Radar: The Book Revue, Imbalance, Sleigh Bells at the Phoenix, Salon de Bon-Bon, Disability Pride Day
FILM | The Book Revue: Revolutionary Road
As far as I can tell, filmmakers ran out of original ideas circa 1950, and every movie made since Rear Window has been an adaptation of a book, video game, or some one's Facebook page. The newly minted Book Revue series at the Revue Cinema presents films that have made the transition from page to screen, with Toronto Star film critic Geoff Pevere to guide you through the process with a introductory talk and post-show discussion. This month's pick is Revolutionary Road, Sam Mendes's adaptation of the 1961 book by Richard Yates starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio as a couple leading a stifling life behind the perfect facade of 1950s suburban America.
Revue Cinema, 315 Roncesvalles Avenue, $10, 7 pm
THEATRE | Imbalance
According to a 2008 survey by the Canadian Medical Association, 46 per cent of Canadians believe that people diagnosed with mental illness are simply using the diagnosis to cover up bad behaviour. It's that kind of attitude that Pandemic Theatre's Imbalance is seeking to overcome. The company's productions always aim to "connect the personal to the political", and this play is no different. Based on the true story of a Canadian man who was on his way to the hardware store when a traumatic event triggered a chemical imbalance in his brain, the play is a terrifying look at the failures of our health care system to deal adequately with mental diseases. Imbalance begins previews today. Runs til July 31.
Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse, 79A St. George Street, $10 preview tonight, $15 general admission, $12 students and arts workers, Tuesday to Saturday 8 pm, Sunday July 25 2 pm
MUSIC | Sleigh Bells with Die Antwoord at the Phoenix
Sleigh Bells make their first headlining Toronto appearance tonight, packing the Phoenix with their noise pop anthems. The lo-fi, incredibly loud Brooklyn beat-based duo will be joined by over the top South African rappers Die Antwoord, who catapulted to fame on the back of a ridiculous Youtube video for their song Enter the Ninja. Tickets are reportedly sold out, so yer gonna have to get scalped if you want in to this one.
Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street, $18.50, 8 pm
THEATRE | Salon de Bon-Bon
You've gotta have some real artistic cajones to attempt what the Reductionist Assembly have planned tonight. They're taking over a rock club to perform a series of short silent plays from the 19th century, set to music by Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, and Tchaikovsky, and they're actually expecting people to show up. And hopefully people will, because this is one of the most original ideas I've heard of in a while. Talented soprano Kristin Mueller-Heaslip will be accompanying the plays with her powerful voice, and the night will end with performances of new works by young Canadian composers. Classical music at the Garrison, whooda thunkit?
The Garrison, 1197 Dundas Street West, $5, 9 pm
COMMUNITY | 7th Annual Disability Pride Day
A ceremony this evening marks Disability Pride Day, an annual event that celebrates the identities and achievements of disabled Canadians. Performances from singers Joel Martin, Serena Pryne, and humourist Libby Thaw, and a keynote address from Jon Rae of the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians highlight this year's theme of "Simply People: Celebrating our Lives and Identities." Now in its seventh year, the event was co-founded by U of T alumnus Julia Munk.
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West, Free, 5 pm - 8 pm
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Photo: "Untitled" by Lindsey Mckague, member of the blogTO Flickr Pool.
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