The 31st annual RHUBARB Festival is happening over the next three weeks at the Buddies In Bad Times Theatre here in Toronto. It is known as an experimental or contemporary theatre festival. What does that mean? It means that you are going to see some cool new performance pieces on stage. Outside of that, I think anything goes. Definitely a fitting venue for a first date if you are looking for something to talk about while you sip on drinks afterwards. I have never attended Rhubarb, so I am not exactly sure what I am in for. Here are a few excerpts from the festivals press release that should help you out.
*Rhubarb is more than a new play festival; it is a singular site for adventure-loving audiences to experience contemporary theatre in its most unrestrained state.*
*Art is disruptive, risky and dangerous. It is also what shapes our world.*
*At Rhubarb, we allow the artist and the idea to be the centre.*
TICKETS Evening Pass $17, Week Pass $25, Festival Pass $60
Call or visit the Box Office 416-975-8555 Buddies In Bad Times Theatre
Here is a preview of the first week of shows. These shows caught my eyes because they boasted face masturbation, a bathtub striptease, wrestling dynasties fighting for the title, and a live re-enactment of a 2007 Beyonce concert. Really? Awesome.
Tragic Magic 8pm, The Cabaret
Created and performed by Glenn Marla
Tragic Magic, is one tranny’s dark, hilarious exploration of how we interact with our bodies and our past. Glenn’s new work combines text, dance, face masturbation, affirmations, body break ups, glitter, grit and a bathtub striptease, continuing his tradition of visual and theatrical daring.
Dead Wrestlers 8:30pm, Chamber A
Created and directed by Aurora Stewart de Peña and Nika Mistruzzi
Dead Wrestlers charges triumphantly along the path separating two epic Wrestling Dynasties, the Lovers and The Von Spikehorns. Taking place sometime in the fog between 1975 and 1982, these two noble families will fight to the death for the title, shining with body grease, resplendent with sound effects and holding a grudge. Six Wrestlers. Three Belts. One Title. Brought to you by Birdtown and Swanville.
THE NEAL MEDLYN EXPERIENCE LIVE! with Neal Medlyn
One Night Only
FRI, FEB 12, 9:30pm (60min) The Chamber B
A live, faithful re-enactment of Beyonce’s 2007 concert DVD The Beyonce Experience Live! featuring backup dancers, birthday cake, cameos by Destiny’s Child, and box fans to blow Neal’s hair. Presented to great acclaim and sold out crowds at the New Museum for Contemporary Art in New York as well as the TBA Festival in Portland Oregon, Austin’s Fusebox Festival, and will appear at the Warhol Museum 2010.
