VAC exhibits Holly King's unique visions

In some of the exhibited images, King began working with pieces of twisted roots from an apple tree, then used ink-drawn lines and projected shadows to create an ephemeral imaginary world. The results are not to be missed — quiet, dream-like landscapes that could only come from the artist's fertile imagination.

King is one of those artists whose work is so distinctive that it can be easily spotted at a distance. These recent images add a new dimension to what is already an impressive and valuable body of work.

Twisted Roots - Tender Blossoms by Holly King remains on display at the Visual Arts Centre, 350 Victoria Ave., through March 29. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 514-488-9558.



Gleams Theatre presents three twisted plots

Building upon the success of its innovative production of short plays in the unconventional setting of a local bookstore, Westmount's Gleams Theatre has announced a new season of plays, again to be performed in the Diamond Bookstore on Sherbrooke Street.

This time the troupe is staging Twisted Plots – a series of three new American short plays: 'Mrs. Sorken' by Christopher Durang, 'Anything for You' by Cathy Celesia and 'China' by Scott Organ. Described as sharp edged and surprisingly unpredictable, Twisted Plots will be presented at the bookstore each Saturday night through April 19, starting at 8 p.m.

The plays feature local actors Abena Bentley, Shiong-En Chan, Cristina Cugliandro, and Christine Rodriguez, as well as Gleams founder and producer Ira Sokolova. Once again, the director is Constantin Sokolov.

The Diamond Bookstore is located at 5035 Sherbrooke St., W., corner of Grey Avenue. Tickets are $17 each (refreshments included) and are available by calling 514-481-3000.



Repercussion celebrates 20th anniversary with The Tempest

It doesn't seem like two decades, but that's how long Repercussion Theatre has been presenting Shakespeare and other classic dramas in local parks each summer.

This year, to celebrate the milestone, Repercussion is mounting a much more ambitious and busier schedule of events than usual.

It all begins in less than two weeks with the 12-day run of a new production, Shakespeare Unplugged, at the Atwater Library. The announcement was made last Thursday, March 13, at the library. Those present were treated to a brief preview of Shakespeare Unplugged, featuring a dramatic reading by its two-member cast, Jennifer Morehouse and Repercussion's current artistic director, Paul Hopkins.

In June, last year's popular production of Scapin the Schemer / Les fourberies de Scapin will return for a special two-week engagement at the Old Port of Montreal, where the play will be presented in both English and French. After that, the troupe will undertake its usual summer schedule of productions in local parks.

This year marks a return to Shakespeare, featuring the Bard's fantasy play, The Tempest. The schedule of park engagements has yet to be finalized and will be announced soon, but organizers have confirmed that Westmount Park will definitely be on the itinerary.

Kaiser presents 'The Gift of Song'

Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom has announced that it will host an evening of music sure to charm all opera lovers — 'The Gift of Song', featuring Joseph Kaiser, one of the opera world's rising stars.

Hailed as one of the most gifted artists of his generation, Kaiser has performed at the Salzburg Festival, the Berlin Philharmonic, the New York Metropolitan, and Covent Garden, London. He is also starring in Kenneth Branagh’s soon-to-be-released film version of The Magic Flute.

Accompanied by Michael McMahon on piano, Kaiser will be performing a variety of arias, art songs and Broadway show tunes.

It all happens on Wednesday, April 16 at the Temple, 4100 Sherbrooke St. W., starting at 8 p.m. Ticket prices for benefactors, patrons, and general admission available by calling 514-937-3575.