This week on the web: The Twittersphere is buzzing about Hart House’s Craft Beer Festival, students take time to cherish the beauty of U of T, and Rob Ford gets a taste of U of T at the Toronto Council Meeting. (more…)
Spring is just around the corner yet again. This year, the Iranian Association at the University of Toronto (IAUT), in collaboration with the Iranian Student Union (ISU) and Nawranj Iranian Association, would like to invite you to another exciting and delicious Nowruz celebration at the Hart House 5-Buck Lunch event.
Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the Persian Calendar. It is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox (start of spring in northern hemisphere), which usually occurs on March 21st (although this year, it has fallen on Saturday, March 20th.) Some of the modern day’s traditions of Nowruz include preparing an elaborately prepared spread known as the Haft Seen (the Seven “S”s), containing seven items that begin with the letter “S”, each carrying a meaning.
This event will include a photo gallery, slide show, background music, decorations and an elaborate Haft Seen table setting. Bring your friends and join us for this joyous occasion.
What’s on the Menu?
Date: 23 March, 2011
Time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Location: Great Hall, Hart House
Happy Nowruz! Hope to see you all there.
Wednesday evening I battled the rain and sleet for a chance to see Yellow Face at Hart House Theatre followed by a Q&A with Tony-award winning writer, David Henry Hwang. I was not disappointed. The show is phenomenal. Both funny and touching, the play deals with serious racial issues by weaving together fact and fiction in a beautiful and engaging story. The set is simple and intriguing all at once, kudos to Akiva Romer-Segal the set designer. I loved the use of the full stage with such a differently proportioned set. The lighting by Paphavee Limkul was equally enjoyable. The lights played off the set wonderful, and took full advantage of the back cyc, adding visual depth to a very emotionally deep play.
Esther Jun, the director, did a wonderful job bringing the play to life. The actors were well chosen and played a variety of roles each, sometimes in unexpected ways. Their emotions felt real and kept you engaged, which is a testament to both good actors and good direction. The actors were all fantastic, but I want to call attention to Ben Wong who played DHH. Playing David Henry Hwang in front of David Henry Hwang must have been nerve-wracking, but he appeared to be at ease in the roll, which made it all the more enjoyable for the audience. Mr. Hwang himself commented afterwards that he did a wonderful job portraying him as both needy and self absorbed. Mr. Hwang made quite a few jokes like this throughout the question period. He was an engaging speaker, and it was interesting to hear about his journey of writing a play about himself, a mockumentary of sorts. He said he was inspired in part by Spinal Tap and too much Curb Your Enthusiasm, and the result was one of the most enjoyable plays I’ve seen in years.
With only two shows left, I suggest you drop everything and head over to Hart House to catch the show before it closes. Definitely a show not to be missed! Tickets can be bought at the box office or online at UofTTix.
I am always on the lookout for free and fun events happening around campus. My hunt has led me to join the Facebook group of virtually every Student Union, it’s caused me to mark down every Varsity game and every free commuter pancake breakfast. Recently, however, I have discovered the gem that is the Hart House Orchestra. This past Thursday I went to go see a friend of mine perform; I was told that the event was free and to arrive early as the Grand Hall fills up fast. So, I entered the very formal and beautiful Great Hall about forty minutes early. . . only to find the room pretty much full already! I found a seat, and watched as the men in suit jackets and women dressed in varying degrees of “dressy-ness” funneled in to the room.
It was packed by the time eight o clock rolled around. And by packed, I mean people had pulled in their own chairs, people were crammed against walls—standing—and there were more people hovering in the entrance. The Orchestra finally started up with Tchaikovsky’s Slavonic March, Op. 31. If you don’t know what that is, don’t worry, I’m more into rock music myself. You don’t need to know the song to enjoy it, and enjoy it I did! It was amazing! I felt like I had fallen into some other century, some other time when music meant hours upon hours of preparation to learn how to play something perfectly; it was a huge contrast to a lot of the music on my iPod, which a kindergartner could produce in about half an hour using the right computer.
The Hart House Orchestra really is an amazing, and relatively secretive, jewel of U of T. Alumni, students, and faculty at U of T all comprise this magnificently talented group of 80-90 musicians that get together and perform. Speaking as someone who enjoys most music, and loves concerts in general, this was an amazing experience, and my wallet enjoyed it as well. I discovered a new love for Russian composers, and also for the Hart House Orchestra. If you are interested in having a fun musical night, check out their website for more information, and also for updates on their next concert. Or, just check out their Facebook group (which just so happens to have this amazing tagline: “Rockin’ the House Since 1976“).
If you missed out on the Hart House Wide Open House, then you might as well move to Antarctica and have Morgan Freeman narrate your life (bad movie pun). The Open House was beautifully organized chaos. At the heart of its complexity and diverse nature there was a radiating source of beauty and vibrancy.
There was live music, food, free prizes, beautiful people and a BUTTON MAKING CLASS! What else can the human soul long for? Oh and did I mention they had an awesome mini club fair?
For those of you who missed the event, I shall try my hardest to embody its pulsating atmosphere in this article.
MOVE OVER Martha, Hart House is the new party hostess. With great free stuff, food, entertainment and activities the Hart House Wide Open House was a success!
Sit back and relax as I take you through the Open House:
The Scott Metcalf Trio will be performing next Friday as part of the Hart House music program that takes place in the beautiful Arbour Room. Here’s what Hart House had to say about the trio:
A newly formed band, conceived of some of the key members of the Cafe Ole, an award winning flamenco jazz ensemble. Although rarely playing as a trio, the members have been playing together for the last 3 years with the Cafe Ole and many other ensembles. The trio have been performing throughout Toronto and the GTA and are all graduates from Humber College’s prestigious music program.
Website: Scott Metcalfe Trio Web Site
When: October 10, 2008 , 9:00 pm
Where: Arbour Room Hart House
Photo from the Chinese Undergraduate Association at U of T’s 2007 Hart House Farm Trip Photo Album
The weather has finally warmed up. You’re feeling all bright and summery inside and out. Well, what better way to celebrate than to spend a weekend at Hart House Farm? It’s an expansive, beautiful, idyllic setting removed from the city. You can take some time to connect with nature on this Midsummer’s Eve retreat.
Lunch, dinner and breakfast the next day are included. You’ll find lots to do at the farm. Activities include: hiking, swimming, tour of the 150 acre farm, star-gazing, kite flying, bonfire, and fireworks.
When: Saturday June 21 to Sunday June 22, 2008
Where: Hart House Farm. Buses leave Hart House at 11:00 am Saturday and leave from the Farm at 11:00 am Sunday.
Cost: Tickets are $35 with bus and $31 without until June 18. After June 18 tickets are $42 with bus and $38 without. Get your tickets at the Hart House Porter’s desk.
Details: Bring sleeping bags or blankets and pillows; also bring a tent if you want to sleep outside. See also the Facebook event page.
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