Ottawa FRINGE highlights

Queer plays at the Fringe Festival

Ten days of theatre bliss

The Ottawa Fringe Festival promises to turn Ottawa upside down with plays, poetry and performances from Canadians whose art embraces the world outside of mainstream theatre. For 10 days, from June 16 to 28, theatre-lovers can pick and choose works that suit their sensibilities. Once again, queer theatre is highlighted in the program — from solo pieces Falling Open and Fucking Stephen Harper to Moonfleece, a drama that tackles the angst of today’s youth.

Falling Open

Luna Allison, a queer Ottawa spoken-word artist, will debut her play Falling Open. Written and performed by Allison, Falling Open is the story of one family?s encounter with sexual abuse, told through the eyes of a doll. This show will be presented in an intimate venue — the author’s own apartment.

Falling Open by Luna Allison

Luna’s place
June 21-25
$10

Moonfleece

Moonfleece, a drama presented by Senior Acting?s Company (Ottawa School of Speech and Drama) centres on the story of Curtis, who lost his brother many years earlier. Haunted by his brother’s ghost, Curtis learns through a botched séance that his brother was gay and was forced into hiding because their stepfather refused to accept him for who he was.

Moonfleece by Phillip Ridley

Studio 311, University of Ottawa
June 17-26
$10

Keep Reading

John Early in Maddie's Secret holding two jars above an open box

‘Maddie’s Secret’ is the movie about eating disorders we need

John Early’s pastiche of after-school specials mixes belly laughs with gut punches. It’s a rare masterwork
Van Goth

Van Goth made ‘Canada’s Drag Race’ look easy. But victory has a price

The drag phenom’s run complicated our idea of what a reality TV villain could be. She tells Xtra about clawing her way to the top—and her fight for what comes next
The cover of Charity and Sylvia

‘Charity and Sylvia’ beautifully illustrates a real-life 19th-century lesbian couple

Tillie Walden’s new graphic novel tracks the true story of Charity Bryant and Sylvia Drake’s decades-long New England romance
Portland Fire guard Bridget Carleton (6) drives against Toronto Tempo forward Nyara Sabally (8).

The Toronto Tempo are a much-needed source of hope and connection for Canada’s queer community

Women’s sports are booming in North America. Canada’s first WNBA team is meeting the moment
Advertisement