All posts by Jess Gillis

Jess is an East coast transplant to Toronto who stumbled into her love of theatre via her social media gig at Ballyhoo Push Pin Media, and stumbled into review writing via an open call to cover the 2015 Fringe Festival for MoT. In addition to writing for MoT, she also blogs about dating, white supremacy, fat politics, theatre, graphic design, and sex at thejessgillis.blogspot.com. She’s a self-taught freelance graphic designer by trade, and a visual artist by passion. She sells and displays her wares at jessgillis.com. She’s passionate about laughter, anti-oppression, sex workers’ rights, body positivity, vegan food, cycling, good TV, and swimming. If you want to follow her foodie, nail art, and pet sitting posts, you can follow her on Instagram and Twitter @TheJessGillis

Review: We Are Proud to Present … (The Theatre Centre)

Photo of Marcel Stewart in WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT... by Dahlia KatzToronto’s Theatre Centre’s play We Are Proud to Present … pushes boundaries, unsettles

I’ve just returned from seeing Why Not Theatre‘s We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as Southwest Africa, From the German Sudwestafrika, Between the Years 1884-1915, playing at The Theatre Centre.

It’s a story about a group of actors uncovering truths about the Namibian genocide – and themselves – during stage rehearsals. Over two hours later and I’m still processing what I saw and heard. And I mean that in a good way.  Continue reading Review: We Are Proud to Present … (The Theatre Centre)

Review: Finding Funny (You and Me Entertainment)

Photo of Daniel Stolfi in Finding Funny

Daniel Stolfi’s Finding Funny is leaving Toronto audiences in stitches

You and Me Entertainment‘s one-man show, Finding Funny, is about a man (played by Daniel Stolfi) who feels he’s lost his comedic mojo and embarks on a journey to find it. It definitely found my funny bone tonight at Bad Dog Theatre. I’d wager a bet that if I said that in front of Stolfi, he’d answer “that’s what she said!”

Continue reading Review: Finding Funny (You and Me Entertainment)

Review: They Say He Fell (Pandemic Theatre)

Photo left to right: Maxine Heppner, Christopher Stanton, Tom Arthur-Davis, Virgilia Griffiths, and Stephen Bush in They Say He Fell. Photo Credit: John Lauener

Pandemic Theatre presents They Say He Fell playing at the Passe Muraille in Toronto

Pandemic Theatre’s They Say He Fell, a play based on Nir Bareket’s memories of early post-colonial 1940s Palestine — playing at the Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace — made for a lovely discussion over half-priced burgers at The Epicure Cafe (courtesy of the coupon on TPM ticket stubs).

While quickly skimming through the haunting and beautiful photos in the complimentary book My Eyes Have Seen – which my companion, Betsy, and I both received at the box office – we realized something: neither of us could think of one negative thing about this show.

Continue reading Review: They Say He Fell (Pandemic Theatre)

Review: What Happened to the Seeker/Intimacy With A Thousand Things (STO Union)

What Happened to the Seeker, photo by Eric FruhaufThe Theatre Centre, where I just returned from STO/Union‘s “What Happened To The Seeker/Intimacy With A Thousand Things”  (and where I also enjoyed “Monday Nights”) seems to be conducive to dynamic, engaging, and unique experiences.

The “performance triptych” about a middle-aged, middle class woman – the child of 60’s era “seekers” (what some might call hippies) – on her own spiritual quest was part exhibit, part theatre, part performance art, and part film. Unfortunately, I also found it part problematic. More on that later.

Continue reading Review: What Happened to the Seeker/Intimacy With A Thousand Things (STO Union)

Preview: Toronto Monologue Slam – TIFF Edition (Toronto Monologue Slam)

image

Launched in December 2011, the Toronto Monologue Slam is one of Canada’s largest acting showcases, where local actors deliver intimate, entertaining monologues and compete for the coveted Heavy Weight Champ title belt.

The Toronto Monologue Slam – TIFF Edition, happening on September 20th at Round Venue, gives participants a great chance to showcase their talents, hone their skills – including improvisation for those who reach round two – and network with producers, casting directors, and other actors. This event also gives audiences a chance to see electrifying, live performances.

Co-founder and executive producer Andre Newell answered a few questions about the event: Continue reading Preview: Toronto Monologue Slam – TIFF Edition (Toronto Monologue Slam)