Five for Twenty (Or Less)

Are you tired of chocolate and flowers? Is the “holiday” season a little too pink and red for you? Has romance – or lack there of – got you down? If the approaching Valentine’s Day is not for you, this week’s cheap theatre selections might be. Take a break from all the love being made this week with a show about clinical depression, or freed slaves, or alcoholic poets. Maybe not very uplifting, sure, but guaranteed to take your mind off February’s patron Saint of courtship.

3 Desis And A Diva by Jenny Alexander (Magnila Media/Orange Shot Productions). A scholar and his alcoholic poet cousin discuss family issues, the creative process and what it means to be a first-generation Canadian. Opens Feb 14 and runs to Mar 10. $15-$20. Winchester Kitchen & Bar, 51A Winchester. 3desisandadiva.com.

4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane (Necessary Angel Theatre Company). This freeform piece provides a stark look behind the veil of severe clinical depression. Previews Feb 11-13. Opens Feb 14 and runs to Feb 23. $25-$38, previews $10-$15, Feb 18 pwyc. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, necessaryangel.com.

In Vino Veritas by Teige Reid (Pubcrawl Theatre). Reid performs a monologue show about the twists of fate that haunt the denizens of a small pub. Oct 19 at 7 pm. Nov 16 at 7 pm. Dec 14 at 7 pm. Jan 18 at 7 pm. Feb 15 at 7 pm. Mar 22 at 7 pm. Apr 19 at 7 pm. May 17 at 7 pm. $20. Fox & Fiddle, 27 Wellesley E. pubcrawltheatre.com.

The Best Of The Second City presents classic and original sketch and trademark improvisation. Opens Feb 1 and runs to Feb 25. $14. Second City, 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

The Power Of Harriet T! by Michael Miller (Young People’s Theatre). Harriet Tubman helps black Americans escape to Canada in the 1800s in this historical play for ages 8-15. Previews Feb 4-6. Opens Feb 7 and runs to Feb 22. $15-$20. 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.