From the category archives:

NOTEBOOK

NOTEBOOK

Riding The Wave To MECCA

Montreal English Critics Circle Awards

by Marianne Ackerman
09.03.2010

Is it just me, or are Montreal theatre artists riding a new wave of excellence? The Montreal English Critics Circle Awards (MECCA) seems to indicate as much, with plays by Montreal writers Bruce M. Smith (at Infinitheatre) and Bryden MacDonald (Centaur) sweeping the awards announced on Monday.

More →

NOTEBOOK

The Olympics, ACT III

by Marianne Ackerman
01.03.2010

Mulling over David Mamet’s Three Uses of the Knife while watching the 2010 Olympics, I was reminded of why sports competitions have enjoyed such an important role in the history of western civilization, because sport obeys dramatic principles. Or is it vice versa?
If this galvanizing event we’ve just witnessed does turn out to be – [...]

More →

NOTEBOOK

Olympic Optics

by Marianne Ackerman
24.02.2010

So it turns out winning medals isn’t it after all. What really makes the Olympic Games an extraordinary public event is the drama of gods versus ordinary mortals. Elite athletes backed by money and hope, up against mortality, weather, fate.

More →

NOTEBOOK

In Praise of Winning

by Marianne Ackerman
19.02.2010

Until Alexandre Bilodeau snared the gold, I didn’t give a damn about the Olympics. Went out of my way to avoid advance hype, missed the famously un-French opening on purpose.

More →

NOTEBOOK

Vive la Gazette libre!

by Marianne Ackerman
07.02.2010

Alex Norris has a great idea. During a panel discussion on the future of newspapers, namely The Gazette – currently bankrupt and for sale – the former journalist turned Mile End councillor called on wealthy citizens of Quebec to pool their resources and buy the damn thing. Rescue our community newspaper from the clutches of [...]

More →

NOTEBOOK

Who Owns The Gazette?

by Marianne Ackerman
26.01.2010

For three weeks over the holidays,The Gazette slipped in and out of bankruptcy protection. Freelancers were informed we won’t be paid for invoices filed between December 15 and early January. Meaning … I own the Gazette. And so do you.

More →

NOTEBOOK

Rover Writers’ Best Books

by Marianne Ackerman
10.01.2010

Whither the book in 2010? Is this ancient and beloved vessel, this missile of mass education, the most subversive invention yet produced by our civilisation, headed for extinction? A subject for chat. Meanwhile, check out Rover’s favourites as read and reviewed by our faithful writers.

More →

NOTEBOOK

Future Tense Explained

Decade's End

by Marianne Ackerman
31.12.2009

Where did the decade go? To tell you the truth, I hadn’t realised it was over until the weekend newspapers arrived with a slew of wrap-up stories looking back. Even more surprising, most pundits hit positive notes, marshalling statistics and trends to back up their feelings. The consensus seems to be that things could have [...]

More →

NOTEBOOK

Soulpepper’s Christmas Bijou

by Marianne Ackerman
11.12.2009

If you’re going to Toronto over the holidays or have loved ones there who deserve a gift, think of Soulpepper. In terms of Anglo theatre in Canada, only Peter Hinton at the NAC can match the excitement of this first-rate repertory company, now heading into its 12th season.

More →

Page 1 of 512345