Theatre Passe Muraille is pleased to announce the return of #BeyondTO this spring, for the ‘mini festival’s’ second iteration featuring two pieces that explore the breadth of human experience and showcase perspectives rarely seen on stage; CAMILLE: THE STORY by Audrey-Anne Bouchard (Montréal) and SOLILOQUIO (I woke up and hit my head against the wall) by Tiziano Cruz (Argentina). Running at the historic Theatre Passe Muraille building on Ryerson Avenue, #BeyondTO is on stage from May 10th to 18th.

“The first BEYOND TO series was in 2022, sharing works from the UK, Newfoundland and Quebec, at a time when travel was only just beginning again after the pandemic. Our audiences told us that engaging in works that offered such different and specific perspectives, in such diverse forms, were a welcome challenge and provocation to conversation. We are so thrilled to be able to once again offer works from outside of the GTA, with much thanks to Canadian Heritage,” comments Artistic Director Marjorie Chan.

Opening the festival on May 10th is CAMILLE: THE STORY, an immersive performance designed to engage all of the senses—except sight. After his close friend Camille’s departure, Pierre navigates her absence and revisits memories that take shape through movement, smell and sound. Grounded both in the real and the surreal, the story sheds light on Pierre’s emotional journey as he faces the loss of a meaningful friendship and tries to create ties with new people. From Montreal based artist Audrey-Anne Bouchard and her team of collaborators, CAMILLE: THE STORY offers a sensory experience that is accessible to people who are Blind, Low Vision, or sighted. Sighted and Low Vision audience members will be asked to wear a blindfold for the duration of the work. The work will be offered in both English and French versions. Bouchard received the Outstanding Direction award at the 2022 Montreal English Theatre Awards for the piece.

“Camille is a special, gentle experience of friendship and loss with the wholly unique feel of a day in the life of Montreal. Performed for six audience members at a time, the show replicates in theatre form, an intimacy and an interdependency that Disabled communities would easily recognize and offers the opportunity to introduce audience care through theatrical expression,” adds Chan.

Next is SOLILOQUIO on stage May 17 and 18 from Argentinian artist Tiziano Cruz, which will be performed in Spanish with English captions. Beginning with the question “How can you be a migrant in your own territory?” SOLILOQUIO is based on a series of letters creator Tiziano Cruz wrote to his mother in 2020. Reaching her across boundaries of geography and class, Cruz uses the letters as the starting point for a critique of economic, racial and institutional oppression. As an Indigenous artist, he speaks about the suffering his people have endured under a system of white supremacy, examining the role the nation plays in Argentina’s culture of inequality. Using the power of theatre and the precision of language, Cruz poses a difficult question: What does it mean for him to use his body for art in a country where bodies like his are not supposed to exist?

Artistic Producer Indrit Kasapi remarks, “Soliloquio starts with a noisy and fun procession of music and dance leading community to TPM, inviting all to participate. Once seated, we are spell bound by the intensity of the movement and projection work, and the startling realities and inequities of being Indigenous in Argentina.

“Both shows give light to very specific points of view, in very different ways. They give audiences space to encounter new artists, and perspectives. Although the works come from away, they reflect humanity back at us, and tell us more about ourselves.”

On May 21st, Tapestry Opera, in association with Theatre Passe Muraille present IRON CHEF D’ORCHESTRE from Tapestry Associate Artistic Director Jennifer Tung, as she hosts a delicious concert inspired by her 15 years working with Tapestry and her love of culinary creation.

“Melody, rhythm, text, and drama are ingredients that create a memorable performance. In the Iron Chef competition, there’s always a secret ingredient the chefs must use to create their dishes. As a performer, that secret ingredient is our audience. In this show, you will help create a new piece and steer the direction of many of the performances during the show.” says Tung.

On May 22nd, the companies present LE KITCHEN PARTY from Tapestry Associate Artistic Director Juliane Gallant, sharing the warm, infectious music of Acadian traditions. “Nothing says ‘back home’ to me quite like gathering around a kitchen table filled with laughter, music, and the aroma of warm food. Le Kitchen Party brings together Acadian artists from across the Maritimes for an evening of music that has been with us throughout our lives. Join us as we share the joy of collective music-making and storytelling. There is always more space at the table!” says Gallant.

"As we continue our journey of breaking down barriers and venturing into uncharted artistic territories, we are so excited to welcome Tapestry Opera back to TPM after the success of their production HOOK UP, as a part of TPM’s 2018/2019 Season. Through our partnership for IRON CHEF D'ORCHESTRE and LE KITCHEN PARTY, we further underscore our shared commitment to inclusivity and innovation, celebrating Tapestry's rich history of creating original Canadian opera that reflects and reshapes our world. ” comments Michelle Knight, Managing Director, Revenue & Strategy.

TICKETING INFO

CAMILLE: THE STORY

This production is limited to 6 audience members per performance.

How to purchase tickets:

Blind and Low Vision community

TPM will be reaching out to community members to invite them to attend. If you are a member of the Blind and Low Vision community and would like to inquire about tickets please reach out to our box office at 4 1 6-5 0 4-7 5 2 9 or email our Patron Services Manager at ceridwenk@passemuraille.on.ca

Ticket Purchase Lottery

Audiences are invited to register for the opportunity to purchase tickets as they are available. For more information on the lottery, please check our website. You can register for the lottery here.

May10th - 6pm & 8:30pm

May11th -3pm, 6pm, 8:30pm

May 12th - 3pm & 6pm (PERFORMED IN FRENCH)

SOLILOQUIO

Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can-Afford at $15, $40, $65 (including tax and all fees) and are available now online. For more information, please visit passemuraille.ca.

May 17th - 7 pm, May 18th - 7 pm

TAPESTRY OPERA CONCERTS

Single tickets are Pay-What-You-Can-Afford at $25, $45, $65 (including tax and all fees) and are available now online. For more information, please visit: tapestryopera.com

IRON CHEF D’ORCHESTRE - May 21st - 8 pm LE KITCHEN PARTY - May 22nd - 8 pm

All performances are in a Relaxed Environment.