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ABLE. by A Shay Hahn (madcrafthabit theatreworks). A woman returns to her small hometown and finds her best friend and the town changed. Hahn has a great way with dialogue, and actors Karyn Dwyer and Kirstin Hinton, working with director Karla Faulconbridge, generate strong chemistry as childhood friends whose paths in life have branched. Aug 7 and 12 at 9:30 pm, Aug 9 at 11 pm, Aug 14 at 6:30 pm, Aug 15 at 8 pm, Aug 16 at 2 pm. Factory Studio. NNN (JK)

barbarous in beauty (Carrion Comfort). Eda Holmes directs this play with dance based on the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins. Aug 7 at 11 pm, Aug 9 and 16 at 9:30 pm, Aug 10 at 3:30 pm, Aug 12 at 8 pm, Aug 14 at 6:30 pm. Artword Alternative.

BLOOD, FAITH AND FLOODWATERS by Emma C Roberts and company (Bang!). A 17th-century nun, condemned as a heretic, conjures up a pair of other outlaw women from earlier times to help her make a crucial decision. Despite the script's questionable ending, a splendid cast and taut direction create an engrossing series of character studies involving the head and the heart.. Aug 8 and 12 at 6:30 pm, Aug 13 and 16 at 8 pm, Aug 14 at 11 pm, Aug 15 at 9:30 pm. Factory Studio. NNNN (JK)

borders by Liz Pounsett (Blue Coat). Writer/director Liz Pounsett has a coy, mischievous stage presence, but her script about various Canadians going down to NYC after 9/11 is a natural disaster. Indulgent, directionless, what the heck is it about? Don't think even Pounsett knows. Aug 8 and 14 at 5 pm, Aug 9 at 3:30 pm, Aug 10 at 6:30 pm, Aug 15 at 8 pm, Aug 16 at 11 pm, Aug 17 at 9:30 pm. Artword Alternative. NN (GS)

CLEAN IRENE AND DIRTY MAXINE by Anna Chatterton and Evalyn Parry (Independent Auntie). Anna Chatterton and Evalyn Parry's playfully dark and nasty cautionary tale about an alphabet of obsessive women features great physicality, smart social satire and snappy, spot-on performances. The whole show's directed with such a sensitive eye and ear we never lose track or get tired of this entertaining lesson. A for Awesome. Aug 7 at 5 pm, Aug 10 and 11 at 9:30 pm, Aug 14 and 16 at 6:30 pm, Aug 15 at 8 pm. Artword. NNNN (GS)

CHASING KRINKO'S by Jenny Young (Donikers Daily). There's cleverness in this piece about a pair of former circus clowns who try to return to and understand their roots, but also some awkward direction and a lack of all-important clown chemistry between central performers Claire Calnan and Michael Challenor. Aug 8 at 8 pm, Aug 9 and 17 at 6:30 pm, Aug 10 at 9:30 pm, Aug 12 at 11 pm, Aug 16 at 12:30 pm. Factory Studio. NN (JK)

CORDIALLY ENTERTAINING EMILY CHESLEY (Suitcase In Point). This forced whimsical look at a fictional Canadian heroine neglected by history books even though she played a big role in key 20th century events and movements needs a much sharper focus. It doesn't know what it wants to say or be, and its humour tends to be one-note. But the actor playing the feisty Chesley is a dynamo, and there are some well-staged scenes. Aug 8 at 5 pm, Aug 9 at 11 pm, Aug 10 at 8 pm, Aug 15 at 9:30 pm, Aug 16 at 3:30 pm, Aug 17 at 6:30 pm. Artword. NN (GS)

the dershowitz protocol by Robert Fothergill (DMT). Robert Fothergill taps into our bloodlust in this timely examination of whether torture is ever necessary in the face of political terrorism. He builds tension nicely, and the production and acting are more than fine. It all feels slightly manipulative, though. Aug 7 and 17 at 8 pm, Aug 9 at 11 pm, Aug 10 at 9:30 pm, Aug 11, 13 and 16 at 6:30 pm. Artword Alternative. NNN (GS)

due process by T Berto (Interzone/Pencil-Neck). A female attorney interrogates a Middle Eastern man about his links to terrorism in a work that's sometimes glib and ends melodramatically. But author Berto also keeps the tension high in this tale of a frightening homeland security, especially in the cat-and-mouse relationship between Kelly Bolt and Jorge Nef. Aug 7 at 10:30 pm, Aug 10 at 7:30 pm, Aug 13 at 9 pm, Aug 14 at 9:30 pm, Aug 15 at 6 pm, Aug 16 at 11 pm. Factory Mainspace. NNN (JK)

