One of the most exciting things about theatre is its power to inspire more than one interpretation of the same story. The shows in this week’s Cheap Theatre list all investigate the idea of reinterpretation. Some play with the traditional genders of characters (and performers) in Shakespearean plays. Others tell the tales of characters reconsidering their lives by taking a walk in another’s shoes. But all of them cost less than $20 a ticket! Nothing deep to interpret there – just Cheap Theatre! See our suggested shows below:
A Clown’s Life (Joey Condello/Alex Lloyd/Roger Galvez). A clown, an agent and a movie star experience life in the professional buffoonery business in this absurd tragicomedy. Jun 12-14, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $15, stu $10. Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse, 79A St George.clowndirectors@gmail.com.
The Deliverance Of Juliet And Her Romeo by Harrison Thomas, Ashleigh Kasaboski and Anne Van Leeuwen (Leroy Street Theatre/Avant Bard Productions). The daughters of rival families try desperately to be together in this adaptation of the Shakespeare play. Opens Jun 11 and runs to Jun 21, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $20-$25. Unit 102, 376 Dufferin. totix.com.
Genderplay: Fun With Dick (And Jane) by JP Larocque (The Cabaret Company/Queer Pride 2014). Reading of Larocque’s play about a man who found love in an unlikely place. Jun 15 at 2 pm. Pwyc. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555,buddiesinbadtimes.com.
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare (16Endean Collective). The classic tragedy is performed by an all-female cast. Previews Jun 11. Opens Jun 12 and runs to Jun 22, Wed-Sat and Mon 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $15, preview pwyc. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, redsandcastletheatre.com.
Unisex’d by Jay Whitehead and Daniel Judes (Theatre Outré/Queer Pride 2014). Two actors fight for the role of Lady Macbeth in 17th century England in this crude dramatic comedy. Jun 13-14 at 8 pm. $20. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.