Lane's Week, March 4, 2013

A Week in Theatre
by Chris Lane
@chrislanetweets

New project announcements: The Stratford Festival will be launching their new Forum series with a Shakespeare Slam in Toronto. The event will feature debates and entertainment from Adam Gopnik, Torquil Campbell and Rufus Wainwright, among others. City Opera Vancouver has announced that PuSh Fest co-founder Norman Armour will be directing their upcoming production of Pauline. This new opera is based on the life of poet Pauline Johnson and features a libretto by Margaret Atwood.

Nominee announcements: The Canadian women nominated for this year’s Gina Wilkinson Prize are Krista Jackson, Tanja Jacobs, Meg Roe and Jan Alexandra Smith. The nominees for Ottawa’s Rideau Awards were also announced.

Lineup announcements: National Arts Centre in Ottawa will present the Northern Scene Festival next month. Calgary’s Alberta Theatre Projects announced their 2013-2014 season. Toronto’s Luminato Festival’s lineup this year will include a Premiere Series.

Another type of drama: Theatre executive Garth Drabinsky’s release from prison was tempered as he was stripped of the Order of Canada. He’s now going to court to get it back.

And on a more serious note: Jo-Anna Downey, who has been a prominent figure in the Toronto comedy scene, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) last year. There is a foundation set up to support her battle.