events
Urban Planner: July 24, 2012
Today: a historical book launch at Toronto's historical First Post Office, artists battle against one other and the clock, the premiere of Beirut, and a hypnotic comedy show.
The first ever Art Battle National Championship goes down tonight. Photo courtesy of Noah Gano.
HISTORY: Let Dorothy Duncan take you back in time with the launch of her new book, Hoping for the Best, Preparing for the Worst: Everyday Life in Upper Canada, 1812–1814. Join her for a reading, accompanied by era-appropriate snacks like salmon jerky, whole-wheat bread, dried fruit, and cookies. Toronto’s First Post Office (260 Adelaide Street East), 7 p.m.—8:30 p.m., FREE.
ART: Tonight, 14 artists go head to head in the first ever Art Battle National Championship. Watch as the artists (at easels placed back-to-back in the centre of the room) create art in just 20 minutes using acrylic paint and non-mechanical devices. Cheer on the contestants, vote for your favourite, and bid on the paintings at the silent auction afterward. The Great Hall (1087 Queen Street West), 7:30 p.m., $20 at the door ($10 for students).
THEATRE: America has been taken over by a deadly disease. The solution? Quarantine the sick in a decrepit corner of New York, called Beirut. The sexually charged play of the same name follows Blue as she breaks into Beirut to be with her quarantined lover, despite the threat of illness, and penalty of death for such an act. Starring Garett Bullock, Mitra S. Bullock, and Anthony Ulc. Contains nudity. Unit 102 Theatre (376 Dufferin Street), 8 p.m., PWYC.
COMEDY: If you’ve ever wanted to be hypnotized, with the assurance that you won’t be made to publicly wet yourself, this is your chance. The Hypnosis Comedy Show uses volunteers from the audience to create a night of laughs: rather than becoming objects of ridicule, hypnosis is used to unearth the participants’ natural talents, humour, and creativity. 19+. Black Swan Tavern (154 Danforth Avenue), Doors 8:30 p.m., Show 9 p.m.–10:30 p.m., $12 in advance, $15 at the door.
Urban Planner is Torontoist‘s guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every weekday morning, and in a weekend edition Friday afternoons. If you have an event you’d like considered, email all of its details—as well as images, if you’ve got any—to events@torontoist.com.
