Modern meanderings
“Enfin Vous Zestes” (“Finally You Are”) is critically acclaimed modern choreographer Louise Bédard’s latest creation. Having found inspiration in works by Canadian painter Marianna Gartner, Bédard crafts a show which claims to “guide us through the meander[ings] of our own existence, between riverbanks that mark our life paths” – quite a feat for a performance with six dancers and minimalistic set pieces. With regards to its lofty claims, Bédard successfully weaves an articulate storyline in which seemingly simple characters progress to reveal more intricate characteristics. Bédard explores this complex human layering in a way that never ceases to surprise viewers. In an otherwise dialogue-free show, dancers utter, “Want to come to my house? It will be lots of fun,” and “Do you want to take my picture? How about a sketch?” allowing the audience to experience a moment of humour – though some may be unsure as to what they are laughing at.
Serious tones also come through thanks to the choreography and costuming; at one point a single dancer sits alone, playing child-like with a large yellow teddy bear, as others march around in business attire. Although it may be bewildering for those who have yet to experience a modern show, it’s unlikely that anyone will leave the performance without connecting to at least one moment of the broad range of human emotions presented.
“Enfin Vous Zestes” is playing September 25 to October 5 at Usine C (1345 ave. Lalonde). Showtimes are Thursday to Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.. Ticket prices run from $20 to $28.
– Victoria Diplacido
Sweet tooth
La Carie – named after the French word for cavity – is a sweet little nook nestled in Montreal’s Marché aux Puces (1822 Ontario). This collectively-run kiosk is the brainchild of five intrepid Montreal youths with a penchant for charm and a keen eye for the unique.
What can attendees expect to find in this chalkboard and birch-bark-decorated oasis? “It’s just things that we like,” co-founder Sasha Plotnikova explains modestly.
For those in the dark, that includes handmade feather masks, bejeweled gloves, a curated book and vinyl library, custom stationary, and imported foods. Also not to be missed is a vintage clothing closet selected by Caravan Traveling Vintage entrepreneur Arden Wray. After a nomadic summer of hawking vintage delights around Toronto, Wray has found the Caravan a new – albeit more stationary – home at La Carie.
If you have a hankering for something sweet, be sure to attend the grand opening of La Carie this Saturday, October 4 from noon until 6 p.m.
Check kiosquelacarie.blogspot.com, or their Facebook group for more details.
– Leah Pires