ON THE PULSE

LOVE IS BLINDNESS

Acclaimed German director Claus Guth’s revival of the classic opera The Marriage of Figaro breathes new life into Mozart’s timeless score and the story of the enchanting and blinding qualities of love. The Canadian Opera Company’s performance of Guth’s production premieres this winter; it features bassbaritone Josef Wagner and soprano Jane Archibald. The Marriage of Figaro runs February 4–27, 2016 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto.

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

The latest addition to acclaimed Beijing artist Song Dong’s “The Wisdom of the Poor”—a series addressing rapid urban growth in global cities—is Communal Courtyard, an immersive exhibition featuring 100 recovered Chinese doors. The installation will examine the role of traditional architecture in today’s changing environment and the ways urbanization has affected the way we live amongst one another. Song Dong’s Communal Courtyard runs January 30–July 17, 2016 at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto.

POWER PACK

Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet has joined forces with acclaimed author Joseph Boyden, choreographer Mark Godden, and Cree actress, producer, and former MP Tina Keeper for an original onstage performance. Boyden’s powerful story reflects on the lives of a group of residential school survivors and is set to a score by Juno Award–winning composer Christos Hatzis. The show opens in Ottawa this winter and will travel to 12 cities across the country. Going Home Star – Truth and Reconciliation runs January 28–April 9, 2016 at select venues.