As part of William Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary, the British Council and IFOA are celebrating his enduring legacy as one of the UK’s greatest cultural icon with an innovative and unique programme at the 37th edition of IFOA. These events will fall under the Shakespeare Lives banner, an unprecedented global programme celebrating his work. Without further ado, here are the list of events:
Shakespeare Lives in Poetry workshop
Friday, October 21, 2016 | All Day | Main Loft, Harbourfront Centre
Local spoken word poets, whether beginners or veterans, can sign up for the Shakespeare Lives in Poetry workshop on Friday, October 21st lead by Deanna Rodger, former UK Poetry Slam Champion. Participants will explore how Shakespeare’s sonnets can be utilized by contemporary voices in fresh and unexpected ways. The workshop will culminate in a performance by the participants. Download the Sign up form and e-mail us at learning@ifoa.org to participate in the workshop!
Lunatics, Lovers and Poets
Saturday, October 22, 2016 | 5:00PM | Lakeside Terrace
For our Shakespeare Scholars, IFOA has partnered with both the British Council and the Embassy of Spain to present Lunatics Lovers and Poets, a reading from an anthology of short stories inspired by Shakespeare and Cervantes. Internationally renowned authors Hisham Matar and Marcos Giralt Torrente will read and discuss their work with author C.C. Humphreys on Saturday, October 22nd at 5pm. This event is co-presented with the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain. Purchase tickets to this event HERE.
Graphic Sonnet Exchange
Sunday, October 23, 2016 | 3:30PM | Studio Theatre, Harbourfront Centre
For those who prefer their Shakespeare abridged, graphic novelists Jonathan McNaught from the UK and Toronto-based John Martz, will create their own illustrated responses to a Shakespeare sonnet in the graphic novel form. They will discuss their process during the Graphic Sonnet Exchange on Sunday, October 23rd at 3:30pm where everyone in the audience will receive a copy of their creation. Purchase tickets to this event HERE.
Slave to Mortal Rage
October 25-27 | 6:00-9:00PM on Tuesday and 4:00-8:00PM on Wednesday & Thursday | Main Loft, Harbourfront Centre
IFOA is also thrilled to welcome the Slave to Mortal Rage virtual reality installation, making its Canadian premiere at the Festival from October 25th-27th. Inspired by Shakespeare’s sonnet 64, it is the third virtual reality installation by CiRCA69, a company described by Cineuropa Magazine as “one of the most notable names in Europe to be dealing with VR”. This is a FREE event.
