considered part of my own in name only. All winter I came home from my day job and sat in my living room in the dark, craving stories from my home, written by poets who had developed similar ticks and cultural reflexes to my own, as a result of exposure to concrete, admirably hard-working Toronto. When I visited my family in December I grabbed books to bring back to the rock, titles by Stuart Ross, Zoe Whittal, Tara Michelle Ziniuk, Elyse Friedman and Pasha Malla - contemporary Toronto writers, who are funny, and frank and weird. Such books weren't stocked in the Memorial University Library where I scouted out reading material in St. John's.
After that trip I decided to move back to T.O. I felt like I needed to find a sturdy place in my mind so I could reflect. I missed the comfort of being somewhere where everyone belongs because no one seems to more than anyone else. I came to Diaspora Dialogues to explore this feeling, and am working on poems that shriek and giggle about the wide-world of Toronto. Though I'm sure I will continue to move around this country and live beyond it too, I'm glad for this time to write about home from home.
“Nice Bumping Into You”: Future City at Scotiabank Nuit Blanche - Part III
On Saturday, October 2, Diaspora Dialogues is gearing up for another all-night-long, twelve-hour, caffeine-fuelled annual art extravaganza – otherwise known as Scotiabank Nuit Blanche.
This year, we are partnering with the Gardiner Museum
and the Humber School of Creative and Performing Arts to present a joint project called
Future City – an imaginary public square of a future Toronto, if it were run by artists. In this future city, your civic responsibility is to give a little art in order to get a little art.
In DD’s corner of the City is “Nice Bumping Into You,” co-created by spoken word artists Heather Hermant and glass artist Melina Young, and we asked them explain the installation in their own words. Here is part three of a three-part interview.
DD: How are the preparations going?
Heather: Production designer Heather Kent and her students at Humber have been incredible. Under Heather's guidance, the students have built us the light table, and they are also building what we hope will work out as the projection surface. (I don't want to give away that part!) We'll be running some tests in the lead-up out at Humber, and sorting out the logistics of sound, video and light with the essential help of our tech guru David Findlay, as well as the great folks at Gardiner. But really, you just can't prepare for what will happen when you don't know what will happen till it's up and running!
DD: What can people expect to experience that night?
Heather: Funny that that's the next question! Well, the thing about Nuit Blanche is that everything depends on what the people do who come into contact with the work throughout the city. In the least, people who visit Nice Bumping Into You will experience the sight of moving colour and hands as the activity of the table is projected. They'll experience this against the backdrop of the city at night as seen from the wide open window space of the Gardiner restaurant. Those who are drawn in to the table itself--and I hope many will be--will at first witness others engaging, like they're watching a kind of chess game or something.
They can then step in to experience the tactility of the glass themselves, and the moment of the glass and the words and doodles of others inspiring their own impromptu response(s) on the glass. Like a chat, with the time available to just stay, find the words, compose. Those who are drawn into the exchange might also experience moments of collaboration with others. And maybe some of those collaborations will involve spoken word performance.
DD: What do you hope will happen?
Heather: I hope people will be engaged by the installation and want to contribute to it -- by writing or drawing on the tiles, by moving the tiles around, by collaborating with other people around the table, and/or by collaborating on the mic in performance, with each other, or with me. Or all the above. I hope the gorgeousness of the tiles will do something to highlight words in a new way, their meaning, their weight, their worth, potential and power. I hope the table of tiles will be like a collective journal, as intimate, lighthearted, serious or profound, as critical, moved or silly as people may feel in the moment.
Melina: My work is done but Heather's going to be performing live throughout the night with spoken word. I hope people will play with the tiles and text and also feed from the performance. It'll be a loop, a creative play between performer, glass tiles and participants. It's a beautiful space at night with a gorgeous view of Toronto. When we created this piece we were mindful of the way the projection,performance, glass and light table could create an ethereal sense of being part of the city just by being in the space.