el mariachi loco by Jorge Gidi (Escape Artists). A screenwriter of silly Latin-themed films suffers from writer's block and a couple of his characters come alive in this derivative, unfunny play. Jorge Gidi give an energetic performance, but we don't care about his protagonist's dilemma because we know nothing about the guy, just his ridiculous script-doctoring. Aug 7 at 9:30 pm, Aug 8 at 11 pm, Aug 9 at 2 pm, Aug 10 and 14 at 8 pm, Aug 15 at 6:30 pm, Aug 16 at 12:30 pm. Artword Alternative. NN (GS)

EXCESS UNWANTED GROWTH by David Owen (Animus). David Owen's play about two loser roommates whose unwashed dishes become an ambitious creature is little more than a sophomoric sketch with philosophical pretensions, although Kyle Horton (as one of the roommates) and Aaron Willis as the creature do fine work. Aug 7 and 11 at 6:30 pm, Aug 8 at 8 pm, Aug 10 at 3:30 pm, Aug 15 at 11 pm, Aug 16 at 9:30 pm. Artword. NN (GS)

filial by David Yee (fu-GEN). In a series of contrasted episodes, a son (Richard Lee) gives his father (In-Surp Choi) 15 minutes to explain by the older man has fucked him up. The actors and director Nina Aquino give a startling vividness to the various ways the scenario could play out. Aug 7, 10 and 13 at 6:30 pm, Aug 11 at 8 pm, Aug 15 at 11 pm, Aug 16 at 9:30 pm. Factory Studio. NNN (JK)

first you're born by Line Knutzon (Collective Architecture). An apartment buildings holds a variety of absurdly comic figures, all of whom want some kind of loving relationship. Though some will find the script too whimsical, director Brendan Healy and a first-rate cast never take a false step in this beautiful production. See story, page 63. Aug 8 at 8 pm, Aug 9 at 10:30 pm, Aug 10 at 3:30 pm, Aug 11 at 5 pm, Aug 14 at 11 pm, Aug 16 at 9:30 pm. Factory Mainspace. NNNN (JK)

the georgian expedition (Mark III) (CHA-CHA Collective). Director Paul Thompson creates yet another collective production, this time from material he and some fine Canadian theatre artists discovered when they travelled to the Republic of Georgia. The resulting show is finely modulated in tone, energetically acted and splendidly sung. Aug 8 at 11 pm, Aug 9 at 8 pm, Aug 10 and 14 at 5 pm, Aug 16 at 6:30 pm, Aug 17 at 9:30 pm. Factory Studio. NNN (JK)

giving it up by Hannah Moscovitch (Absit Omen). Three teens explore love and sexuality. Aug 10 at 5 pm, Aug 11 and 15 at 9:30 pm, Aug 12 at 6:30 pm, Aug 13 at 8 pm, Aug 14 at 11 pm, Aug 16 at 3:30 pm. Artword Alternative.

go-go beach by John Wimbs, Michael Shaieb and Brent Lord (Go-Go Beach). This entertaining musical spoof of 1960s beach movies is irresistible because of its affection for the silly plots and fleshly young things acting them out. It also doesn't ignore the darkness under the sand - the fact that nonconformity and intelligence are frowned upon in this sunny world. Don't look for resolution, though - we only get the first act. Aug 8 and 13 at 6:30 pm, Aug 9 and 17 at 8 pm, Aug 10 at 2 pm, Aug 16 at 11 pm. Artword. NNNN (GS)

helen by Yannis Ritsos (DDT Inc). This poetic piece looks at the Helen of Troy legend. Aug 9 at 9:30 pm, Aug 10 at 6:30 pm, Aug 12-13 at 8 pm, Aug 16 at 2 pm, Aug 17 at 5 pm. Artword.

