There are those intimidated by interactive theatre experiences. Some people avoid it altogether with this general fear that there are high expectations of them, and they do not feel comfortable being put on the spot. With this in mind, if you have ever been the type that has had even a remote curiosity for an involving artistric experience that doesn't threaten to alienate you, I strongly urge you to check out the New Waves Festival over at the Young Centre at Soulpepper.

I was fortunate to attend the opening weekend of the New Waves Festival, as part of Luminato, Toronto’s Festival of Arts and Creativity. The atmosphere, right from the start, was welcoming and thoroughly engaging. Initially it can seem a bit overwhelming as hundreds of artists are spread throughout every inch of the Young Centre. But the dizzying array of talent allows you to make your own unique festival experience.

I started off seeing an intimate two-handed performance between a Ukulele player and Upright Bass player who churned out a pair of intimate roots/folk numbers, as part of the “Artist in a Closet” section of New Waves. The closet performances are meant for no more than 6-7 people each time, and depending on what nook you’re moved into, last a brief 5-15 minutes, giving off consistently charming moments of artistic creativity.

Throughout my two hour journey, I witnessed live karaoke, where audience members pick a song on a projected jukebox, and an undeniably talented troupe of singers perform the chosen songs a cappella while solo dancers freestyle to the sounds being heard (a highlight included a tap dance to Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Time After Time’). I wandered into a room dressed up in construction paper and swing sets, where you were encouraged to pick up a crayon and scrawl down child-like dreams and thoughts on the walls, akin to the Post-Secret phenomena.

The festival promoted artists of all ages. Old pros were given the same amount of treatment and respect as young up-and-comers who were perhaps doing their first public performances ever. As I made my way through, there was no preferential treatment for anyone. It was entirely about artists performing what they love for anyone that is willing to join them for a few minutes.

You can still check out Luminato’s New Waves Festival at the Young Centre (at Soulpepper, in the Distillery District) for the closing weekend June 12-14.

Written by :

Gabor Pertic

 

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