DD: Tell us a bit about your other creative work.
Melina: I love working with glass and I'm going to continue creating glass work using especially warm glass techniques. I'm also a video maker and have a video to finish about Lesbos, the actual Greek island from where we get the word "lesbian". Heather and I have invitations to do video production workshops from Athens Pride in Greece and from a lesbian group in China.
Heather: I'm just about to head to Montreal for a run of a stage adaptation of my multidisciplinary performance installation, ribcage: this wide passage, at Le Mai (Montreal Arts Interculturels) at the end of October. This piece incorporates spoken word, physical theatre, live fiddle music by Toronto composer/player Jaron Freeman-Fox, and live videomixing by Kaija Siirala, another Toronto artist. Melina did much of the videography for the live videomixing. ribcage is based on an historical tale of a Jewish woman who came to Canada in the 1730s passing as a Christian boy and was then deported. I also do community-based work, largely through Toronto's backforward collective, and as a Resident Artist of Vancouver's urban ink productions. I dabble in curation, sound work, video and writing of many forms, and have been teaching at York University for the Community Arts Practice certificate since 2006, taking a teaching hiatus this year though to start a PhD.
This year, we are partnering with the Gardiner Museum
and the Humber School of Creative and Performing Arts to present a joint project called
Future City – an imaginary public square of a future Toronto, if it were run by artists. In this future city, your civic responsibility is to give a little art in order to get a little art.
In DD’s corner of the City is “Nice Bumping Into You,” co-created by spoken word artists Heather Hermant and glass artist Melina Young, and we asked them explain the installation in their own words. Here is part three of a three-part interview.
DD: How are the preparations going?
Heather: Production designer Heather Kent and her students at Humber have been incredible. Under Heather's guidance, the students have built us the light table, and they are also building what we hope will work out as the projection surface. (I don't want to give away that part!) We'll be running some tests in the lead-up out at Humber, and sorting out the logistics of sound, video and light with the essential help of our tech guru David Findlay, as well as the great folks at Gardiner. But really, you just can't prepare for what will happen when you don't know what will happen till it's up and running!
DD: What can people expect to experience that night?
Heather: Funny that that's the next question! Well, the thing about Nuit Blanche is that everything depends on what the people do who come into contact with the work throughout the city. In the least, people who visit Nice Bumping Into You will experience the sight of moving colour and hands as the activity of the table is projected. They'll experience this against the backdrop of the city at night as seen from the wide open window space of the Gardiner restaurant. Those who are drawn in to the table itself--and I hope many will be--will at first witness others engaging, like they're watching a kind of chess game or something.
They can then step in to experience the tactility of the glass themselves, and the moment of the glass and the words and doodles of others inspiring their own impromptu response(s) on the glass. Like a chat, with the time available to just stay, find the words, compose. Those who are drawn into the exchange might also experience moments of collaboration with others. And maybe some of those collaborations will involve spoken word performance.
DD: What do you hope will happen?
Heather: I hope people will be engaged by the installation and want to contribute to it -- by writing or drawing on the tiles, by moving the tiles around, by collaborating with other people around the table, and/or by collaborating on the mic in performance, with each other, or with me. Or all the above. I hope the gorgeousness of the tiles will do something to highlight words in a new way, their meaning, their weight, their worth, potential and power. I hope the table of tiles will be like a collective journal, as intimate, lighthearted, serious or profound, as critical, moved or silly as people may feel in the moment.
Melina: My work is done but Heather's going to be performing live throughout the night with spoken word. I hope people will play with the tiles and text and also feed from the performance. It'll be a loop, a creative play between performer, glass tiles and participants. It's a beautiful space at night with a gorgeous view of Toronto. When we created this piece we were mindful of the way the projection,performance, glass and light table could create an ethereal sense of being part of the city just by being in the space.
DD: Tell us a bit about your other creative work.
