McSweeney’s List (13 November 2024)
Flu season means fever dreams, and fever dreams…well, they’re their own kind of crazy, no? While home sick last week, it was impossible to keep track of all the dreams, but a couple definitely stood out. One was a cinematic suspense thriller in which I was staying with a slick couple, and beautiful designer sunglasses were delivered to their house. But, neither had ordered them. Full movie zoom in on the glasses, and we realize they’re really a bomb, and instead of tossing them, we have to pack up and leave. A wild ride sure, but no discernable meaning or lessons. Maybe be wary of gifts when you're a secret criminal?
The one that gave me pause was significantly more mundane. I'm in a school lobby, waiting for a friend before a dance. We’re all grown-ups, though, and it all makes perfect sense, I promise. I'm dressed casually, which is odd, because my dream outfits can be really over the top, and this was not that. My friend walks in, wearing the most cartoonish princess dress I’ve ever seen. Like, there are so many frills, she is literally taller because of them. She sparkles and shines, and in that moment, I know the whole backstory. I know that I am dressed this way because she was insecure about getting an outfit in time, and I am standing in solidarity. But now I'm pissed and poorly dressed, and no one wants to see me pissed and poorly dressed. In less than polite terms, I explain my frustration, my sacrifice, and she smiles and says “I didn't ask you to do that”. She brushes by me, making her grand entrance, leaving me in the dust (well, leaving me in the lobby, but that's less dramatic.)
Dear Reader, you know I always tell you to wear the big dress and live out loud, but this dream wasn't about that. I woke up thinking about how I try to protect people in ways they didn't ask me to. It sounds lofty and compassionate, but it's not. What it really says is that I don't trust the reactions or resilience of the person I'm trying to protect. It doesn't feel that way when I'm making decisions, of course. In the moment it feels like caring. But what does it say if I don't think my friend can handle showing up in a less than great dress? It's the kind of over-protection you discuss with your therapist years after your parents have restricted and bubble wrapped your every step forward. It speaks to my fears and insecurities more so than to their abilities. Despite my surface demeanour and tendency to get pushy in crowds, the real conflicts in life where I might hurt, anger or disappoint those close to me, make me nauseous.
To mitigate the risk of my own temporary discomfort, I sometimes treat people with kid gloves. It serves neither of us, and only creates distance, resentment, omission. And I want to stop doing this. I want to assume that adults can handle their shit unless they use their words to express otherwise. Frankly, if the girl in my dream had asked me to dress down, I would've challenged the request; it would've struck me as small and selfish, so why the fuck do I put it on myself?
And so, my Dears, I'm endeavouring to remove the bubble wrap. I am raising my expectations of your ability to handle discomfort by risking my own. I'm curious to see what I learn about both of us along the way.
Storytelling through Song
For a third year running, Confabulation -- Montreal's original monthly, all-true storytelling series -- is teaming up with The Volume Knob -- Keith Serry's long-running podcast which explores personal storytelling through song. Come for six true-life stories, six moments of our lives, which are touched on or impacted by a song or artist.
We’re thrilled to be back at La Sala Rossa for a night of true stories, accompanied by the awesome Sarah Segal-Lazar and her band! We'll be sharing stories of the songs that helped to make us who we are.
WHAT: Confabulation + The Volume Knob - The Song That Saved My Life
WHERE: La Sala Rossa, 4848 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2T 1R5
WHEN: Thursday, November 14 @ 8PM
METRO: Laurier (Orange)
TICKETS: VenuePilot
Laugh It Off
Entering the final weekend of it’s run, Christopher Durang’s Laughing Wild, starring Matt Holland and Nadia Verrucci, is a powerful performance of a powerful play. But you don’t need me to tell you, our Creative Director Andrew Jamieson already shared his feelings about this production.
Warning: Mentions of suicide and mental illness, as well as all the really bad swear words and a lot of political incorrectness.
Duration: 90 Minutes - No Intermission
Venue has a flight of stairs.
WHAT: Laughing Wild by Christopher Durang
WHERE: Variations Mile End, 5337 Boul. Saint-Laurent #250, Montréal, QC H2T 1S5
WHEN: November 15, 16, 17 (Times Vary)
METRO: Laurier/Rosemont (Orange)
TICKETS: Eventbrite
PASTRIES & PUNCHLINES
Come one, come all to an awesome night of stand up comedy. You want to try stand up? Want to come and see local comedians say and try funny stuff in front of you? Well, this is the place to be. How does it work? Show up sign-ups, go up. Pros, amateurs and first timers get five minutes.
This is a non-alcoholic space with delicious baked goods and great coffee, and more! Entrance is free!
Special Note: this mic will soon be taking submissions for 2025 hosting gigs, so if you want to brush up on your hosting game, keep an eye on Claudio Silvio Capri’s page. I don't know of any other event offering this opportunity, so don't miss out
WHAT: Café Eevee Presents Open Mic Comedy Night
WHERE: Café Eevee, 1251 Saint-Zotique, Montreal, H2S 1N8
WHEN: Friday, November 15, Sign up @ 7 PM, Show @ 8 PM
METRO: Beaubien (Orange)
TICKETS: Eventbrite
HIGHWAY TO HILARITY
Hosted by Nazeer Khan, this suburban showcase features some of the finest comedic talents from the local, national, and international scenes. Past headliners have graced stages and screens at Just for Laughs (JFL), BBC, Hulu, CBS, CBC, CTV, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, San Francisco Sketchfest, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and many more prestigious platforms.
Catering by Bonyard! Come early at 6:30 PM to enjoy a delicious dinner. Indulge in their mouthwatering offerings as you gear up for the show. Food and drink service will continue to be available throughout the evening, ensuring a comfortable and satiating experience.
WHAT: West Island Comedy Night
WHERE: Microbrewery Labrosse, 133 Labrosse Ave., Pointe-Claire, H9R 1A3
WHEN: Saturday, November 16, Doors / Dinner @ 630 PM, Show @ 730 PM
METRO: Nah…
DETAILS: Facebook
STAYCATION
(Re)discover Tibet, through crafts, music, dances and traditional cuisine. The Tibetan Bazaar is a fundraiser for the Canada Tibet Committee.
$5 general admission, free for children under 12.
WHAT: Montreal Tibetan Bazaar
WHERE: 60 Rachel Ouest, Montréal, QC H2W 1G3
WHEN: Saturday, November 16, @ 10 AM - 6 PM
METRO: Mont-Royal (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
FEATURE FRIDAY
Forget The Box Presents: Feature Fridays - Your Spotlight Awaits!
Calling all Montreal artists! Forget The Box is proud to present "Feature Fridays," a new initiative dedicated to showcasing the incredible talent within our diverse artistic communities.
Every Friday, we'll be featuring a curated selection of local music, comedy, spoken word, and visual art. Our curators are active members of their respective communities, passionate about supporting and amplifying the diverse voices of Montreal's vibrant arts scene. This is your chance to shine and share your work with a wider audience.
How to Get Featured:
It's easy! Simply submit your work through the Forget The Box website. Our curators will review submissions and select artists on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit our Feature Friday section to find the submission forms!
Deadlines:
To be featured on a particular Friday, make sure to submit your work by Wednesday of that week. Any submissions received after Wednesday will be considered for the following Friday.
Ready to share your art with Montreal?! Submit your work today!
McSweeney’s List drops every Wednesday with the best events, workshops, and more, each week in Montreal!