HEMLOCK by Stephanie Alexander (.berf.). The goings-on in a small Maritime town are prime-time Fox material, with a script that's sometimes far-fetched and heavy-handed. Still, there are several fine performances from a troupe of young National Theatre School actors, notably Benjamin Johnson as a reverend's son who turns his back on the ministry. Aug 7 at 7 pm, Aug 9 at 3:30 pm, Aug 10 at 10:30 pm, Aug 15 at 4 pm, Aug 16 at 6 pm, Aug 17 at 5:30 pm. Factory Mainspace. NN (JK)

THE HURRICANE PROJECT by Jennifer Fawcett (Red Engine). A poetic, nuanced piece about the collision of various lives and loves is strongly staged and well acted, even though it takes a while to sort out the relationships among the various characters. Its weak link is Paul Tedeschini, who has troubled creating the presence and presenting the story of an ominous trucker. Aug 8 at 9:30 pm, Aug 9 at 5 pm, Aug 11 and 15 at 6:30 pm, Aug 12 at 8 pm, Aug 17 at 2 pm. Factory Studio. NNNN (JK)

idiot by Marion de Vries (left hand). A high school "bad girl" ponders her life and actions when a fellow classmate commits suicide, trumping her own plans to do the same. Though the tragic-secret climax doesn't have quite the dramatic resonance that's intended, Michelle Latimer never loses the audience's interest or sympathy. Aug 8 at 6 pm, Aug 10 at 9 pm, Aug 12 at 10:30 pm, Aug 15 at 9:30 pm, Aug 16 at 8 pm, Aug 17 at 3:30 pm. Factory Mainspace. NNN (JK)

incarnate by Claire Laville (Completely Competent). This student written, acted and directed show examines things that shouldn't happen but do. Aug 8 at 9:30 pm, Aug 9 at 2 pm, Aug 10 at 12:30 pm, Aug 13 at 11 pm, Aug 14 at 8 pm, Aug 17 at 3:30 pm. Artword.

jamaica man by John Blackwood (Blackwood Arts). This charming 40-minute trip to the Caribbean gives John Blackwood a chance to talk about his memories of growing up in Jamaica. Several of his characters and the history he presents -- as well as the social commentary -- are engaging, and he's clearly in love with his topic. Aug 9 at 12:30 pm, Aug 10 at 3:30 pm, Aug 13-14 at 9:30 pm, Aug 15 at 5 pm, Aug 17 at 8 pm. Factory Studio. NNN (JK)

the lover by Harold Pinter (Lemaz). Harold Pinter's enigmatic look at the fantasies of a man and woman needs more suggestive performances and a better sense of rhythm. But the production casts a spell and the script seduces us with its insights into human behaviour. Aug 7 at 11 pm, Aug 9 and 16 at 5 pm, Aug 11 at 8 pm, Aug 12 at 9:30 pm, Aug 15 at 6:30 pm. Artword. NNN (GS)

mad dog racing by Marty Burt (Fat Morgan). Marty Burt brings a dark-hued, cynical, gift-of-the-gab East-coast charm to his seemingly autobiographical tale about his directionless life and what he's learned at the school of hard knocks. Despite the low-tech feel and the fact that Burt doesn't locate the work's emotional heart, the piece does come together - just barely - by the end. Aug 8-9 at 6:30 pm, Aug 11 at 8 pm, Aug 14 at 9:30 pm, Aug 15-17 at 5 pm. Artword Alternative. NNN (GS)

MEETING PLAYCE by Trevor Schwellnus (Aluna/meeting playce collective). The script's look at the isolation of big-city people and the hypnotic draw of the media is predictable, but the cast of six brings strong energy to the production, which also shines in its use of movement. Aug 7 at 5 pm, Aug 9 at 1:30 pm, Aug 11 at 8:30 pm, Aug 13 at 10:30 pm, Aug 16 at 2:30 pm, Aug 17 at 12:30 pm. Factory Mainspace. NNN (JK)

a modest proposal by Matthew Hunt and Miguel McKenzie (Mayhem). This off-site piece examines teenagers and societal ills. Aug 7-10 and Aug 13-17 at 8 pm. St Mary's Catholic Elementary School (meet at Factory Theatre).

