The Week in Review: December 3

TIFF NAMES TOP CANADIAN FILMS OF 2012

A jury assembled by the Toronto International Film Festival has released a list of Top 10 Canadian Films of 2012, ranging from art house, independent documentaries, to commercial comedies. Works include Deepa Metha’s adaptation of Salman Rushdie’s novel Midnight’s Children, Cosmopolis by David Cronenberg, and even Goon – the feel-good, gentle comedy that belies its name.

KEN GASS RELAUNCHES REP THEATRE IN TORONTO

Ken Gass, Toronto theatre director and former Factory Theatre artistic director, announced he will relaunch his Canadian Rep Theatre company, first established in the 80s.

In the next season, he will mount plays pulled from the Factory Theatre’s roster during a boycott protesting Gass’ firing following his dispute with the Board of Directors. Featured plays include the English-language premiere of Pacamambo and the Canadian premiere of George F. Walker’s Dead Metaphor. 

SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE BUILDS NEW INDOOR THEATRE

One of the most celebrated outdoor theatres in the world, Shakespeare’s Globe, unveiled details of a new indoor venue to accompany the Elizabethan-style theatre on the south bank of the Thames. Based on 17th-century plans, The Sam Wanamaker Theatre will host candlelit performances of classic plays by the Bard and others. Due to open in January 2014, the plans will enable the Globe to hold year-round performances for the very first time.

Even Prospero can't stop theatregoers from enjoying the Globe's offerings, with a new indoor theatre in 2014.

GET SNIFFING: SMELL INCREASES CREATIVITY

This time of year – with abounding aromas of fir trees, cinnamon, mulled wine, and candy – you should be at your most creative. At least, that’s what a research team at the Radboud University Behavioural Science Institute in the Netherlands have suggested, with their study that suggests creativity can be enhanced by sleep… and an evocative scent.

CANADIAN THEATRE'S FINEST BRING POSTWAR VANCOUVER BACK TO LIFE

A “dream team” of collaborators will bring postwar Vancouver, and its lost architecture, back to life on stage with cutting-edge CGI technology.

Toronto’s Canadian Stage revealed the thriller, Helen Lawrence, will be developed by Stan Douglas – the West Coast installation artist, Chris Haddock – creator of Da Vinci’s Inquest and Kim Colliier – Canadian Stage associate artist and Artistic Director of Vancouver’s own Electric Company Theatre.

The project will debut in Toronto before embarking on a Europe-wide tour in March 2014.

Categories: MPMG