March 2020 | Urbanicity Hamilton

Lights, Camera, Hamilton!

Crimson Peak. The Shape of Water. IT: Chapter Two. The Handmaid’s Tale. The Umbrella Academy. American Gods. The Good Witch.

The Boys. Murdoch Mysteries. The list of film and television content shot right here in Hamilton keeps growing at a thrillingly rapid rate.

Our buildings have been visited by superheroes, malevolent ghosts, historical figures, and Chris freaking Evans. Our streets and neighbourhoods themselves have played parts from major metropolises to small, folksy townships.

Academy Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro has repeatedly sung our city’s praises.

The movies and television series shot in Hamilton have won Oscars and Emmys, and penetrated pop culture on an international level.

Hamilton is now one of the country’s hottest hubs for the film & television industry.

The overwhelming commitment to cementing our city’s film & TV scene speaks for itself. As a city with plenty of diverse shooting locations and a whole lot of character, the Hammer has long been a spillover spot for film productions coming from the oversaturated film scene in Toronto, quickly turning Hamilton into a major industry hub in its own right.

The influx has now made the city the second largest in Ontario and third largest in Canada.

In fact, Hamilton is home to 9,140 talented people who work in the film industry as well continues on page 11

CREATIVITY AND COLLABORATION MEET AT MILLWORKS CREATIVE

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF THE DUNDAS LITTLE THEATRE

NEW SPACE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS & VIDEOGRAPHERS

THIS LITTLE THEATRE HAS MADE A BIG IMPACT IN DUNDAS

HAMILTON’S ALYSSA NEDICH IS MOVING DANCE FORWARD

HAMILTON’S ALTERNATIVE THEATRE SCENE MAKES WAY FOR NEW AUDIENCES

EXPRESSING ART THROUGH BODY LANGUAGE

SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT THEATRE COMPANIES

HAMILTON’S 10 BEST DATE NIGHT SPOTS FOR 2020

BUSTING SOME SYMPHONY PREJUDICES

NEED A ROMANTIC SPOT AFTER THE SHOW?

FLUSHING OUT ALL THE COMMON EXCUSES

COMPLIMENTARY

MARCH 2020 | THE THEATRE ISSUE

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HAMILTON TRIVIA 1. In what year did the Hamilton All Star Jazz Band form?

2. Which of these waterfalls has the smallest drop? Tews, Albion, or Darnell?

3. What are the two official colours of the McMaster Marauders?

4. Which alternative rock band formed in 1989 in Hamilton?

Answers on page 15

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MARCH 2020 | THE THEATRE ISSUE

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Creativity and collaboration meet at Millworks Creative

MICHAEL ADEBO

Jack-of-all-trades, master of none. When I’m not writing, you can f ind me taking photos, listening to music with my dog Tux, or getting too heavily invested in a Raptors game.

At first glance you might think you’ve taken a wrong left turn, but a couple more steps up the steely industrial staircase and you’ll come to understand all you need to about Millworks and its rustic, factory-like aesthetic.

A historic district turned open-concept workspace, Millworks Creative acts as a place for creatives (mainly photographers, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs) to work side-by-side and develop their projects. It also serves as a common area for its growing community of creatives. As Millworks’ head of operations Danielle Rizzo puts it, “it’s a space where we want you to feel welcome; it’s a space where we want to help you create ideas”. With five different studios and an all-in-one service offering, it’s a large undertaking that certainly fits between the wide expanses of Millworks.

Danielle herself is no stranger to the creative scene. Originally starting in product development and wardrobe styling, a combination of the art and business worlds was an easy transition to make. Opening a creative space was Danielle’s answer to the dilemma of being unable to go from the laptop to the studio.

Influenced by her own personal style, her father’s innovative spirit when running popular clothing brand Campus Crew, and their shared love for antiquing, Millworks Creative has a defined visual style that lends itself to inspiration at every turn. But more so, her role is as a connector of people and nurturing collaboration among creatives that use the space.

At its core, that’s what Danielle and Millworks aim to do — build a community that sets it apart from other co-op workplaces. There’s a lot under one roof to interact with – from traditional painters, woodworkers, and creative directors, to the usual photographers and filmmakers – and that’s just one floor.

One of the most unique and inviting aspects of Millworks is its cozy shared workspace. For a day fee or a membership, creatives can set up laptops, help

themselves to unlimited coffee and tea, and freely interact with others — an aspect that Danielle feels is a source of inspiration for the Millworks community. “When you look at something, other people relate or interpret it in a different way,” she says of not only watching others create but sharing their own muses as well.

For example, Hamilton Film Studios, which produces television and larger scale films and Made at Millworks, which provides semiprivate studio spaces to artists are also located in the building. With 12,000 square feet of space and a deliberate lack of separation, collaboration is almost a certainty.

Further inspiration can be found outside of the common area too. Millwork’s five studio spaces are all incredibly distinct in their look and feel. The smallest spaces – the Cottage and the Bedroom – lend themselves to family and wedding photoshoots with their lived-in, cottage country visuals. Snow white brick walls and exposed beams greet you in every corner, making both rooms feel aged and timeless all at once.

The Loft, which is larger and wider than the previous two, has been home to photoshoots, yoga workshops, music videos, and more. There’s no limit on what a space can be used for and innovation is welcomed.

The Annex is one of the biggest spaces at Millworks and is so massive that it features two more spaces within it — the Den and the Glass Room, that can be rented as well. The Annex surrounds

Photos by Rob Anzit

you with factory style windows that give plenty of opportunity for natural light. Its scale offers a vastness that could easily be utilized for a short film or larger scale production.

The largest and final space, the Stage, is an enormous fully wooden attic that features a darker aesthetic than any of the previous studios. Mostly employed for films and music videos, its size is something that can only be appreciated in person.

