Gian has been a contributor to MoT since June 2013. Other than a couple of theatre history electives in university, Gian’s main theatre experiences date back to his childhood days when he would accompany his parents to shows at the Elgin Theatre or Princess of Wales Theatre. His fondest memory is seeing Les Mis as a child and being in awe of the larger-than-life costumes and musical numbers. When seeing a show, he loves pieces that come from a sincere place of truth – that tell a heartfelt story. During the day, he’s a Toronto Copywriter and Search Marketing Specialist. You can connect with him on both LinkedIn and Twitter. Twitter: @gian_verano
Classic English lit styles combine with sublime off-the-cuff improv in a hilarious kick-off to The Impulse Festival
They are the esoteric and the random, the witty and the poignant. Hailing all the way from London, The School of Night is a hilarious comedy troupe that employs various literary styles and devices to entertain all those who would listen to their phantasmagorical tales. And last night, three of its members performed one of the opening shows (of the same name) at the first ever Impulse festival.
This was improv at its finest. Effortlessly combining Chaucerian dialect, iambic pentameter and Shakespearian prose, the three performers commanded the stage and incited a steady flow of laughter from the audience. What’s more, the night was as educational as it was entertaining.
This year’s festival plays host to 8 troupes, hailing from 7 countries. They’ll be performing 16 shows, 15 workshops as well as Christmas at Choke-Poke Toys – a 55-hour improvised soap opera marathon.
And true to its name, the Impulse Festival will be a celebration of whatever thoughts and impulses come to the performers’ minds.
Ballet Creole transforms Handel’s Messiah into a vibrant dance production at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre
Well folks, it’s that time of year again. That wonderful time when the city is aglow with festive decorations and holiday cheer. Since 2002, Soulful Messiah – a Ballet Creole production – has been a Christmas staple for many of Toronto’s dance aficionados.
Exceptionally performed and written, The Sacrifice Zone is playing at Toronto’s Factory Theatre
It has often been said that in the face of adversity, there are only two courses of action a person may take: fight or flight. The Sacrifice Zone, now playing at the Factory Theatre, examines the fallout experienced by one community in the wake of a tragic industrial accident.
