Beyond James

10/01/2024

10/01/2024

After a sold out opening weekend, we’ve released ten more seats for each of this weekend’s three performances. They won’t last, so snap them up while you can.

09/28/2024

What do you program if your primary performance space is roughly 5 meters by 1.5 meters? If you’re Rook's Theatre and Same Boat Theatre, you program one of the most ambitious and well-known productions in western theatre.

Hamlet, the joint production in question maximizes the use of its limited space, incorporating some modern twists, minimal set pieces and props. It relies heavily on the calibre of its actors, led in the titular role by Stephanie Lawlor, who manages to make the character’s (arguable) descent into madness both endearing and charming. Less successful are the casting shifts, which play with the traditional gender roles and relying on several actors to play multiple parts. As only select roles are altered, but not gender pronouns; and characters (once deceased) take on additional roles, the already complicated relationships in the performance become even more challenging to keep track of.

Never explicitly mentioned is the statement that Rooks and Same Boat Theatre make by staging such a work at St. Luke’s Mission; a place that they kindly note just before the start of the production requires audience members to use the washroom at the nearby community centre. While courteous, it's also mind boggling.

These are professional companies with professional performers putting on a major theatrical work. Yet they do so without meaningful support by the city or industry partners for a performance venue with even the most basic of amenities, and still receive a standing ovation from its enthusiastic audience of approximately 75 people.

At 2.5 hours in length, Hamlet is an investment of time. But for the professional companies maintaining a year-round theatre presence in , the investment is worthwhile. Note that there’s a performance tomorrow and performances each on October 3, 4 and 5- tickets are going fast.

09/28/2024

We’re thrilled to share a sneak peek of our 2024-2025 PASS season, featuring an exceptional lineup of world-renowned artists right here in Hamilton—one of our best yet! We’ll kick off the season with Grammy Award-winning pianist Michael Lewin, showcasing his extraordinary talents. Following that, prepare to be captivated by “We Are Flamenco,” a stunning celebration of live dance and music that honours the rich traditions of Flamenco.

Stay tuned for our full season announcement and details about our Season PASS coming soon! Tickets can be purchased through our website or by phone at (905) 528-4020.

09/20/2024

My words fly up, my thoughts remain below…

HAMLET opens in one week! Tickets are moving fast - act now to books yours before they’re gone 🖤

09/20/2024

We’re thrilled to share a sneak peek of our 2024-2025 PASS season, featuring an exceptional lineup of world-renowned artists right here in Hamilton—one of our best yet! We’ll kick off the season with Grammy Award-winning pianist Michael Lewin, showcasing his extraordinary talents. Following that, prepare to be captivated by “We Are Flamenco,” a stunning celebration of live dance and music that honors the rich traditions of Flamenco.

Stay tuned for our full season announcement and details about our Season PASS coming soon. We can’t wait to share this incredible experience with you!

08/26/2024

It was a perfect day to be at today to hear some of best hip hop artists!

Congrats to the team for a great festival and raising food/awareness for .youth.resources

07/24/2024

Earlier today, we shared our top 6 picks for solo shows at this year's Hamilton Fringe. But if solo shows aren't your thing, we've got you covered (and we totally understand- no judgement).

Fortunately, there are some amazing ensemble works in this year's Festival, including established artists Justin Shaw and Devin Bateson; ; playwriting contest winners First Born Theatre Company and multidisciplinary groups The Ushindi Collective (supported by Hamilton) and Dance Collective.

07/24/2024

For this year's Hamilton Fringe, we really did use one six show pass- which meant we had to be very careful about our choices (and what we'd recommend). If you're up for solo shows, our picks are below featuring Nicholas Wallace, Green Light Arts, Grabbing the Hammer Lane and more.

11/01/2023

"As artists, we’re taught that perfection is required to operate at the highest level possible. That in order for our art to be taken seriously by funders, audiences and fellow artists, every step, brushstroke and hair needs to be flawless. And if we aren’t able to achieve it, we’re somehow less deserving of credibility or recognition as a creator.

What is the cost of this drive for perfection? Specifically, how often do we let the desire for perfection outweigh artistry?"

Our latest article muses about the cost and sacrifice that comes when we let perfection trump creativity.

Read it now on Beyond James: https://beyondjames.com/oped-perfection/