Most of the studios are characterized by props and furniture selected by Danielle herself and can be filled with anything found in the prop room, which can also be rented. Many props are thrifted antiques that fit the appearance and theme of Millworks. Then to keep things fresh, Danielle switches out the props in the rooms for a new and unique look every so often. In addition to the prop room, there is a hair and make-up station that is complimentary to any booking and a freight elevator available to easily move equipment between spaces.

In a short time since opening, Millworks Creative has seen several different productions make use of the space.

One of the more memorable uses is the transformation of the Loft into a showcase for the work of young artists from the kids classes at Studio on James.

It’s a reminder of just how multifaceted Hamilton’s creative scene is, and the malleability of Millworks speaks to that.

What sets the arts in Hamilton apart from other cities, Danielle says, is the community. In her own words, “I don’t think I’ve seen this many creatives or artists that just want to help each other, or work together, or collaborate to build up the city”.

A good idea can start in solitude, but a great idea might come from a new set of eyes, a conversation over espresso, or a young artist getting an opportunity to show their work. Collaboration gives us an opportunity to support all of that, and luckily Millworks Creative has opened its doors to all.

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Celebrating 60 years of the Dundas Little Theatre

JODY ABERDEEN

Jody is an author, ghostwriter, randonaut, uncommonly-specif ic dog hypnotist, food enthusiast, and podcaster. His most recent novella, Red Brick, is set in a town very closely inspired by Dundas and is available on Amazon. Jody’s podcast, Ghostwriter and Pup, is available on Anchor.f m

It’s hard to not be smitten with Dundas.

A centuries-old escarpment valley town in Hamilton’s far west-end, Dundas invokes all of those primal feelings that many city dwellers have of village life. When we bandy about expressions like “shop local”, “local culture” and “community”, it’s often places like Dundas that many of us have in mind, even if unconsciously.

Local theatre has been part of village culture going back to Greek times, and significantly shapes the character of the community in which it is born. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the Dundas Little Theatre is no different, having greatly affected the hearts and minds and the very soul of the town for many decades.

Founded in 1960, Dundas Little Theatre is based out of the Garstin Centre for the Arts, located on Market Street between the J.L. Grightmire Arena and the Community Pool. The theatre was originally a troupe of dedicated local thespians without a home. The founders performed in local schools, churches, and other spaces in and around Dundas until a fundraising initiative in the 1980s helped them to build their permanent home. The theatre itself was renamed in 2000 after Don Garstin, one of the founding members of the troupe.

The theatre recently concluded a very successful run of Joe DiPetro’s offBroadway play Over the River and Through the Woods, which was directed

by Tamara Kamermans.

Peter Lloyd, who played Frank Gianelli, recalls a recent experience saying, “We were down at Theatre Aquarius some Saturdays ago following the end of our run of Over the River. A young man came up to me asking ‘Have I seen you at a show recently?’ I mentioned the Dundas Little Theatre, and he said "yeah, that's it, that's where I saw you!’

He'd heard about the show on one of the programs on the Mohawk College radio station and thought it was interesting. He came down, saw the show, and loved it. And here he was,

coming up to speak to me in the lobby of another theatre. It felt really good.”

Lloyd joined the Little Theatre in the early 1980s and in the true spirit of local theatre, has done everything from scrubbing toilets and hammering nails to serving on the Board of Directors as Chairman and Treasurer. A long time Dundas resident, Lloyd speaks enthusiastically about the intimate connections between the Little Theatre and its town.

“If you head to the local pub around the corner from the theatre – the Winchester Arms or the ‘Winnie’ as we call it – you can often find the actors and directors having a quick bite to eat before the show. The staff are very familiar with us. We draw around 1,200 people into the theatre on some Sunday afternoons from not only Dundas, but west Hamilton, Flamborough, and around the area, and afterwards they disperse through the community, walking around and spending money. That’s one of the many impacts. It’s a different group of people than the folks who come to the hockey game next door.”

Most of all, Lloyd enjoys the recognition from his neighbours and other residents for his work in the theatre, both on and off stage. “I love getting good reviews, having a body of work where you can feel that you've made a contribution to the life of the community.

People coming up and talking to you in the street, saying "I saw you in the show, you're very good!" Having live performance art available in a small town just raises the tone of the whole town. To

have that sort of experience available at a reasonable cost and not having to drive down the QEW to Toronto or Niagara is greatly rewarding.”

Little Theatre member Sally Watson, the costume designer for the Little Theatre’s upcoming production of Agatha Christie’s VERDICT, shares Lloyd’s deep fondness for her troupe.

“My fondest memory is of the many fundraising events we held in order to raise the money to build the Garstin Centre for the Arts,” says Watson. “Car rallies, teas, auctions, crafts sales, parties and dances. We raised a bundle in a relatively short period of time and it was all incredibly exciting!”

Watson joined the theatre straight out of high school and has been involved for 48 years, working as a props master, actress, and the stage manager for 33 plays. She points to the Little Theatre’s contributions to some of Dundas’ own unique community activities. “We have curated an exhibit at the Dundas Museum, created floats for the Cactus Festival parade, participated in Arts Dundas weekend and played host to many other arts organizations and non-profits.”

As Dundas experiences the same growth as the rest of the Hamilton area, the Little Theatre has proven to be as appealing to newcomers as it has been to those who have lived most of their lives in the community.

Elizabeth Whitton, a property management professional and lifelong theatre enthusiast who moved to Dundas from

Toronto a year ago, had the pleasure of taking in Over the River during its run.

“People speak of ‘amateur’ theatre,” says Whitton, “and it’s important to remember that the word ‘amateur’ is of French origin, denoting “a lover of art” according to the Oxford Dictionary.”

