McSweeney’s List (29 January 2025)
The motto of 2025 is, “in this economy?!” Granted, when said jokingly, it never gets old (“I'm falling in love” “in this economy?”), but it keeps coming up non-ironically in more and more rooms, with a growing tone of desperation. While I don't claim to rub elbows with the elite, the folks I know who never used to talk about the economy or their financial insecurities, are doing so now.
Despite my glamorous title (The Anna Wintour of Forget The Box), and my well paid (to me) job, I was feeling broke. Not a new circumstance for me, a grown, and theoretically responsible, woman who maintains enough idealism to think we can teamwork our way out of the capitalist nightmare. I also enjoy some of the finer things, none of which I can afford, and love to fill a cart with a bunch of moderately priced things, that truly, I can also not afford. But, I thought to myself a few years back, everyone has debt, that's how they afford the pleasures in life that motivate them to keep striving, or at least keep sustaining their mental health. Tired of the hamster wheel of credit card payments and ends that never met, it was time for a budget.
And not a budget of my design: you can't solve the problem the way you created the problem, and when it comes to my money management, time and experience have proven that I am, in fact, the problem with my finances. Obviously, I had to outsource the job. Conveniently, my grown, and actually responsible, daughter has a penchant for numbers, details, and excel sheets. (Parents: don't try to make your children into mini-yous; foster their differences so together one day you can cover all the bases.) The first step was to tell her what my current expenses are. Like, all of them. All of them as in what I spend on rent, food, weed, subscriptions, random shopping, everything. And the first scary realization I faced was that I had no idea. Besides rent, everything else felt both inconsistent and chaotic, and I couldn't answer. It was a tough reality check, and that's the first thing it takes to make a change and why so many people push things under rugs until the rugs become elephants in the room. I hate that…so I couldn't rightly choose avoidance.
Once I determined (and guesstimated) the numbers, the next obstacle was to let someone else see these numbers…and that someone was my kid. Dammit. While she holds no illusions about me, and I knew she would be the solution to my struggles, opening my books in this fashion felt especially vulnerable and humbling. But I realized that’s a bigger thing; that's the fear that stops people from getting help when they realize they need an assist. No one can ask for help before realizing they need it, but even once they realize it, reaching out can be a step too far. From shows about hoarders, to shows about one ton lives, I'm not the only one who asks how it got to this point. Surely their loved ones would help, but after watching enough of them you realize that the hoarders rarely let on, and the TV worthy obese are either surrounded by enablers or unwilling to do what needs doing. There's much to be said about the willingness to change, and growth can't come without it. So, I turned over my numbers, knowing that as bad as it was, it was brave, even if it was only brave in the way skinny people use the word for curvy gals strutting their stuff. It wasn't bravery so much as embracing truth. (Which I guess can be called brave, but I'm not sure it should be. It should be common sense, but *sigh* I guess Truth is scary, so we are brave. Fair enough.)
The good news is, my kid didn't pass out from seeing my irresponsibility up close. And in fact, she told me things weren't that bad (maybe she actually said it could be worse). She told me that I spend more than I make every month, which I knew; my bank app has a cute little graph that shows how much goes into my account, and how much comes out. And that graph has never been on my side. Still, it never changed my spending habits, it only made me feel more helpless.
Now though, I was taking action. We made a plan, and she made a spreadsheet (which is her nature, and will be really helpful for me). The next hard part is following the budget. As daunting as that feels, I'm not sure this part is really as hard as those other parts.
And yeah, I guess I have no choice but to budget in this economy, while the world's on fire, and our dollar is on the toilet (I have been told that the value of our dollar means something). At least now I feel empowered. The only things I can control are my own actions, and now I have a framework for change. Clearly, the change has already begun, because I've gotten this far.
Yes, we're all struggling, (or most of us are. Eat the rich). And no, it's not all our faults. The fact that the term the working poor even exists is an affront to all that we were taught. The fact that we call some jobs - mostly the ones that were deemed essential, like, two minutes ago, unskilled labour really drives home who's making the rules and who's getting screwed by them. Minimum wage was created to assure a certain standard of living, and now those jobs are sneered at as if these people don't wake up everyday to grind, and make our metaphorical, and literal, coffee. And that's a whole lot and caboodle that will break your brain if you look at it too hard.
