I always find it interesting how our expectations affect our enjoyment of a play. After hearing about Praxis Theatre’s Underneath, currently playing in the Factory Theatre Mainspace as part of the Summerworks Festival, I walked in nervously expecting a brutal, unforgiving look at postwar Kosovo. The subject matter alone had the potential to leave one feeling disturbed and guilty. And yet, upon leaving the theatre, I felt oddly detached from what I had just seen.
Despite the threat of rain, leashless dogs running wild and the ever-present complications of a city strike, Driftwood Theatre persevered. They have pushed through all of these obstacles to perform a production of King Lear, currently playing in Trinity Bellwoods Park.
Last night I had planned a fun-filled evening with my laundry, and suddenly found out last minute that there were tickets available to the Just For Laughs All-star Gala event at Massey Hall, just one of many events going on for the Just For Laughs Toronto Festival this week. Normally I hate to rush, but having grown up watching and loving Just for Laughs on television I couldn’t resist trying. After a lot of running and a talk with a very helpful and forgiving festival employee, I finally managed to get in with about two minutes to spare. And I can safely say it was well worth the effort.