Whiton says she loves the little theatres of the world because their performances come from deep love. “The shows I’ve been to in Dundas have been well-produced, the cast well-placed, the staging clear. Wonderful performances, all told! I think Little Theatre adds so much to the community. It’s a great place for young aspiring actors who want to gain experience and for the locals who have a great reason to leave the TV behind and head out on cold winter nights.”

Next up for Dundas Little Theatre?

Agatha Christie’s VERDICT, which Peter Lloyd says is “a different kind” of Agatha Christie. “This is the play that she herself called her favourite,” says Lloyd. “In this play, instead of the murder taking place off-stage in darkness, we see the murder take place and we know who the murderer is. What the audience will wonder is why the murderer did it and will they get away with it?” You know who did it: the question is why and how long would they get away with it. It is very much a psychological thriller, with a very film-noirish edge to it.”

VERDICT will debut on April 24th, 2020. You can find information on their 2020/2021 season at dundaslittletheatre.com

MARCH 2020 | THE THEATRE ISSUE

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Hamilton’s Alyssa Nedich is moving dance forward

MICHAEL KRAS

Michael is an award-winning writer, theatre artist, actor, producer, and craft beer lover addicted to all things Hamilton.

Most recently, his acclaimed Voaden Prizewinning play The Team premiered to sold-out houses with Essential Collective Theatre and Theatre Aquarius.

The first time a piece of dance moved me to tears, it was because of Alyssa Nedich.

A young, talented choreographer with an endless well of passion and enthusiasm for her work, Alyssa had created a short piece of contemporary dance, titled Communal Solace, for Hamilton’s site-specific arts festival Frost Bites a few years ago.

Expressively interpreted by a halfdozen mesmerizing movers, the 20-minute dance piece was totally wordless and yet, somehow, felt extremely personal. Even though Alyssa and I have been friends and collaborators since doing theatre together in high school, Communal Solace showed me a side of her I’d never seen before.

Not bad for someone who, as a child born and raised here in Hamilton, almost didn’t end up pursuing dance at all.

“I got my start in dance at a local studio in Hamilton called That’s Dancing.

When I was very little, I took class for about two weeks and then quit and told my mother I’d never dance again,” she tells me with a laugh.

Luckily, Alyssa rejoined the community a few years later to take dance classes with her friends and ended up falling completely in love with every aspect of that world. Now, years later, she has established herself as one of the city’s most in-demand and prolific dance teachers, choreographers, and adjudicators.

It’s not hard to see why, either. Alyssa shines in the studio as she leads the way, working with dancers of all ages and experience levels, deftly balancing joy and lightness with discipline and rigour. Her teaching style expects professionalism and work ethic, but leads with the philosophy that dance is nothing if not fulfilling and fun. Believing deeply that dance is for everyone, Alyssa puts inclusivity and community at the forefront of her practice.

Alyssa’s skills and creative versatility have taken her all over Canada, working as an adjudicator and educator at dance competitions nationwide on top of choreographing for everything from stage musicals to feature films, and music videos for Canadian artists like Of Us Giants and The Geoff Hudson Band. Knowledgeable and adaptable, she’s well equipped to rise to the particular needs of pretty much any project.

“If I am working on theatre choreography, especially musicals where I know I will have a lot of dancers, I spend a ton of time pre-setting my work before heading into rehearsals since time is usually quite limited,” she explains.

“With my competitive dancers, I tend to go in with loose ideas after bingelistening to a song, and as I set choreography, I make sure it fits just right for them. I find if I go in with too much structure, the work can end up looking forced rather than something that plays up the dancer’s skills.”

Those qualities certainly come out in Alyssa’s choreography; her work doesn’t feel cookie-cutter. Dancers move with precision, presence, complicity, and breath, but each performer is given room to interpret the choreography in their own unique bodies and physical vocabularies. The results are riveting to watch and deeply human.

Though the demand for Alyssa’s work regularly takes her out to the farthest reaches of Canada, her roots are planted firmly in her hometown Hamilton, where she is a bona fide leader in the city’s dance community.

Walking downtown, you can still find Alyssa’s headshot prominently displayed on a streetlight banner as part of the city’s ‘I Am An Artist’ campaign, and her company To the Point Dance Project, which she artistic-directs alongside local dancers Cassandra Bowerman and Sarah Dowhun-Tompa, is one of Hamilton’s foremost collectives presenting and promoting dance as a key part of our local cultural identity.

As Alyssa’s thriving career moves into the future with no signs of slowing, she’s quick to express that Hamilton will always be a big part of that future.

“Hamilton is special to me and I want to continue to invest artistic work in the city that invested in me,” she says. “The connections I’ve made with other artists here have been incredible. Hamilton has talent and heart, and it deserves to have the artistic community here continue to be developed.”

Photo by Ashley Ciona

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Hamilton’s alternative theatre scene makes way for new audiences

MICHAEL KRAS

Michael is an award-winning writer, theatre artist, actor, producer, and craft beer lover addicted to all things Hamilton.

Most recently, his acclaimed Voaden Prizewinning play The Team premiered to sold-out houses with Essential Collective Theatre and Theatre Aquarius.

When’s the last time you went to see a play in Hamilton?

For some reading this, it may have been that big hit musical like Beauty and the Beast or Hairspray at Theatre Aquarius, the city’s only professional regional theatre. For others, the answer might honestly be ‘never’.

But aside from the Broadway-sized productions on the Theatre Aquarius mainstage, did you know that there’s lots of exciting independent theatre happening elsewhere in Hamilton that just might blow your mind?

While Hamilton’s theatre scene is still pretty young and evolving, there are already local artists making a huge impact. I’m here to catch you up on some of the independent theatre companies and festivals to watch out for in Hamilton; companies that are presenting shows created by local artists telling locally-relevant stories in new, exciting, and unconventional ways.