Melina: I love working with glass and I'm going to continue creating glass work using especially warm glass techniques. I'm also a video maker and have a video to finish about Lesbos, the actual Greek island from where we get the word "lesbian". Heather and I have invitations to do video production workshops from Athens Pride in Greece and from a lesbian group in China.
Heather: I'm just about to head to Montreal for a run of a stage adaptation of my multidisciplinary performance installation, ribcage: this wide passage, at Le Mai (Montreal Arts Interculturels) at the end of October. This piece incorporates spoken word, physical theatre, live fiddle music by Toronto composer/player Jaron Freeman-Fox, and live videomixing by Kaija Siirala, another Toronto artist. Melina did much of the videography for the live videomixing. ribcage is based on an historical tale of a Jewish woman who came to Canada in the 1730s passing as a Christian boy and was then deported. I also do community-based work, largely through Toronto's backforward collective, and as a Resident Artist of Vancouver's urban ink productions. I dabble in curation, sound work, video and writing of many forms, and have been teaching at York University for the Community Arts Practice certificate since 2006, taking a teaching hiatus this year though to start a PhD.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
“Nice Bumping Into You”: Future City at Scotiabank Nuit Blanche - Part II
On Saturday, October 2, Diaspora Dialogues is gearing up for another all-night-long, twelve-hour, caffeine-fuelled annual art extravaganza – otherwise known as Scotiabank Nuit Blanche.
This year, we are partnering with the Gardiner Museum
and the Humber School of Creative and Performing Arts to present a joint project called
Future City – an imaginary public square of a future Toronto, if it were run by artists. In this future city, your civic responsibility is to give a little art in order to get a little art.
In DD’s corner of the City is “Nice Bumping Into You,” co-created by spoken word artists Heather Hermant and glass artist Melina Young, and we asked them explain the installation in their own words. Here is part two of a three-part interview we’ll be posting this week.
DD: How did you make the glass tiles? What was the experience like?
Melina: We had lots of fun making the tiles. I had a basic design in mind that would represent meeting,gathering, exchange. We wanted it to be full of colour so that people would want to play, with colour, with the image, with the text and with the glass itself. I approach glass as a plastic medium and always create by feel. The scale, the shapes and images are as organic as the process. The approximately hundred tiles assembled make up an image of a kind of cell measuring about ten square feet.
Heather: Melina's work is really organic. In the process and in the outcome. The works are really flowing, you feel the life in them. Most people who have responded to the glass tiles for Nice Bumping Into You so far haven't gotten beyond the wow factor in concrete words. But my sister did and I love her response: "They look like a cross between cellular activity and press-on nails." There's definitely something of the micro and the macro in them, something of the abstract and the more literal or concrete, something of the contemplative and the more lighthearted.
I was Melina's assistant in the creation of these tiles. I don't know what it says about me, but there is nothing quite so exhilarating as smashing beautiful glass to ever smaller bits with a hammer. That's where we started. Making fused glass with Melina is really physical. It's a kind of drawing that she does, she has an idea of the design, but the picture is really created in response to the material in hand and how it happens to land into the design when she pours it. What's so interesting about the smash-up is how beautiful the broken pieces are at every stage of the crushing--this is metaphorical material for a poet!--I didn't want to lose a single little fragment, they looked like jewels the smaller they got. It was really something new for me, not being afraid of shards of broken glass, which has been my engagement with broken glass until now.
And then, how Melina makes the pieces fall is just really gorgeous to watch. The tiles that were laid out to be put in the kiln were insanely detailed, piles of minute pieces of glass, held together delicately by their own weight and a little glue. It was a really delicate process getting them into the kiln one at a time. That was my job. The pre-kiln image was an entirely other universe than the
fused works that ultimately came out. I feel like Melina made two pieces. It's the end piece that she has in mind, but to get there, there's this interim stage that's pretty breathtaking too. I think the excitement of the unexpected permeates Melina's process. And I think and hope that that will be the spirit of the evening at Gardiner, as the piece becomes other pieces once people step up to the table.