MY ANGEL, MY LOVER, MY WHORE by Stan Rogal (Bald Ego/Bulletproof). Stan Rogal's examination of women's romance and sexuality is repetitive and not-quite-thought-out. His satiric targets (romance fiction) and theatrical techniques (lip synching to cheesy romantic songs to bring out a situation's irony) have been exploited before, but there's a clean look to the production. Aug 7 at 8 pm, Aug 9 at 6:30 pm, Aug 10 at 5 pm, Aug 13 at 9:30 pm, Aug 14 at 11 pm, Aug 16 at 12:30 pm. Artword. NN (GS)

one for one and all for all by Marye Barton and DisEmo Company. This workshop show explores life beyond limitations and disability. Aug 17 at 12:30 pm. Pwyc. Artword.

the paper by Anthony Furey (Ante-M). This workshop show explores two friends talking about girls. Aug 15 at 3:30 pm. Free. Factory Studio.

pop culture princess by Elizabeth Whitney (Whitney). Whitney performs an interactive performance piece about growing up queer. Aug 8 at 8 pm, Aug 9 at 5 pm, Aug 10 at 12:30 pm. Artword Alternative.

POSTERCHILD by Chris Leavins (redhead). Leavins's one-man show about a one-man show he wrote and performed is part expose, part standup and part conscious manipulation of what theatre audiences believe is true. While his sense of humour won't be to everyone's taste, Leavins's delivery of deadpan dark comedy is spot on. Aug 7 at 6 pm, Aug 9-10 at 4:30 pm, Aug 12 at 8 pm, Aug 14 at 5 pm, Aug 16 at 7 pm, Aug 17 at 8:30 pm. Factory Upstairs. NNNN (JK)

PRACTICALLY PERFECT by Christina Jol (DODO Collective). Christina Jol's take on Mary Poppins shows the chinks on the organized and disciplined character's armour, but what it lacks is a variety of telling and a sense of the heart beating beneath the nanny's starched clothes. Aug 8 and 15 at 5 pm, Aug 9 at 2:30 pm, Aug 10 at 6:30 pm, Aug 11 at 9:30 pm, Aug 13 at 8 pm, Aug 17 at 4:30 pm. Factory Upstairs. NN (JK)

present tense by Michael Rubenfeld (Absit Omen). A separated husband and wife try to salve their present woes while they recall a happier past in Michael Rubenfeld's well-written, well-acted show, directed with panache by Nicole Stamp. Aug 7 at 8 pm, Aug 9 and 16 at 3:30 pm, Aug 10 at 12:30 pm, Aug 13 at 11 pm, Aug 17 at 5 pm. Factory Studio. NNN (JK)

rogues of urfa by Araxi Arslanian (30 Ghosts). Playwright/performer Araxi Arslanian's interlinked tale of an Armenian man in the first World War (and the subsequent attempted genocide by the Turks) and his Canadian grandaughter in the 80s has good moments, both in the writing and the performance. But it's also too full of climaxes, all hit with equal weight; further dramaturgy and subtlety would help. Aug 8 at 7 pm, Aug 9 and 17 at 6:30 pm, Aug 10 at 12:30 pm, Aug 11 at 7:30 pm, Aug 13 at 6 pm, Aug 16 at 1:30 pm. Factory Upstairs. NNN (JK)

the savage lily by Kimberley Orton (Wild Girl/Loudskirts). A wild girl who comes out of the forest in 18th-century France raises the nature/nurture question. Kimberly Orton's script is rarely more than a series of emotionless talking heads, even with the addition of a circus-sideshow frame that's intended to give some dramatic flair to the show. Aug 8 at 5 pm, Aug 9 at 9:30 pm, Aug 10 at 2 pm, Aug 14 at 8 pm, Aug 16 at 11 pm, Aug 17 at 3:30 pm. Factory Studio. NN (JK)

the serpent of the nile: a belly dancer's tale by Laurie Fyffe (Cleopatra Conspiracy). A Scottish belly dancer meets a fabled Egyptian courtesan in Laurie Fyffe's often poetic and witty script, flawed by a narrative climax that feels extraneous to the interaction between the two. Aug 7 at 11 pm, Aug 9 at 2 pm, Aug 10 at 8 pm, Aug 11 at 9:30 pm, Aug 16 at 5 pm, Aug 17 at 12:30 pm. Factory Studio. NNN (JK)

SHOOTING PENGUINS by Ryan McVittie (Straw Dogs). Several groups vie for a mysterious suitcase in this sometimes farcical piece, smartly directed by Kimberly Purtell. It loses steam near the end, but there's fine ensemble work by the cast, notably playwright Ryan McVittie and Rick Howland as a vaudevillian pair of mobsters and Scott McCord as an inscrutable, Walter Brennan-voiced character called the Cowboy. Aug 8 at 11 pm, Aug 10 at 1:30 pm, Aug 13 at 5 pm, Aug 14 at 8 pm, Aug 16 at 4:30 pm, Aug 17 at 9:30 pm. Factory Mainspace. NNN (JK)