Here are a few highlights of the many theatre makers to watch out for in Hamilton.

R O O K’ S TH E AT RE Founded in 2017 by Stephanie Hope Lawlor and Krista Colosimo, Rook’s Theatre hit the ground running and has quickly established a substantial presence in Hamilton’s theatre community.

Committed to producing story-forward theatre and community events in non-traditional spaces, Rook’s has presented intimate takes on acclaimed plays like their sold-out run of Mary’s Wedding by Stephen Massicotte and a high-octane rendering of Venus in Fur

by David Ives. The company makes use of non-traditional performance spaces like sprawling candlelit churches, tiny local cafes, or even just out in the bare Hamilton streets.

Next up, watch out for Rook’s Theatre’s production of Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan Macmillan at Hamilton’s Infinity Forge. Co-produced with

Promotional photo f rom Broken Soil Theatre's production of 'The Year and Two of Us Back Here' (Photo Credit: Megan Kras)

Diversion Entertainment and directed

by Luke Brown, it’s a life-affirming play about mental health that will probably make you laugh and cry at the same time. (Instagram: @rookstheatre)

IN DUSTRY A newer company in the city, Industry is a collective of Canadian theatre veterans now living in Hamilton who saw a void to fill in the city; one of a midsize professional theatre company that bridges the gap between our large regional theatre and our smaller indie collectives.

Industry tested the waters in Hamilton with some themed hybrid events that blended theatre, dance, music, community forum, and house party. Now, the company is gearing up to present their first full production this spring: the world premiere of Governor General Award nominee Anna Chatterton’s provocative new comedy Switched. Expect big things from this talented, seasoned gang. (Instagram: @industryhamont)

B ROK E N S OIL TH EATRE I’m a huge cheater on this one, because this is my own theatre company. I know, I know. But I created Broken Soil Theatre with a very specific goal in mind: to produce new plays for audiences of a younger generation in Hamilton.

Broken Soil endeavours to be a company that pushes back at the idea that plays are primarily meant for older generations, by creating entertaining and provocative new theatre by, about, and for

people from the younger generations.

With a history of acclaimed productions tackling social and political themes relevant to today’s youth, there’s plenty more to come in Hamilton from Broken Soil Theatre. (Instagram: @brokensoiltheatre)

TOT TE RIN G BI PED TH EATR E Founded by artistic director Trevor Copp, Tottering Biped Theatre is one of Hamilton’s only professional theatre companies.

With a focus on cross-disciplinary work that marries artforms like physical theatre, music, dance, text, and multimedia, Tottering Biped is likely best known for their annual series of outdoor Shakespeare performances, presented in genre-bending modern adaptations by a company of some of Hamilton’s brightest emerging talent.

If you’re looking for a theatre experience a little more off the beaten path, keep your eyes firmly on Tottering Biped Theatre. (Instagram: @totteringbiped)

TH E ATRE AQUAR I U S’ IN DIE TH E ATRE FESTIVAL Most Hamiltonians know Theatre Aquarius as the place to see large-scale regional theatre in Hamilton. But did you know they also have a smaller studio theatre space that showcases new plays by the city’s most exciting emerging talent?

Aquarius used to present a season of full productions in their studio theatre, but they’ve overhauled this model entirely and introduced the Indie Theatre Festival: a development initiative that gives Hamilton’s emerging artists a platform to present three thrilling new works to local audiences. The inaugural festival will run from May 25th to June 7th this year. (Instagram: @theatreaquarius)

HAM I LTON FR I NGE FESTIVAL The Hamilton Fringe Festival is one of the city’s largest annual arts events.

Each summer, venues all over town are filled with over 50 shows ranging from straight plays, to sketch comedy, to concerts, to dance pieces, to magic shows, and beyond. Artists come from as near as the Hamilton Mountain or as far as Barcelona, Spain to perform for Hamilton audiences.

The coolest part is, the festival isn’t curated by a jury; artists and shows are selected via a totally random lottery process, with no censorship on any show’s approach or content. Tickets are kept cheap at around $12 per show, encouraging audiences to take advantage of this annual art extravaganza and catch as many shows as possible. Who knows? You might just stumble upon the best piece of art you’ve ever seen.

The 2020 Hamilton Fringe runs from July 15th to 26th. (Instagram: @hamontfringe)

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MARCH 2020 | THE THEATRE ISSUE

Top live performances to see in Hamilton this month NEXUS (MARCH 6TH) Internationally revered for virtuosity, innovation and extraordinary music, the New York Times has called NEXUS “the high priests of the percussion world.”

The Toronto-based group consists of four master percussionists, who have made multiple appearances at the Kennedy Center,

Carnegie Hall, and the BBC Proms.

NEXUS’ original compositions and arrangements range from ragtime and African rhythms to film-music.

Strong advocates for music education and training the next generation of musicians, the group is providing a workshop at McMaster’s

LIVELab prior to their March 6th performance. Their workshop will explore issues of relevance to musicians and scientists and enhance the concert experience. NEXUS’ performance at McMaster’s LR Wilson Hall is part of the Concerts at McMaster series, in partnership with The Socrates Project.

CHAMBER MUSIC HAMILTON (MARCH 8TH) Despite being in existence for over fifty years, Chamber Music Hamilton remains one of the city’s best kept musical secrets. With only five concerts in their season, each performance is programmed to feature some of the world’s leading artists and chamber (small) groups.

The March 8th concert at the Art Gallery of Hamilton will feature the New Orford String Quartet.

Consisting of the concertmasters and principal cellist and violist of the Montreal, Detroit, and Toronto Symphonies, the quartet's success has resulted in two Opus Awards,

a 2017 JUNO award, and engagements across North America, including at the Lincoln Center as part of their Great Performers series. Adored by artists, audiences and critics, expect this performance to be electrifying.