This year, we are partnering with the Gardiner Museum
and the Humber School of Creative and Performing Arts to present a joint project called
Future City – an imaginary public square of a future Toronto, if it were run by artists. In this future city, your civic responsibility is to give a little art in order to get a little art.
In DD’s corner of the City is “Nice Bumping Into You,” co-created by spoken word artists Heather Hermant and glass artist Melina Young, and we asked them explain the installation in their own words. Here is part two of a three-part interview we’ll be posting this week.
DD: How did you make the glass tiles? What was the experience like?
Melina: We had lots of fun making the tiles. I had a basic design in mind that would represent meeting,gathering, exchange. We wanted it to be full of colour so that people would want to play, with colour, with the image, with the text and with the glass itself. I approach glass as a plastic medium and always create by feel. The scale, the shapes and images are as organic as the process. The approximately hundred tiles assembled make up an image of a kind of cell measuring about ten square feet.
Heather: Melina's work is really organic. In the process and in the outcome. The works are really flowing, you feel the life in them. Most people who have responded to the glass tiles for Nice Bumping Into You so far haven't gotten beyond the wow factor in concrete words. But my sister did and I love her response: "They look like a cross between cellular activity and press-on nails." There's definitely something of the micro and the macro in them, something of the abstract and the more literal or concrete, something of the contemplative and the more lighthearted.
I was Melina's assistant in the creation of these tiles. I don't know what it says about me, but there is nothing quite so exhilarating as smashing beautiful glass to ever smaller bits with a hammer. That's where we started. Making fused glass with Melina is really physical. It's a kind of drawing that she does, she has an idea of the design, but the picture is really created in response to the material in hand and how it happens to land into the design when she pours it. What's so interesting about the smash-up is how beautiful the broken pieces are at every stage of the crushing--this is metaphorical material for a poet!--I didn't want to lose a single little fragment, they looked like jewels the smaller they got. It was really something new for me, not being afraid of shards of broken glass, which has been my engagement with broken glass until now.
And then, how Melina makes the pieces fall is just really gorgeous to watch. The tiles that were laid out to be put in the kiln were insanely detailed, piles of minute pieces of glass, held together delicately by their own weight and a little glue. It was a really delicate process getting them into the kiln one at a time. That was my job. The pre-kiln image was an entirely other universe than the
fused works that ultimately came out. I feel like Melina made two pieces. It's the end piece that she has in mind, but to get there, there's this interim stage that's pretty breathtaking too. I think the excitement of the unexpected permeates Melina's process. And I think and hope that that will be the spirit of the evening at Gardiner, as the piece becomes other pieces once people step up to the table.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
"Nice Bumping Into You”: Future City at Scotiabank Nuit Blanche - Part I
On Saturday, October 2, Diaspora Dialogues is gearing up for another all-night-long, twelve-hour, caffeine-fuelled annual art extravaganza – otherwise known as Scotiabank Nuit Blanche.
This year, we are partnering with the Gardiner Museum
and the Humber School of Creative and Performing Arts to present a joint project called
Future City – an imaginary public square of a future Toronto, if it were run by artists. In this future city, your civic responsibility is to give a little art in order to get a little art.
In DD’s corner of the City is “Nice Bumping Into You,” co-created by spoken word artists Heather Hermant and glass artist Melina Young, and we asked them explain the installation in their own words.
Here is part one of a three-part interview we’ll be posting this week.
DD: Explain what you will be doing at Scotiabank Nuit Blanche.
