Friday: The Berkeley Street Theatre hosts the Festival of Ideas and Creation

Friday, May 11
Support the development of the contemporary theatrical arts this weekend as the Canadian Stage Company hosts its 2012 Festival of Ideas and Creation. The focus of this year’s free events, workshops and readings is “Music in Performance”—partake in all the sound and vision at the Berkeley Street Theatre.

Indigenous traditions mix with modern dance when Kaha:wi Dance Theatre brings its latest work, TransMigration, to Harbourfront Centre. Choreographed by Santee Smith, the fusion piece is inspired by the life and paintings of the “Picasso of the North,” Ojibwe artist Norval Morrisseau.

Young filmmakers and movie junkies flock to the TIFF Next Wave Festival, which began yesterday and continues through Saturday. Focused on exposing youth to the cinematic arts, the event showcases films made for and by the next generation of cinephiles. In addition to screenings, there are also special-guest lectures, director Q&A sessions and more.

Saturday: The National Chinese Acrobats take the Sony Centre stage

Saturday, May 12
The National Chinese Acrobats swing into town for a one night only at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. These renowned daredevils perform feats of grace and strength incorporating traditional martial arts, illusions, music, dance and drama. The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra provides live accompaniment.

Bring the kids to see the mummies at the ROM’s Ancient Egypt weekend. Learn about Egyptian culture by unraveling age-old mysteries and participating in activities like an archeological dig, deciphering codes in hieroglyphs, craftmaking and more! Guests also get a backstage pass to see museum pieces that are not currently on display.

One of the country’s most beloved children’s stories, Roch Carrier’s The Hockey Sweater—about a young Montreal Canadiens fan who is force to wear a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey while playing in his hockey-mad Quebec town—gets the musical treatment this afternoon, courtesy of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Hosted by former Habs great Ken Dryden, the performance feature Carrier reading his timeless book with orchestral accompaniment.

Sunday: Kathleen Turner stars in the last Toronto performances of High

Sunday, May 13
You won’t want to miss the final searing performances of High. Award-winning actress Kathleen Turner stars as Sister Connelly, a nun who agrees to sponsor a 19-year-old drug user’s rehabilitation, embarking on a journey of human frailty and redemption. Mirvish Productions offers two opportunities to see the show today—there’s both a matinee and evening performance at the Royal Alexandra Theatre.

Former Royal Canadian Air Farce star Luba Goy, brings her life story to the stage in the hilarious and poignant Luba, Simply Luba. Starting with her beginnings as Ukrainian immigrant, Goy shepherds the audience through her memorable career and the many characters who shaped her—from Margaret Atwood and Jean Chretien to Goy’s budgie. Catch her performance at the Berkeley Street Theatre.

Why not spoil your mother on her special day by taking her on a tour of the spectacular May garden at Casa Loma. She can enjoy the wildflower beds and look at some of the spring blooms—there’s even a flower sale—as the master gardener walks you through the garden gate. Or take her to the Bata Shoe Museum for a discussion on the history of tea, including tea samples.