> TO DO, OR NOT TO DO
For book lovers and William Shakespeare enthusiasts, Saturday is a triple-threat of literary celebrations. The date marks Canada Book Day, UNESCO’s World Book and Copyright Day, and Shakespeare Day (thought to be the anniversary of the Bard’s death). Looking for ways to observe the occasions in Toronto? Here are six different ideas. For families Indigo and Chapters stores are celebrating Canada Book Day with special family storytime and activities for pint-sized book lovers. Store staff will be reading from a variety of beloved kids’ books and children will have the chance to create their own story and illustrations. When: Saturday, 11 a.m. to noon Where: Indigo and Chapters locations, including Indigo Bay & Bloor, Indigo Toronto Eaton Centre and Indigo Yorkdale More information: chapters.indigo.ca For amateur authors Celebrate World Book and Copyright Day by learning how to break into the children’s book industry. The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is presenting “So You Want to Get Published!”, a seminar for aspiring children’s book illustrators. Learn about the various opportunities and discover what publishers are looking for. When: Saturday, 1:45 p.m. Where: Toronto Public Library, Northern District Branch. 40 Orchard View Blvd., Room 200
Cost: $100
More information: bookcentre.ca/ product/just-for-illustrators/ For music lovers The Orpheus Choir concludes its 52nd season with Such Stuff as Dreams are Made on: the Lyrical
Shakespeare, a finale inspired by the stories and sounds of the poet and playwright. The special blend of song and prose will feature No Mortal Busi
ness, a Tempest-inspired choraldrama by Canadian composer Allan Bevan. The 60-voice choir will be joined by Stratford Festival actor Geraint Wyn Davies, Talisker Players Chamber Music and the Sidgwick Scholars and Orpheus’ special group of young, emerging soloists. When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Where: Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church, 427 Bloor St. W. Cost: $10 to $35 More information: orpheuschoirtoronto.com For 19+ The works of Shakespeare are the subject of a drinking game at the fifth annual Shakesbeers Showdown: The Bard Awakens, happening at the Rivoli. Members of Toronto’s various indie Shakespeare companies will battle it out in an unrehearsed recital of scenes from the Bard’s tricky-toread First Folio. The catch: Readers must take swigs of a boozy beverage each time they trip up a line. When: Sunday, 7:30 p.m. (Doors at 6:30 p.m.) Where: The Rivoli, 334 Queen St. W. Cost: $15 to $18 More information: shakesbeers2016.bpt.me For aficionados Shakespeare devotees should pay a visit to the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library at the University of Toronto. An original copy of the First Folio — the only copy in Canada — will be on display as part of So long lives this: A Celebration of Shakespeare’s Life and Work, the library’s special 60-book Shakespearean exhibition. The collection explores the impact of Shakespeare’s work beyond England. Lead curator Scott Schofield will give tours in the afternoon. When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, 120 St. George St. More information: fisher.library.utoronto.ca