Heather: Melina Young and I have created a poetry performance fused glass installation piece called "Nice Bumping Into You". I know, "poetry performance fused glass installation"? That's a mouthful. DD had proposed the idea of "give a poem-take a poem" as an exchange with participants. So I was thinking about how to think outside of the expected from that idea. I was imagining the Gardiner Museum, the presence of precious tactile objects in glass cases throughout the building, and
also about the presence of windows, up the stairwells and especially on the third floor. Glass seemed like a perfect medium for the venue. So together with Melina Young, we came up with the idea of a light table dining room place of gathering, with fused glass tiles as the medium of exchange for words, for conversation. These tiles are inspired by the "post-it note".
Post-it notes are little portable containers for memory, for quick thoughts, pieces of a larger puzzle that can be easily moved around to complete an idea. Post-it notes are disposable, crushable in an easy way. But the fused glass incarnations that Melina has made are gorgeous, glowing, vibrant objects that are very tactile, verging on three-dimensional and very inviting of touch. There are about one hundred of these tiles, which though they appear really precious are actually really sturdy, not fragile, and together they compose a single image that's about ten square feet.
When you add handwritten text onto the tiles with marker, in response to the tiles themselves, in response to the room, to the experience of the city that evening, to the people at the table with you, there's a whole other layer of puzzle to be mixed and remixed, so that the image takes on whole new dimensions and ceases to be what it started out as. There will be a lot of markers available, and the text is erasable, so the experience that is being tracked, the relationships and thoughts and exchanges recorded in the moment, all of it is ephemeral, subject to uncertainty.
There are yet two more components to this installation. First, the activity on the table will be videoed from above, and projected, rendering the activity--the hands, the text, the tiles--as a kind of moving painting, like a blurry reflection of colour in a pool of water as an instant record of performance. And then there's the more obvious kind of performance. There's me the commissioned spoken word artist, and my job that night as a poet is to undertake a collaborative poetry marathon within this installation. I'll have spent a good while responding to the tiles myself in the lead-up to Nuit Blanche, and so I'll have a body of spoken word already created. The night of, I'll facilitate, in a way, the ever-changing gathering of people at the table in the hope that I can foster potential collaborations for short impromptu performances at intervals over the course of the evening, with the material the table generates as the source of the performances, and with participants and myself as performers.
This year, we are partnering with the Gardiner Museum
and the Humber School of Creative and Performing Arts to present a joint project called
Future City – an imaginary public square of a future Toronto, if it were run by artists. In this future city, your civic responsibility is to give a little art in order to get a little art.
In DD’s corner of the City is “Nice Bumping Into You,” co-created by spoken word artists Heather Hermant and glass artist Melina Young, and we asked them explain the installation in their own words.
Here is part one of a three-part interview we’ll be posting this week.
DD: Explain what you will be doing at Scotiabank Nuit Blanche.
Heather: Melina Young and I have created a poetry performance fused glass installation piece called "Nice Bumping Into You". I know, "poetry performance fused glass installation"? That's a mouthful. DD had proposed the idea of "give a poem-take a poem" as an exchange with participants. So I was thinking about how to think outside of the expected from that idea. I was imagining the Gardiner Museum, the presence of precious tactile objects in glass cases throughout the building, and
also about the presence of windows, up the stairwells and especially on the third floor. Glass seemed like a perfect medium for the venue. So together with Melina Young, we came up with the idea of a light table dining room place of gathering, with fused glass tiles as the medium of exchange for words, for conversation. These tiles are inspired by the "post-it note".
Post-it notes are little portable containers for memory, for quick thoughts, pieces of a larger puzzle that can be easily moved around to complete an idea. Post-it notes are disposable, crushable in an easy way. But the fused glass incarnations that Melina has made are gorgeous, glowing, vibrant objects that are very tactile, verging on three-dimensional and very inviting of touch. There are about one hundred of these tiles, which though they appear really precious are actually really sturdy, not fragile, and together they compose a single image that's about ten square feet.