EVERY BRILLIANT THING (MARCH 14TH) Stephanie Hope Lawlor (Venus In Fur, Mary’s Wedding) is the main character in this one woman show.

Her character explores her family’s history of mental illness (and later her own battles with depression) in Every Brilliant Thing. As the audience plays a key role in the

telling of the story, expect Lawlor to combine improvised interactions with her script to create a unique theatrical experience.

Ensuring the production is far from the traditional theatrical narrative and experience, Every

Brilliant Thing will be performed at Media Centre Infinity Forge (468 Cumberland Avenue), rather than a typical theatre space. Performance dates are scattered through the middle and end of the month so check rookstheatre.com for specific dates.

THE HAMILTON SEVEN (MARCH 15TH) A collective of storytellers will take the stage at the Staircase Theatre on March 15th. United under a common theme for the evening, each individual storyteller will share a personal, highly entertaining, and usually humourous anecdote that audience members will often find relatable — or

at least be able to empathize with.

The evening creates an incredible sense of connection with those in the room, much like attending a neighbourhood party.

Be warned that since the performance takes place in the café space of the Staircase Theatre

with tickets at an affordable $12 each, that availability is extremely limited.

Please make sure that you email thehamiltonseven@gmail.com in advance if you’re determined to go and secure your seat.

EARTHSHINE (MARCH 26TH) The Hamilton Philharmonic exit the concert hall and enter The Cotton Factory to create a new type of orchestral program in this one-night-only performance on March 26th. Concert-goers are invited to sit close to the musicians, grab a drink, and experience the music alongside visual

and multimedia arts. More traditional classical music on the program include favourites Mendelssohn and Shostakovich.

However, a number of newer composers will be featured as well, including Jeffrey Ryan, whose Afghanistan: Requiem for a

Generation is arguably one of the most powerful Canadian orchestral pieces of the last decade.

His contribution to the program, Earthshine, is the namesake of the evening. This casual event also includes an opportunity to meet and connect with musicians and HPO Music Director Gemma New.

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CONT I NUE D FROM F RO N T PAG E as home to 902 film-related businesses.

In 2019, Hamilton received $60 million in ‘direct spend’ from productions on things like hotel stays, prop and equipment rentals, and services such as traffic control.

With a glut of heritage buildings, sprawling urban exteriors, and greenery spaces, Hamilton’s appeal for location scouts makes plenty of sense. Recognizable local landmarks regularly show up on large and small screens, like City Hall’s front-and-centre appearance in the Oscar-winning film The Shape of Water, Dundurn Castle’s key role in the gothic horror period piece Crimson Peak, and multiple downtown core locations featured in the Amazon Prime superhero series The Boys.

Hamilton isn’t just a prime spot for onlocation film shoots, though. Not only are we also home to some small film studios and production companies, but we’ve recently been singled out by Aeon Studio Group for an over $100 million project to develop a 200,000 square-foot film studio and residential complex sitting on between 12 and 20 acres of the Barton-Tiffany lands.

Upon its eventual completion, the gigantically ambitious Aeon Studios is proposed to not only house multiple soundstages and studio spaces, but also post-production facilities for visual effects and animation, a crew training facility, retail space, residential towers, creative incubation workspaces, and office space for film, media, and tech companies.

Though the finished product is likely a long time coming due to the enormity of its scope, the Aeon Studios project promises resounding impact on our city’s cultural footprint and job market upon its completion.

Until then, the city still has smaller-scale

hubs already making major waves in the city, including the Hamilton Film Studios — a newlyestablished film studio and production supply retailer with an alreadysizeable footprint after only a year since they opened their doors.

“As soon as we got the keys, the door was being knocked on,” says Zach Zohr, who co-owns the Hamilton Film Studios with partners Graham Purdy and Ken Woychesko.

All three owners are industry veterans with extensive backgrounds in film & television production, and they noticed an immediate need to fill in Hamilton. Not only that of studio space and location support, but also a local retail shop so production teams shooting in Hamilton would no longer need to make obnoxious trips into Toronto for necessary supplies and equipment.

The daily foot traffic at Hamilton Film Studios speaks to how essential they are to the city’s growing film scene.

From shoots in need of space, to location scouting, to emergency shopping trips for supplies, there are “at least a half-dozen” productions that come through the HFS' doors daily, according to Zohr.

Those productions have been everything from commercial shoots, to music videos, to television series shot

Looking down at one of Hamilton Film Studios' production sets.

for prominent streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Hamilton Film Studios was also home to the production of the independent feature film White Lie, which performed to critical acclaim at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival and is notable for not only being filmed in Hamilton, but also directly set in our city too.

Hamilton Film Studios isn’t the city’s only production resource, however.

Barely a five-minute drive from the HFS building sits Digital Canaries, which resides along Burlington Street East and currently holds the title of Hamilton’s largest shooting space.

A film studio that offers flexible space for productions, Digital Canaries sets itself apart from the neighbouring Hamilton Film Studios by having over 50 impressive standing sets available ranging from office replicas, to prison corridors, to courtrooms, to hospital operating rooms, and beyond. On top of that, Digital Canaries also features green screen facilities, as well as an extensive prop and wardrobe house that carries well over 100,000 items of all sizes and types for production use.

Between the rich offerings of the two current spaces, Hamilton Film Studios and Digital Canaries have jointly made Hamilton an even more attractive locale for local, national, and international film & TV production; even ahead of the construction of Aeon Studios.

Growth continues at a rapid rate, and according to the folks at Hamilton Film Studios, it shows no signs of slowing.

