OUTstages Festival

Meet OUTstages: Intrepid Theatre’s brand new festival and Victoria's first queer theatre festival; a week of outrageous stories, surprises, parties and performances. This festival has its finger on the pulse of the queer theatre scene and is bringing some of the most exciting, daring and thought provoking performances to Victoria, from electro-pop dance parties to docu-theatre to rap horror shows to a sultry playlist and FREE OUTreach activities. Single tickets to all shows: $20 OUTstages 3-Show Pass: $50 Pride Playground Sunday July 5, 10am-12pm Intrepid Theatre Club – FREE Pride-sters of all ages come get glittered, glammed and gorgeous before heading downtown to be a part of or watch The Pride Parade; think glittery tiaras, custom made buttons, rainbow capes and more! Play Reading Tuesday July 7, 8pm Intrepid Theatre Club -By donation The Bad Touch by Kathryn Taddei (Victoria) Two sets of strangers connect (and don’t connect) over the course of a one-night stand. My Funny Valentine by Dave Deveau (Vancouver) This acclaimed plays explores the tragic murder of 15 year-old Lawrence King, who asked his classmate to be his valentine. A Quiet Sip of Coffee (or, this is not the play we’ve written) AnimalParts (New York/Toronto) Written and performed by Anthony Johnston & Nathan Schwartz Thursday July 9 8pm Sunday July 12 7pm Intrepid Theatre Club In the summer of 2004, Anthony and Nathan – self-proclaimed “gay-straight best friend duo” – undergo two weeks of gay conversion therapy in rural B.C. Years later, still struggling to come to terms with the events of that summer – and finding it impossible to agree on what exactly transpired – the friends reunite on stage to tell their conflicting stories. Revenge of the Popinjay AnimalParts (New York/Toronto) Created and performed by Anthony Johnston Co-created and directed by Nathan Schwartz Friday July 10 7pm Saturday July 11 7pm Intrepid Theatre Someone is killing the heterosexuals! As dozens of brutal slayings engulf the city in panic, a young gay man rises to fame in underground rap clubs. Anthony struggles to cope with the loss of his sister while uncovering a frightening link between himself, his lover, and an illusive gay rap star/serial killer targeting heterosexuals. Revenge of the Popinjay combines storytelling, stand-up, physical theatre, performance art and original live rap music in this one-of-a-kind theatrical event. Let’s Not Beat Each Other to Death The Accidental Mechanics Group (Halifax) Created and performed by Stewart Legere Directed by Christian Barry Friday July 10 9pm Sunset Room - 401 Herald Street Part monologue, part concert, part vigil, part electro-pop dance party. Inspired in part by the brutal killing of a Halifax queer activist and an attack against an outspoken gay musician, Let’s Not Beat Each Other to Death is an exploration of brutality, compassion, our own monstrous nature and the unsinkable Phoenix in all of us. It’s a chance to think, to remember, and to celebrate. Prepare to dance. Stick around after the show for Filthy Friday: G&Ts, dancing and queer conversation all around. Every festival needs a good party, this is ours! The Femme Playlist Sulong Theatre & Eventual Ashes (Toronto) Created and performed by Catherine Hernandez Directed by Gein Wong Saturday July 11 9pm The Metro Studio Straight from Toronto’s Buddies in Bad Times, this multidisciplinary feast for the eyes reveals what it’s like to be sexy and proud, slutty and loud, queer and brown. From masturbation to motherhood, body shame to burlesque, Catherine Hernandez uncovers the realities of living as a queer woman of colour set to the music of her life. OUT Cabaret Featuring local and festival performers Sunday July 12 9pm The Metro Studio Proudly presented by Modo Get OUT one more time and end the festival in style with this multidisciplinary cabaret and closing night party all in one. The show will go from Broadway to back alley, featuring festival performers alongside local artists, presenting bold, quirky, avant-garde and kitschy cabaret performances and new work-in-development.