Out in Toronto: March 31-April 6, 2016

Choice events in the city this week


Thursday, March 31

The Judas Kiss

Why did Oscar Wilde allow himself to be arrested and charged (which would eventually lead to his death) rather than flee the country? This is the North American premiere of a new play about Wilde’s time at the Cadogan Hotel and the period after his release from prison. It features Rupert Everett and Charlie Rowe.

Runs until Sunday, May 1, various showtimes. The Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria St. mirvish.com

Fragments

A collective art show exploring connections between people and the city. One featured artist in particular, Mexican-born Victor Vazquez, explores the idea of how contemporary gay males connect in Toronto. Features several subjects shown in different types of media.

Runs until Sunday, April 3, Various times. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge St. tocentre.com

Friday, April 1

V is for Variety

The Flying Beaver Pubaret may be a smouldering crater, but Maggie Cassella is still as plucky as ever. She brings her knack for putting together cabaret-style performances to the local queer theatre. Hosted by Cassella, tonight’s offering includes Shannon McDonough, the comedy stylings of Aisha Brown and the music of Jennifer Walls.

9pm. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. buddiesinbadtimes.com

Saturday, April 2

Ten Oaks Project 2016 Acorn Prance

The fundraiser with the very silly name is back. The Ten Oaks Project holds its 3rd annual benefit, which is a dance-a-thon with challenges, fun costumes and prizes. Proceeds go to the organization’s programs for young people who are queer or from queer families of communities. This year’s goal is $20,000. People of all ages and skill levels are welcome.

1pm. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Sunday, April 3

Ryan G Hinds’ Say Grace: The Music of Grace Jones

Of course Ryan G Hinds is doing a tribute to Grace Jones. In his fifth show as The Buddies in Bad Times cabaret artist-in-residence, Hinds gives a night of story-telling, introspection and performances of re-worked versions of the glamazon art star’s hits. It includes “Slave to the Rhythm,” “Nightclubbing,” La Vie En Rose” and “Libertango/I’ve Seen that Face Before.”

 

8pm. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. buddiesinbadtimes.com

Wednesday, April 6

Sport, Sex and Identity

Olympic gold medalist Mark Tewksbury is MC at a symposium on how sports can act as a platform for promoting human rights and breaking down barriers. The event is hosted by University of Toronto and its faculty of kinesiology and physical education. The keynote speaker is Bruce Kidd.

7 and 9pm. Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles St W. sport-sex-identity.eventbrite.ca

Embodied

The bookshop launches a new life drawing event, where a lot of perfectly innocent people draw some other people naked. Because art. The various sessions will feature people of all gender identities. Artists must bring their own materials for this 2-hour session (with breaks).

7pm. Glad Day Bookshop, 598 Yonge St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Inside Out Four-Play Screening Series: Viva

Jesus is a young hairdresser working at a Havana nightclub that showcases drag performers. He dreams of becoming a performer himself, and with the encouragement of his mentor, Mama, he goes for it. The arrival of his estranged father confuses things. This is a screening of a 2015 film from executive producer Benicio Del Toro.

7:30pm. TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St W. insideout.ca

(For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events)

Jeremy Willard is a Toronto-based freelance writer and editor. He's written for Fab Magazine, Daily Xtra and the Torontoist. He generally writes about the arts, local news and queer history (in History Boys, the Daily Xtra column that he shares with Michael Lyons).

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