“We’re never going to be Toronto; that’s the mecca,” says Zohr, while

Hamilton Film Studios' retail store has a wide array of material used in productions, saving companies long trips back to Toronto for specialty f ilm-related products.

noting that, as vacancies at Toronto’s film facilities are getting scarcer by the day, Hamilton’s status as Ontario’s second busiest centre for film production will likely continue to hold steady.

“Filming permits are up every year. As long as people are watching movies, the industry is going to grow.”

Those filming permits are indeed on the rise. In 2019, the city saw 14% more filming days than it did in 2018, which itself was a record-breaking year that saw a 50% increase over the year before in film permits issued.

Hamilton now gets to play a leading role in that growth, simultaneously attracting huge investment and talent to the city on its way to becoming the new Hollywood.

Huge thank you to Forge & Foster Investment Management for sponsoring this article and pushing city building initiatives in Hamilton.

MICHAEL KRAS

Michael is an award-winning writer, theatre artist, actor, producer, and craft beer lover addicted to all things Hamilton.

Most recently, his acclaimed Voaden Prizewinning play The Team premiered to sold-out houses with Essential Collective Theatre and Theatre Aquarius.

MARCH 2020 | THE THEATRE ISSUE

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Hamilton’s 10 best date night spots for 2020

T HE B RA IN

199 James St N, Hamilton (289) 396-8508

Who says date night always has to be fancy?

The Brain, James North’s classic craft beer bar, may not have the sleek decor or polished food menu of some other entries on this list. But what they do have is a totally approachable hole-inthe-wall vibe with a killer rotating selection of Ontario craft beer on tap and rare, shareable fermented finds in the fully-stocked bottle fridge.

With wine and cocktails also on offer, along with a playful menu of small bites like fresh samosas and homemade slices of pie, The Brain is perfect for a nofrills night out.

M EA NWH ILE WIN E B AR 302 James St N, Hamilton (905) 526-1313

One of Hamilton’s newest additions to the nightlife scene, James North’s Meanwhile Wine Bar is basically a dream spot for date night. The compact and dimly-lit bar has ambiance to spare, and the menu, designed by Chef and Sommelier Kyle Paton, is really something special. Besides a small yet diverse list of wines available by the glass or bottle, those feeling peckish can order a steady stream of tiny bites built for grazing and perfect for wine pairings. You won’t find full meals on offer here, but you will find all of the ingredients for a perfect, carefree night of indulgences to savour.

TH E DIPLOMAT

43 King William St, Hamilton (905) 523-4343

Upscale vibes without the usual stuffiness, and a diverse seasonal menu built to satisfy pretty much any palate, The Diplomat is a prime spot to impress a date. Salads, share plates, and grilled cuts of topquality meats feature inventive culinary twists while remaining fully approachable dishes. Uniquely, The Diplomat is also the only Hamilton restaurant to currently offer select times of device-free dining, which is the perfect opportunity to keep those pesky phones out of sight and out of mind. That way, you and your loved one can look away from your screens and into each other’s eyes all night long. Swoooooon.

B ON TEMPS

630 Stone Church Rd W, Hamilton (905) 389-3487

The name of the restaurant literally translates to ‘good times,’ and that’s exactly what Hamiltonians can expect here. The small John South restaurant space – former home to Rapscallion Rogue Eatery – pretty much screams intimacy. Elevated bistro fare takes notes from French-Canadian cuisine and puts particular emphasis on shareable options like oysters, charcuterie boards, and expertly-prepared meat and seafood dishes. Bon Temps has even been known to lean into the spirit of date night, with occasional special offers for couples, and even discounts for Tinder dates.

VALENTI NO'S

824 King St W, Hamilton (905) 523-4240

This staple Italian restaurant has operated in Hamilton for 42 years, and with a modern renovation just last year, is easily one of Hamilton’s classiest spots for drinks. Pair that with any of their authentic Italian dishes like the made in-house gnocchi, arancini, or oven-baked pizzas and you’ve got a recipe for a perfect night out. Valentino’s is especially unique in that the restaurant features a nano brewery with house draught beers Val’s Bohemian Ale (a hoppy beer with a hint of grapefruit available year-round) and their small batch seasonal Strange Brew which changes every few months.

CASTELLI CU CI NA 337 James St N, Hamilton (289) 389-3065

Castelli goes above and beyond your standard spaghetti and meatballs. Modern, elevated takes on rustic Italian classics adorn the menu, which includes exceptional pastas, pizzas, and house-made Italian desserts like cannolis or tiramisu.

Combine that with an inviting and attractive aesthetic, and Castelli holds its place as one of James North’s prime date night indulgences.

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Just because Valentine’s Day has passed doesn’t mean the love has to stop, right? Especially when Hamilton has lots to offer in the romance department, with an ever-growing list of prime spots to have a memorable date night right here in town.

T HE FRE N C H

37 King William St, Hamilton (905) 528-3737

When locals think of romantic date spots in Hamilton, The French is likely one of the first options that springs to mind. This fine-casual French bistro is a staple of King William Street’s restaurant row, with an aesthetic that’s chic and attractive without feeling unapproachable. You pretty much can’t go wrong with any of the numerous menu options, from lunch to brunch to dinner, salads to sandwiches to steak frites. Combine that with top-notch hospitality, and it’s almost guaranteed that any visit to The French will feel special.

B ROTH E RS GRIMM B ISTR O 193 King St E, Hamilton (905) 393-1284

If you want stunning old-world charm that practically screams romance, Brothers Grimm Bistro might be exactly what you’re looking for. Brand new and located in a subterranean space on King Street East, Brothers Grimm Bistro is serving up tantalizing Euro-fusion bistro fare with carefully curated selections of wine and barrel-aged beer offerings.

Exposed brick, woodgrain, and decorative stacks of reclaimed wooden barrels complete the picture for this totally transporting dining experience.