THIS WAY FOR THE GAS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN by Tadeusz Borowski, adapted by Alex Poch-Goldin (Planet 88). Tom Barnett delivers a nuanced, rivetting performance full of bitter irony as Polish writer Tadeusz Borowski, who survived Auschwitz and whose descriptions of his years there are vivid, disturbing and thoughtful. The problem with this kind of piece is how to dramatically shape the material, and director Alex Poch-Goldin hasn't found a satisfying solution, although individual scenes stand out. Aug 7 and 14 at 9:30 pm, Aug 9 at 12:30 pm, Aug 12 at 11 pm, Aug 16 at 8 pm, Aug 17 at 2 pm. Artword. NNN (GS)

the ugly duchess by Janet Munsil (Intrepid Theatre). In this remounted Fringe 2003 hit, Paul Terry delivers a nuanced performance as the notoriously ugly 14th-century Tyrol ruler Margaret Maultasch, aka "Pocket-mouth." Although the play could be more artfully structured, Janet Munsil's fine script opens up a fascinating world of politics, religion, sex, beauty and illness, including a look at the Black Death. Aug 9 and 17 at 7:30 pm, Aug 11 at 10:30 pm, Aug 12-13 at 7 pm, Aug 16 at 12:30 pm. Factory Mainspace . NNNN (Glenn Sumi)

the undertaker by Gregory McGrade (Good Line). Siblings dig up family secrets and test their loyalty. Aug 7 and 17 at 6:30 pm, Aug 9 at 8 pm, Aug 10 and 16 at 2 pm, Aug 12 at 9:30 pm, Aug 13 at 11 pm. Artword Alternative .

ungeziefer [vermin] (company theatrecrisis). The young director/designer Natasha Mytnowych works expressionistic miracles with this bold, theatrically exciting adaptation of Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis. She gets sensitive, nuanced performances from all the young actors, and her use of masks, a scratchy violin and shifting narration works to brilliant effect. Don't miss it. Aug 7 at 5 pm, Aug 8 and 13 at 9:30 pm, Aug 9 at 12:30 pm, Aug 15 at 11 pm, Aug 16 at 8 pm, Aug 17 at 3:30 pm. Artword Alternative. NNNNN (GS)

UNLUCKY by David Bateman (Black Well). A math teacher and mother who's lost one of three triplets relies on her work and the dependability of the world of numbers to create order in her life. The script rambles and could use some pruning, but performer Imali Perera grabs the audience and won't let go. Aug 7 at 8 pm, Aug 9 at 12:30 pm, Aug 10 at 2:30 pm, Aug 12 at 6 pm, Aug 14-15 at 7 pm, Aug 16 at 3:30 pm. Factory Upstairs. NNN (JK)

what the thunder said (bluemouth inc). This powerful show by site-specific troupe bluemouth inc. takes us (by bus, blindfolded) to an undisclosed location, where we see evocative, suggestive scenes unfold with bold theatricality and heartbreaking beauty. An Eastern flavour underlies the work, which on the surface seems to be about the price of gung-ho American values. Unforgettable. Aug 7-10 and Aug 12-13 at 8 pm. Off-site, meet at Factory Theatre. NNNN (GS)

the wedding pool by Amiel Gladstone (Theatre SKAM). Three friends agree to a contest that gives the prize money to the one who marries first in this engaging, cleverly written-and- directed (by Amiel Gladstone) piece by Victoria's Theatre SKAM. Fine performances, too. Aug 8 at 9:30 pm, Aug 9 at 9 pm, Aug 10 at 5:30 pm, Aug 12 at 5 pm, Aug 14 at 6 pm, Aug 15 at 8 pm. Factory Mainspace. NNNN (JK)

wheelwright: a cosmic documentary (Canadia dell'Arte). The most ambitious show in SummerWorks, Peter Reitzel's tale of an isolated community whose economy is based on salt touches on power politics, society's expectations of women, gay issues and believing in one's own abilities. The narrative isn't always clear, but the visuals are so striking and the presentation done with such committed gusto that there's lots to enjoy. Aug 7 and 12 at 9 pm, Aug 9 at 5:30 pm, Aug 11 at 6:30 pm, Aug 15 at 11 pm, Aug 17 at 2 pm. Factory Mainspace. NNNN (JK)