When you add handwritten text onto the tiles with marker, in response to the tiles themselves, in response to the room, to the experience of the city that evening, to the people at the table with you, there's a whole other layer of puzzle to be mixed and remixed, so that the image takes on whole new dimensions and ceases to be what it started out as. There will be a lot of markers available, and the text is erasable, so the experience that is being tracked, the relationships and thoughts and exchanges recorded in the moment, all of it is ephemeral, subject to uncertainty.
There are yet two more components to this installation. First, the activity on the table will be videoed from above, and projected, rendering the activity--the hands, the text, the tiles--as a kind of moving painting, like a blurry reflection of colour in a pool of water as an instant record of performance. And then there's the more obvious kind of performance. There's me the commissioned spoken word artist, and my job that night as a poet is to undertake a collaborative poetry marathon within this installation. I'll have spent a good while responding to the tiles myself in the lead-up to Nuit Blanche, and so I'll have a body of spoken word already created. The night of, I'll facilitate, in a way, the ever-changing gathering of people at the table in the hope that I can foster potential collaborations for short impromptu performances at intervals over the course of the evening, with the material the table generates as the source of the performances, and with participants and myself as performers.
Monday, September 27, 2010
THIS WEEK IN TORONTO - SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 3
1) Ehrenworth and Uppal art exhibit continues through October 3rd.
Curse. Sleep. (That's The Thing About Trouble) features haunting photographs and audio works by Daniel Ehrenworth accompanied by poetic texts written by Priscila Uppal, who is a former poetry mentor at Diaspora Dialogues.
When: September 9 - October 3, 2010
Where: One 800 Gallery, 800 Dundas St. West
2) TOMORROW!! September 28, join Dawn Promislow, a Diaspora Dialgoues emerging writer in 2009 and published in TOK 5, for the launch of her colloection of short stories, Jewels, and Other Stories.
When: September 28, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Type Books, 883 Queen St. West
For more about the book and the launch visit the publisher's website
3) Thursday, September 30
Filmi South Asian Film Festival
4) Thursday September 30, join Pradeep Solanki, Disapora Dialogues 2010 emerging writer in fiction, and other writers for the launch of Issue 10 of Echolocation, the literary magazine for graduate students at the University of Toronto.
When: Thursday, September 30th, 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Arbor Room, Hart House
(Hart House is located on the St. George Campus of the University of Toronto, just east of University College.)
To find out more about Echolocation, visit their website
5) The Toronto arts event that translates into English as 'Stay up all night: Nuit Blanche
When: October 2, 6:57 p.m. to October 3, sunrise.
Where: in different locations acorss the heart of downtown Toronto.
Check out the details of Diaspora Dialogues' Future City
Curse. Sleep. (That's The Thing About Trouble) features haunting photographs and audio works by Daniel Ehrenworth accompanied by poetic texts written by Priscila Uppal, who is a former poetry mentor at Diaspora Dialogues.
When: September 9 - October 3, 2010
Where: One 800 Gallery, 800 Dundas St. West
2) TOMORROW!! September 28, join Dawn Promislow, a Diaspora Dialgoues emerging writer in 2009 and published in TOK 5, for the launch of her colloection of short stories, Jewels, and Other Stories.
When: September 28, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Type Books, 883 Queen St. West
For more about the book and the launch visit the publisher's website
3) Thursday, September 30
Filmi South Asian Film Festival
4) Thursday September 30, join Pradeep Solanki, Disapora Dialogues 2010 emerging writer in fiction, and other writers for the launch of Issue 10 of Echolocation, the literary magazine for graduate students at the University of Toronto.
When: Thursday, September 30th, 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Arbor Room, Hart House
(Hart House is located on the St. George Campus of the University of Toronto, just east of University College.)
To find out more about Echolocation, visit their website
5) The Toronto arts event that translates into English as 'Stay up all night: Nuit Blanche
When: October 2, 6:57 p.m. to October 3, sunrise.
Where: in different locations acorss the heart of downtown Toronto.
