Asking For It
Toronto is experiencing a moment when sexual assault is preoccupying theatre artists like never before. Playwright Ellie Moon’s Asking For It is one of three plays covering the topic opening in October. The documentary-style production was inspired by Moon’s conversations with about non-consensual acts of violence that resulted from the Jian Ghomeshi trial. Read more about the show in Susan G. Cole’s preview. Moon will also participate in Nightwood Theatre’s consent symposium on October 15.
From October 6 to 21. Streetcar Crowsnest (345 Carlaw). $20-$25. 647-341-7390, nightwoodtheatre.net
The Way We Feel Gala Concert
Jory Nash, DALA and others celebrate the songs of Gordon Lightfoot in a benefit for McDermott House Canada.
October 6. 7:30 pm. Glenn Gould Studio. $36. jorynash.com
Spooky Lagoon
A Halloween-appropriate history tour of the Toronto Islands kicks off this weekend and runs on weekends throughout the month. Toronto’s longest-living islander Jimmy Jones narrates the hour-long boat trip.
October 6-8. First boat leaves 7:40 pm from 99 Harbour Square. Boats depart every 10 minutes until 11:40 pm. $25. spookylagoon.com
Unarmed Verses
Toronto filmmaker Charles Officer’s excellent doc about the impacts of redevelopment on tight-knit residents of a public housing community gets a theatrical run. The film won the best Canadian documentary prize at Hot Docs earlier this year. See review.
Opens October 6 at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema. See listing for showtimes.
Future Islands
Cult post-punk heroes get prestigious with Massey Hall gig.
October 6. Doors 7 pm, all ages. $39.50-$59.50. masseyhall.com
Light Up Toronto Diwali Festival
Annual celebration of the Festival of Lights takes over Yonge-Dundas Square.
October 7. Noon-11 pm. canadadiwali.ca
Feeding The 500
Design expo EDIT ends with a gigantic communal meal that will feature demos, cook-offs and calls to action while raising awareness about the one billion pounds of food wasted in Toronto last year. See feature.
October 8. 1-4 pm. East Harbour Factory (21 Don Roadway). Free. editdx.org
Azealia Banks
New York City rapper makes her Toronto live debut at the Opera House.
October 8. Doors 7 pm, all ages. $25. ticketfly.com
NoshFest
Scarf smoked meat, bagels and knishes at this Jewish food fest. Artscape Wychwood Barns.
October 9. 10:30 am-4:30 pm. $10. noshfest.ca