BR UX H OU S E 137 Locke St S, Hamilton (905) 527-2789

A longstanding Locke Street gastropub serving up elevated Belgian-inspired bites paired with a rotating list of reliable and rare craft beer from Ontario and beyond, Brux House has established itself as a perfect spot for any meaningful occasion.

A softly-lit, woodgrain-forward aesthetic hosts second-to-none service and an eclectic menu by Executive Chef Fraser MacFarlane. Seasonal food options always include plenty of share plates to split with your loved one over a barrelaged Quebec saison, or a cocktail masterfully handcrafted by veteran bartender Kevin B. Delaney. Earning its place on OpenTable’s list of the 100 best restaurants in Canada, it’s hard to imagine anyone leaving Brux House unsatisfied.

31 King William St, Hamilton (905) 522-5858

We’re not the only ones giving this spot the recognition it deserves. With emphasis on fresh, locallysourced ingredients and a wide variety of West Coaststyle share plates, Berkeley North uses its exceptional seasonal menus and romantic atmosphere to noteworthy effect. The restaurant’s efforts have earned it spots on OpenTable’s list of the top 100 restaurants in Canada, as well as their list of the country’s top 50 spots for a date.

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From food to drink to service to intimate ambiance, Brux House delivers every time.

BER KELEY NORTH

MARCH 2020 | THE THEATRE ISSUE

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Busting some symphony prejudices “It’s always so expensive to go” AYOLT DE ROOS

Born and raised in The Netherlands, but now a proud Hamiltonian. Loving the city, its craft breweries, the sports teams, all the trails and everything to explore (still) in Ontario and beyond.

We form stereotypes and opinions on almost everything, instantly. This also goes for cultural experiences. When we think of a certain kind of music genre or art stream, we often paint a picture in our mind (pun definitely intended) of the average performer, the type of work we would imagine seeing, and the crowd it would likely attract.

Take the symphony for example. Many things can come to mind when thinking of this musical genre and some of these thoughts might be more on the negative side of the spectrum. Some of these prejudices might even come to form a barrier for you to go out and experience the symphony altogether.

It’s time to bust some of the most often heard complaints about the symphony, because there really should be nothing keeping you from booking yourself an unforgettable musical experience.

“The symphony isn’t for young people” The HPO has a minimum age of 5 years old, so we’ll give you that: you can be too young for the symphony. But apart from that, there really is no reason to fool yourself into thinking that experiencing the symphony isn’t for young people.

“The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra strives to create orchestral spaces for every type of listener”, states HPO Interim Executive Director Kim Varian. “Taking in an orchestra performance live is an incredible and moving experience, and we want to break down barriers and misconceptions that might prevent someone from coming to an HPO performance.”

One reason why you might have the feeling that a visit to the orchestra isn’t for young people could be the Hollywood image of a night at the symphony.

Men in tuxedos, women in sparkling long dresses, smoking a cigar on the ballroom’s balcony or sipping champagne together. Don’t worry, this is only true in the movies. As Varian puts it, “At all of our concerts, you can feel free to wear what you want, come by yourself or with a group of friends, and enjoy a drink before the concert or while listening to the music.” And trust me, this drink does not have to be champagne.

Many people – likely due to the previously mentioned Hollywood image – often end up putting the symphony into the “expensive” category of cultural experiences, together with things like the opera and musicals. They expect such a grand musical experience to come with a grand price tag, but that’s not always the case. The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra has various ticket options, even some for the skinnier wallets around.

Are you between the ages of 14 and 35?

Then you can purchase a hpoGO ticket, available for all Mainstage concerts, for just $19 (plus HST) per ticket. Even better: you can purchase a pair of tickets and only one person has to be 35 or under.

As long as you are still 35 years or younger, you can also go for a Young Patrons Circle membership, for $130 per person or $220 for a duet membership. As a member you will get to go to 5 Mainstage concerts, experience a behind-the-scenes look at the orchestra, meet the musicians and you’ll also be invited to special events where you can meet other people who share your passion for music.

If you’re already over 35 years old or if you’re simply looking for the full experience, full season packages might just be your best bet. With 2019/2020 prices starting at just $184 (and up to $610), you’ll get to experience all Mainstage shows during the symphony season, without having to break the bank at all. In the end this package lets you enjoy all 9 shows, for the price of just 7.

“Classical music isn’t really my thing” Alright, this is fair. This we can hardly call a prejudice; it’s more of an opinion. “The classical stuff isn’t for everybody, but neither is rock, jazz, pop, or hip-hop,” states HPO-regular Patrick Ashcroft (35). If you are among the people who don’t really care for classical music, it might be best to skip on the Mozart and Beethoven performances (for now), but luckily, there are also other nights which might interest you more. “I’ve heard symphonies play a wide variety of musical genres, from The Beatles to a live track over a Charlie Chapman film,” Ashcroft tells us.

This year’s HPO line-up includes such shows. Take the past holiday season for example, when the HPO performed The Snowman. The animated film from 1982 – based on the 1978 picture book

by Raymond Briggs – truly came to life on stage with a vivid orchestral score.

The orchestra was joined on stage by the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and the Hamilton Children’s Choir, to perform holiday classics and carols. Such a performance – of which I am sure there will be a similar one come Christmas 2020 – can boost your holiday spirits in a heartbeat.

Another special performance still to come will take place on April 18th, during Sci-Fi Spectacular Saturday. On this evening, the HPO – led by conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser – will explore both new and iconic themes of famous sci-fi films.

Think of the epic music from E.T., Star Wars, and Star Trek, coming to life in front of your eyes (and ears). So yes, classical music in a sense, but not the kind you would easily find in the Classical-section of Spotify.

