Toronto 
Events Description
Multidisciplinary performance artist Emily Hughes enchants audiences with her multitude of artistic skills including aerial clown handstands and juggling in the premiere of her new work “Goodbye Esther”; a visually stunning emotionally vibrant circus-theatre performance about what it means to let go.
Hughes’ first full length solo show “Goodbye Esther” follows her clown character ‘Esther’ as she navigates the complex emotions that accompany her end of days. Presented as part of the inaugural season at The Playground a new circus-focussed venue in the heart of Leslieville the likes of which has not before existed in Toronto the show makes use of the warehouse space to create a unique semi-immersive experience. Audiences begin by exploring an installation of Esther’s mind before embarking on a clown saga through a grey world with a winding pathway. There they meet strange Bird Beings as memories come to life through spectacular circus acts and poetic clowning. This solo circus-theatre show explores themes of loss memory love and mortality through aerial fabric trapeze projection hand balancing juggling physical theatre and clown.
With the contributions of emerging director Calvin Petersen (Dead Broke DOGS) choreographic consult and dramaturgy from National Circus School graduate Anna Vigeland projection and lighting design by Evan DeRushie and featuring original music by Mark Brathwaite Deanna Choi Stacie Dunlop cheryl o and Matthew Reid Hughes takes audiences on a playful visceral journey to The End.
This production was made possible with support from Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council. a division of the Government of Ontario.
“MOVING ENRAPTURING EMOTIONAL. MAKES THE AUDIENCE PONDER THEIR OWN PERSONAL WEIGHTS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE THINGS WE CLING TO.”
Who is it for?
All ages
HOW MUCH
Tickets : $38.61
General Admission
How to get tickets?
WHEN & WHERE
Date: Thursday November 23, 2023 to Sunday November 26, 2023
Nov 23rd 7:30pm
Nov 24th 7:30pm
Nov 25th 7:30pm
Nov 26th 2:00pm
2 hours
Venue & Address
The Playground, 388 Carlaw Ave unit 207 Toronto, ON M4M 2T2
Wheelchair not accessible
Street Parking
Accessible by Public Transport