Listening to a wonderful teacher named Jiva G recently, I was told there's a difference between being powerless and being helpless. We are powerless against the system, nature, and such, but we can still help ourselves and each other. So take the small, scary, first steps into whatever will ease your struggle, and know that before you even see results, you will have done something brave.
first - a special preview by sarra mirghani…
Who pays the price?
The Sky Is The Limit Theatre’s The Cost of Living is an interactive play that invites us to confront the difficult yet absurd reality of trying to survive within the settler colonial projects that govern so-called “Canada” and beyond.
At the center of this performance is a trial, with charges brought forth against the settler colonial projects in question. Presiding over the courtroom is an omniscient, and omnipresent, judge known as the Jess-ter. The audience acts as jury to a collection of characters who share their personal testimonies about land, identity, and the relationship between the two. The stories weave a collaborative performance that is as painfully honest as it is entertaining.
Through the testimonies, The Cost of Living offers a wry and witty approach to difficult conversations around land, immigration, and accountability. Interactivity pulls the audience into the thick of it, encouraging them to break down barriers of all kinds, from the creative fourth wall to the arbitrary borders that slice through our Earth, dividing us. This element also serves to remind the audience that we are not just passive viewers, but active members in the settler colonial project we occupy.
The Cost of Living pushes us to ask important questions -
At what cost are these oppressive systems upheld?
Who pays the price?
This performance is the latest original theatre production by The Sky Is The Limit Theatre (TSLT). This diverse and emerging group of performer-creators debuted their first production on the stages of Montreal Fringe Festival 2023 in the form of an original play entitled, A Confirmer / T.B.C.. TSLT is a collective of multicultural theatre artists delivering original productions exploring the nuances, hardships, and absurdities that come with living in our tumultuous world. TSLT uses a collaborative model of creation and artistic practice to tell stories that highlight the perspectives of marginalized peoples, and cultivate radically creative communities.
This play is an emotional yet humorous reprieve for those who have been disillusioned by the apathetic violence being rained down by the oppressive systems that (try to) run our lives.
TSLT will be performing their latest provocative and inspiring collective creation project, The Cost of Living, on January 30, February 1, and 2 at 8:00 PM, at Aux Angles Ronds at 5333 Saint Laurent Boulevard.
Tickets can be bought at https://my.weezevent.com/the-cost-of-living
Photos by Niyayesh Golestani.
WHAT: The Cost of Living
WHERE: Aux Angles Ronds, 5333 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2T 1S5
WHEN: January 31, February 1 and 2 @ 8PM
METRO: Laurier (Orange)
TICKETS: Weezevent
Now Back to our regularly scheduled programming with Dawn McSweeney!
Reading Szn
Join us for the launch of H. Nigel Thomas' new book, A Different Hurricane. The author will be reading, conversing with Nalini Mohabir about his work, and signing books (available for sale at the event). This event is free, but space is limited, so please RSVP.
About the book…
Two gay men with a lifetime of secrets face their insular, homophobic island's rancour. Growing up in neighbouring villages on the tiny island nation of St. Vincent, teenaged best friends, Gordon and Allen, are secret lovers until they are forced apart by their community's traditional expectations. They each complete their university studies abroad, encountering worlds where there is less hostility toward LGBTQ+ people. Tempted to stay, both men ultimately return home, hiding who they are.
Their secret lives come at the expense of others, and Gordon's wife, Maureen, is the first to be irreparably harmed. She has confided her secrets to an accusatory journal, and it’s now up to Gordon to keep it from the local media -- and the unforgiving eyes of the authorities. If the truth is revealed, he and Allan will be the next victims.
H. Nigel Thomas is a retired professor of American Literature, an award winning writer. He's authored thirteen books, and dozens of essays. He's the founder, and English Language Co-ordinator of Lectures Logos readings, and the Editor of Kola Magazine.
Nalini Mohabir is an Associate Professor in Geography, Planning, and Environment at Concordia University. She is co-editor (with Ronald Cummings) of The Fire That Time: Transnational Black Radicalism and the Sir George Williams Occupation (2021). Her research focuses on the Caribbean, and its diaspora.
