Lara Bozabalian and other prose pros will read at the final edition of the Art Bar Poetry night.
Art Bar Poetry Series Retirement Party
Were you but lying cold and dead? Whether you know your Yeats from your Waits, it's a sad day when a long-running literary institution bites the dust. On Tuesday, Sandra Kasturi, David Silverberg, James Dewar, Lara Bozabalian and other prose pros will read at the final edition of the Art Bar Poetry night, a weekly open-mic event since 1991. "All great things must end," say the organizers, "and it is with joy, not sorrow, that we move onward." Fair enough, and fare thee well. June 28, 8 p.m. Free (donation appreciated). Black Swan, 154 Danforth Ave., artbar.org.
The Toronto Fringe
There's no place like this, anyplace. That's one of the many folksy slogans associated with the landmark discount store Honest Ed's, sadly due to close for good on Dec. 31. As such, the iconic location will no longer serve as the hub for the annual Toronto Fringe after this year. Walking into Honest Ed's, one never knew what could be found, and the same goes for the unjuried and unpredictable event of drama, comedy and theatrical esoterica. And, yes, the fest's prices are for the birds – cheap, cheap, cheap. June 29 to July 10. $12 (passes available). Various venues, 416-966-1062 or fringetoronto.com.
Franz Erhard Walther
Everybody's electric over the the artistic rebirth of the Hearn Generating Station in the Port Lands, but let's not forget about another repurposed powerhouse nearby. Beginning Saturday, the waterfront Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery presents the first-ever solo show of the German artist Franz Erhard Walther in Canada. The exhibit, Call to Action, offers insight into Walther's wild sculptural notions about the dynamics of space, object and the human body. June 25 to Sept. 5. Free. The Power Plant, 231 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4949 or thepowerplant.org
Maylee Todd's Virtual Womb
Fact: Nobody does giant gestational installations like Maylee Todd. At the Great Hall, the extroverted musician and adventurous multimedia artist revisits a curious immersive project that literally floored her audience when it was presented a year ago. The rebirth-themed evening involves snuggling and ceiling projections – you are welcome to bring a blanket and to lie down for the show – along with a live preview of Todd's upcoming album Acts Of Love, combining electronic instrumentation and a string quartet. June 24, 9 p.m. $15 to $20. Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W., eventbrite.ca.
Shakespeare in High Park
With Honest Ed's shutting down and the Art Bar Poetry Series wrapping up its 25-year-run, it would be a tragedy if Canada's largest and longest-running professional outdoor theatre experience was meeting its demise. Fortunately, Canadian Stage's summer Bard under the stars is going strong, with this season consisting of alternating evenings of Hamlet and All's Well That Ends Well, Shakespeare's uneasy comedy. July 14 to Sept. 4 (previews begin June 30). PWYC (suggested donation $20; advance reserved seats $25; children free). High Park Amphitheatre, 416-368-3110 or canadianstage.com.
Brad Wheeler