Check out the details of Diaspora Dialogues' Future City
Friday, September 24, 2010
MAHLIKAH AWERI: Diaspora Dialogues Emerging Artist in Poetry 2010
I am who I am
I b who I b
The one angelheart
Mahlikah Aweri
I follow that ancient afro-native prophecy
All Things Must Be Shaken
I am that child of corn
Taken sometimes forsaken
Left out of our forefather’s will
Instead of inheriting the earth
I received hand me downs
Societal ills and like oil
The blood of my people still spills
Flooding sound waves
Polyphonic/Stetsasonic/Reverberations
Breaking the colonial sound barrier at the speed of light
I am a Red Slam Collective member
We create Spoken Lyricism Arranging Meaning
We fight the good fight
Am I a spoken word success
Or Toronto Poetry SLAM Semi-Final sacrifice?
Are my words truly a beacon of light?
Life is soooo precious
Sooo precious to me
So I celebrate my 3 seeds constantly
My motherhood
Mothered in the hood
I be a testament that good can come from the hood
Sometimes I feel completely misunderstood
Cuz I grew up in the Meeting Place
My Roots are Atlantic Shores etched in my Mig’Maw eyes
Haudenosaunee false face
I write
I write rhymes
I write lessons for the youth
I write poetic truths
I write hip hop so I can write the blues
I write proposals for change
I write courses for immigrant and newcomer women to become engaged
I write and I speak
I speak and I am spoken
Vocalizing matrixities cuz I am the one who was chosen
Dramatist
Dancer
Teacher
Cultural Arts Facilitator
Herbal Healer
8 bar metaphorical syllabetic beat dealer
Turtle Truth Rooted
Never Convoluted
Blk Star Shinning
Rizin’ Red Sun
My Endz never split
My Endz are never done
I am who I am
I b who I b
The one angelheart
Mahlikah Aweri
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Word On The Street 2010
by JULIA CHAN
Thus begins our countdown to another year at The Word On The Street – our fifth, to be exact! We love being part of WOTS, not only because the people who run the show there are lovely to work with, but also because we love being part of the energy and vibe of the day where so many people come out to celebrate their love of books.
This year we really wanted to do something a bit out of the ordinary, something that would give our writers and our audiences a new way of connecting with each other. We’d seen from the successes of some of our past events that breaking down the “fourth wall,” so to speak, between writer and reader could be so rewarding and invigorating – and the wide open space that is Queen’s Park seemed to be begging us to take advantage of it.
An intense brainstorming session finally yielded the concept of a scavenger hunt – send people on a search, with a checklist of clues, to seek out writers for one-on-one readings, poets for original pieces of poetry, hidden boxes for literary quotations, and all manner of literary oddities.
We’ve got all kinds of writers and poets up our sleeve – you’ll be able to get readings from Marianne Apostolides, Anthony De Sa, Farzana Doctor, Michael Fraser, Kyle Greenwood, Dawn Promislow and Priscila Uppal. You can get your very own poems from Chelsea Gamble, Aisha Sasha John, Marge Lam, and Ian Malczewski. And you can join Shawn Micallef for a guided psychogeographic walk around the Queen’s Park neighbourhood.
For those of you eager to get a jump on the hunt, we’ll be posting the checklist ahead of time on our website as of September 24. For everyone else, just stop by our tent that day and pick one up.
And don’t worry – there will be plenty of prizes for your efforts. Visit our website for details.
See you there!
THIS WEEK IN TORONTO - SEPTEMBER 20 - 26
1) TONIGHT!! The launch of the anthology, Canadian Voices, Volume Two, edited by Jasmine d'Costa
When: Monday, September 20th, 6:30 p.m. to 9:99 p.m.
Where: Supermarket Art Bar, 268 Augusta Avenue
Click here for a review of Canadian Voices, Volume One
2) Ehrenworth and Uppal art exhibit continues through October 3rd.