WHAT: Book Launch: H. Nigel Thomas, in Conversation with Nalini Mohabir
WHERE: Argo Books, 1841-A Saint-Catherine St. W., Montreal, H3H 1M2
WHEN: Thursday, January 30 @ 7 PM
METRO: Atwater (Green)
RSVP: TicketSource
Deeg Laughs (Like Deez Nutz, But Different)
It's a night full of hilarious stand-up comedy performances by Montreal's most talented comedians plus touring pros! Bring your friends or make some there, but don't miss out on this chance to laugh!
Troy Stark hosts this great lineup, featuring Sadie Moland, Serag Meletian, Eric Spicely, and Johnny Divito, with Tom Murphy headlining.
Seating is limited in this cozy venue, so get your tickets now! $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
WHAT: Rustik Comedy (NDG Comedy Show)
WHERE: Rustik Pub & Grill, 5621 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, H4A 1W4, Canada
WHEN: Thursday, January 30, Doors @ 7 PM, Show @ 8 PM
METRO: Vendôme (Orange)
TICKETS: Eventbrite
Hip-Hop Hilarity
Jokes meet beats at this comedy hip-hop show! The vibes will be urban, and the jokes will be slaying! Get ready to be entertained as Vance Michel hosts the hipping and the hahas, featuring Claudine Napoleon, Peter Bowen, and Goofy Welldone, with headliner Renzel Dashington.
With special musical guest Pussy Patrol!
WHAT: That Coloured Comedy Show
WHERE: Montreal Improv (Le Basement), 3716 Notre-Dame St. W., Montreal, H4C 1P7
WHEN: Thursday, January 30, Doors @ 830 PM, Show @ 9 PM
METRO: Place Saint Henri
TICKETS: Eventbrite
Hairspray Is Optional
Blast back to neon and hig hair. From Prince to Bowie, Madonna to Devo, relive the best of the '80s live, with timeless, global hits from the decade. Come dressed in your best 80s looks to add a touch of nostalgia to this memorable evening. Bring your moves: this is bound to be a moment.
WHAT: Back to the ‘80s
WHERE: Le Balcon, 463 Ste. Catherine St. W., Montreal, H3B 1B1
WHEN: Friday, January 31 @ 830 PM
METRO: McGill (Green) & Square Victoria-OACI (Orange)
TICKETS: Ticketmaster
The Power Of Touch
What if together, we created the perfect moment in time for self-discovery and deep regeneration? What would happen if we allowed ourselves to be curious, sometimes playful, but above all, real and vulnerable?
This event provides is an invitati to connect and exchange energy in a setting that allows for platonic physical contact. These exchanges occur following the principles of enthusiastic consent, and we offer guidance on this subject at the beginning of each event. All are welcome, as this is a space for safe exploration and kindness.
After our introduction, short discussions and exercises in pairs will give you a chance to interact with some of the participants. Another exercise in small groups will mark the transition between the guided and non-guided parts of the activity. None of these are mandatory and you are welcome to remain an observer. The last two hours of the evening are a time for engaging as you please with anyone from the group. Clear communication creates opportunities for deep relaxation, meaningful connections and emotional breakthroughs that are different at every event. Great power resides in the act of showing up authentically.
This experience is a reminder that touch is medicine, and that security and playfulness are profound well-being catalysts.
This is a sober event.
This is not a dating event.
WHAT: {konnekt}
WHERE: Espace Neshama, 120 Rue McGill, Montreal, H2Y 2E5
WHEN: Saturday, February 1, Doors @ 640 PM, Event @ 7 PM
METRO: Square Victoria-OACI (Orange)
TICKETS: EspaceNeshama
Time & Place Travel
Missed your chance to party like it’s Berlin, 1993? 90s Berlin is landing in Montreal! It's a Le Club Pop-Up Dance Party where the walls sweat nostalgia, and everyone belongs on the dancefloor. Montreal's hottest DJ collective, Cocktail Sonore, will be serving up an eclectic mix of retro dance beats for all generations.
WHAT: Le Club Pop-Up: Berlin 90s Edition
WHERE: Bar Le Ritz PDB, 179 Rue Jean-Talon W., Montreal, H2R 2X2
WHEN: Saturday, February 1, Door @ 8 PM, Show @ 9 PM
METRO: Jean-Talon (Orange)
TICKETS: Universe
McSweeney’s List drops every Wednesday with the best events, workshops, and more, each week in Montreal!
