Over the holidays, a show about closeted queer hockey players has transcended boundaries, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Though it means different things to different communities, more broadly, it demonstrates a popular rejection of conventional and toxic masculinities in favour of a desire for genuine love and connection.
This theatre preview is not an “if you loved Heated Rivalry you’ll love…” list but rather one inspired by new ways of looking at the world and connecting with ourselves and each other.
There are some wonderful local winter festivals and reading series that offer new and exciting work without the frenetic energy of the Fringe and other summer festivals.
The Theatre Centre has its Emerging Playwrights Reading series (Jan. 24–25), followed by Tarragon Theatre’s Greenhouse Festival (Jan. 27–31). Buddies in Bad Times Theatre brings its celebration of all things queer with its 47th Rhubarb! Festival.
Soulpepper’s Witch (Jan 29 – March 1) brings the internationally beloved Tantoo Cardinal to the stage, where the devil tries to make a deal with her. Breaking with convention, in this play she might be shadier than the devil himself. Cardinal has been a phenom on the screen for five decades, and it’s a treat to see her on stage.
Finally, for those looking for something to see on Valentine’s Day, there are two shows I have my eye on. First, although not yet formally announced, Opera Revue will be presenting its annual opera and burlesque show. The second is a slightly more conventional show, with Recirquel from Budapest bringing their magical post-apocalyptic circus dance production Paradisum to the Bluma Appel Theatre in the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts (Feb 13–14).