Today marks night 1 of the inimitable Rhubarb Festival at Buddies in Bad Times theatre. The fest's run since 1979 (so it's older than me!) and it's all about new and innovative works.

Rhubarb has a no review policy, so I'll be checking out a few performances over the next few weeks and focusing on the artists and the audience. I'll (hopefully) find out what the performers are talking about, how they're presenting it, and why.

I'm into the supportive vibe of the festival, which gives the theatre-types the opportunity to overstep some boundaries, push some buttons, and overall do what artists do best - get outside the box dowright bizarre.

There's a new batch of shows each week - you can get a pass for the evening (15$), week (20$), or whole shebang (40$) (or stop in for a late night perf. for a mere 5$ after 10:30) - per night, if you hustle, you can probably catch 4 shows.

Also, in conjunction with Rhubarb, there's the all-new Performance Creation Canada Conference with some truly excellent events/panel discussions this weekend and the Independent Theatre and Dance Trade Forum on the 18th and 19th, where the indie artists among you can network, chat, discuss, listens to speakers, etc (check links for times and details, and to register).

I, sadly, can't go to those because I work weekends, but you 9-5 arty types should totally get in there. Nothing's more inspiring than finding people passionate like you.

So I'll be seein' y'all around Buddies, right?

The theatre is located at 12 Alexander Street (near Yonge and Wellesly). You can call the
box office at 416-975-8555 or email info@buddiesinbadtimestheatre.com for more info