Curse. Sleep. (That's The Thing About Trouble) features haunting photographs and audio works by Daniel Ehrenworth accompanied by poetic texts written by Priscila Uppal, who is a former poetry mentor at Diaspora Dialogues.
When: September 9 - October 3, 2010
Where: One 800 Gallery, 800 Dundas St. West.
3) Book launch of Sheniz Janmohamed's Bleeding Light.
When: Friday, September 24th, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Beit Zatoun House, 612 Markham Street
Visit the publisher's website for full details.
4) Rasik Arts is proud to be part of the Culture Days movement with thousands of other organizations and communities across Canada that believe in promoting cultural participation to the public by bringing a participatory staged reading of Habib Tanvir's masterpiece, Charandas Chor [Charandas the Thief] in English, and some audience members may have to fill in the parts!
Charandas, the thief, is a Robin Hood-like figure who is a very successful thief, but has one problem--he cannot tell a lie! Based on a popular folk hero, this rambunctious comedy is a satire on greed on all levels of society.
Come hear this legendary piece - and if you're adventurous, come early (6:30pm) to help us fill in the cast. Featured readers are: Amish Patel, Dinesh Sachdev, Nisha Ahuja, Paloma Nunez, Anita Elisha, Lorne Hiro, David Fujino, Ishwar Mooljee, Ali Rizvi Badshad, Ash Knight, and ???? (warning - some coarse language).
Admission is free.
When: Friday, September 24th, 7 p.m. (arrive by 6:30 to sign up to read a part)
Where: Palmerston Library Theatre, 560 Palmerston Ave.
5) And, finally this week, the literary event in Toronto that needs no introduciton: The Word on the Street.
When: Sunday, September 26th, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: Queen's Park, 111 Wellesley Street W.
Check out the details of Diaspora Dialogues' Literary Scavenger Hunt (among other upcoming DD events).
When: Monday, September 20th, 6:30 p.m. to 9:99 p.m.
Where: Supermarket Art Bar, 268 Augusta Avenue
Click here for a review of Canadian Voices, Volume One
2) Ehrenworth and Uppal art exhibit continues through October 3rd.
Curse. Sleep. (That's The Thing About Trouble) features haunting photographs and audio works by Daniel Ehrenworth accompanied by poetic texts written by Priscila Uppal, who is a former poetry mentor at Diaspora Dialogues.
When: September 9 - October 3, 2010
Where: One 800 Gallery, 800 Dundas St. West.
3) Book launch of Sheniz Janmohamed's Bleeding Light.
When: Friday, September 24th, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Beit Zatoun House, 612 Markham Street
Visit the publisher's website for full details.
4) Rasik Arts is proud to be part of the Culture Days movement with thousands of other organizations and communities across Canada that believe in promoting cultural participation to the public by bringing a participatory staged reading of Habib Tanvir's masterpiece, Charandas Chor [Charandas the Thief] in English, and some audience members may have to fill in the parts!
Charandas, the thief, is a Robin Hood-like figure who is a very successful thief, but has one problem--he cannot tell a lie! Based on a popular folk hero, this rambunctious comedy is a satire on greed on all levels of society.
Come hear this legendary piece - and if you're adventurous, come early (6:30pm) to help us fill in the cast. Featured readers are: Amish Patel, Dinesh Sachdev, Nisha Ahuja, Paloma Nunez, Anita Elisha, Lorne Hiro, David Fujino, Ishwar Mooljee, Ali Rizvi Badshad, Ash Knight, and ???? (warning - some coarse language).
Admission is free.
When: Friday, September 24th, 7 p.m. (arrive by 6:30 to sign up to read a part)
Where: Palmerston Library Theatre, 560 Palmerston Ave.
5) And, finally this week, the literary event in Toronto that needs no introduciton: The Word on the Street.
When: Sunday, September 26th, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: Queen's Park, 111 Wellesley Street W.
Check out the details of Diaspora Dialogues' Literary Scavenger Hunt (among other upcoming DD events).
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