ByBlacks Review: BBBB*

The work of Jamaican cultural icon Louise Bennett-Coverley -- known to many as Miss Lou -- is so seminal and far-reaching that commemorating the centenary of her birth requires 100 days of celebrations.

BYBLACKS RATING: BBB 1/2

“If you haven't seen Cleo, you haven't seen the chick who tops 'em all...She's 6'2" of Dynamite!” The tagline for the 1973 Blaxploitation film Cleopatra Jones lets you know the important facts about the woman in charge — and Lana Lovell’s theatrical debut Elbow Room approaches the classic from a new angle.

KIRA celebrates humanity as one village, and its sacred bond to Mother Nature in this evocative work of dance, live percussion, and chants by renowned Guinean artist Fara Tolno.

When Lilies; Or, the Revival of a Romantic Drama opens at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre it will be the fulfillment of Ryan G. Hinds’ dream.

Photo by Dahlia Katz | Ordena Stephens-Thompson as Rose in Fences

On the day Makambe K. Simamba was born in Zambia, Nelson Mandela was visiting the country for the first time since his release from prison. It was the voice of men like Mandela and Malcolm X that made up the soundtrack of her childhood. Born in Zambia and raised in Guyana, Virgin Islands, and the Cayman Islands, this 29 year old storyteller has been exposed to many cultures and people. After high school, Makambe left the islands for Canada and took up theatre at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta.

Syrus Marcus Ware is a visual artist, community activist, researcher, youth advocate, and a key member of Black Lives Matter Toronto. Now he's adding playwright and actor to his resume, co-starring in 'Bubble Trans Pride' at this week’s Rhubarb Festival.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Photo by Andrew Eccles  “Alvin Ailey was a pioneer in celebrating the human spirit through the African-American culture and modern dance, elevating the world of the performing arts and the hearts and minds of people of all backgrounds," says the man at the helm of a 60 year old cultural instititute.

BYBLACKS RATING: BBBBB The fact that children and adults could be heard in the audience singing along to songs in the Young People’s Theatre (YPT) production of Disney and Cameron Macintosh’s Mary Poppins on its opening night meant it was very engaging.

BYBLACKS RATING: BBBB