“You need to have a trained ear to fully experience it” “Absolutely not!”, says Carmen Wall (33), season ticket holder at HPO. “I played piano as a kid, but I’ve always been a rock & roll kind of girl. What I love most about going to the symphony is allowing myself to sit and just listen, and really explore my emotional connection to music.”

Since not everybody will have the same motivation as Carmen (yet), the HPO realizes that this prejudice may still prevent some people from experiencing the symphony. For this they’ve come up with a clever solution: preconcert talks.

“Our pre-concert talks introduce the audience to the artists onstage,” Varian tells us, “and the stories of the composers and music we’re about to hear, to find new ways of hearing the work.”

See it as a short tutorial on the music you’re about to hear. Ideal for people who are still trying to find the best way to experience the performance.

“There is never any new or original work performed” One role within the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra easily refutes this point: the composer-in-residence, held

by Abigail Richardson-Schulte. Reading her biography clearly shows that original work is still being composed.

Take for example The Mermaid and the Fisherman, a piece which was commissioned by the HPO and which was part of the Radiant Ravel concert in September last year, where it stood shoulder to shoulder with classical greats such as Debussy and Ravel.

The HPO doesn’t only offer new and original work, but also new ways to experience the performances. “For those looking for something more casual and cool,” Varian tells us, “our Intimate & Immersive series is a perfect opportunity to experience the orchestra in a completely new way.” This brainchild of Music Director Gemma New is the perfect stereotype buster, in which contemporary and genre-defying works from mainly Canadian composers are merged with multimedia art, in the setting of The Cotton Factory (270 Sherman Ave N).

“The reclaimed factory space is brought to life with multimedia works by local Hamilton artists,” Varian continues, “with the work of Andrew O’Connor featured at our March 26th performance and the work of Amy McIntosh on May 21st.”

The audience will get to experience the work from up close, as the audience members sit around the orchestra, just a few feet away from the conductor and the musicians. The musicians interact with the audience and share stories related to the works performed. “It’s such a great chance to enjoy a drink with friends, experience the space and get closer to the music and art happening in Hamilton.”

EXPERIENCE THE SYMPHONY ON SPOTIFY

The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra performing The Hockey Sweater, composed by composer-in-residence, Abigail Richardson-Schulte.

The Beatles Symphony Orchestra playing 62 classics

by The Beatles, including all their biggest hits.

A variety of orchestras perform pop and rock covers, including Adele’s Rolling in the Deep, Train’s Hey Soul Sister, Guns ‘n’ Roses’ Sweet Child O’ Mine, and more!

URBANICITY.COM

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This Apple TV+ series saved Hamilton’s James Street Bookseller from closing The James Street construction couldn’t have come at a worse time and Doepel seriously considered closing the business.

“Right at the end of this construction mess, a man walked into the shop and introduced himself as a location scout for Sinking Ship Entertainment and Apple TV+, ” she said. “He was looking for a bookstore for a television show that was supposed to be Grandpa’s bookstore.”

Luckily Doepel’s father was visiting from out of town. “Well grandpa is right here,” she said to the location scout. “This is Grandpa’s bookstore.”

The decision to film at the store effectively saved the business from certain closure after a significant financial injection from the production of the show made up for the money lost during the construction.

the written word, shots of the outside of the store were used in the series.

CRAIG CLARK

Craig is a writer and editor f rom Burlington, Ontario. His diverse range of work has been featured in various publications such as the Toronto Star, Blank Spaces Literary Magazine, and TERN Magazine.

This article first appeared on The Hamilton Spectator The front window stands out with a gold frame outlining the store’s sign. A glow from a light inside James Street Bookseller and Gallery draws you in.

The same way it drew in the cast and crew of Ghostwriter, the Apple TV+ series that filmed at the store from December 2018 through last summer.

A remake of the 1990s TV show about a group of teens who solve neighbourhood mysteries with help of a spirit who can only communicate through

1. 1984 2. Darnell 3. Maroon and Grey 4. Junkhouse

“Before shooting even started, they came to me and said they would need to remove the lettering from my front window each time they filmed and told me they were concerned about scratching the glass,” said owner Monique Doepel.

The film crew suggested making a big piece of Plexiglas with the store signage on it that could be easily removed.

Having a nice window display is important for the bookstore to showcase its eclectic design and attract customers.

“While I appreciate them not wanting to damage my window, I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of a big piece of Plexiglas hanging in the window for six months,” she said. “So, I came up with the idea for a gold frame around the Plexiglas and they liked the look so much that they used the same idea for the sign on the show.”

James Street Bookseller was feeling the impact of construction on James Street months before the location scout from

Sinking Ship Entertainment, the company that produces Ghostwriter, came through the door. The construction that lasted about three months caused a massive drop in the number of visitors to the store.

“The folks that I dealt with at Sinking Ship Entertainment went above and beyond to help get me back on my feet after hearing about the construction situation on the street,” said Doepel.

“It effectively killed the business because people couldn’t get in,” said Doepel about the construction that took place from May to July 2018.

The production crew helped her prepare the location for the shoot including negotiating payment, developing a contractor’s agreement and cleaning after filming. They even suggested using the gallery space downstairs as a green room for the actors on the days that they filmed in the alleyway next door.

“The entire sidewalk on our block was torn up and the railing out front was removed and replaced. The sidewalk and the road below were also torn up and the mural in front of the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts was also replaced with extensive work done to the wall and stairs behind it. Traffic was down to one lane and closed off at times.”

Ghostwriter premièred on Apple TV+ in early November. After word spread that James Street Bookseller was a location in the series, visitors from all over came to the store and shared their experience on social media. With the store’s unique and eclectic design, it quickly became a popular spot for viral location seekers looking to share their adventures on Instagram.

James Street Bookseller had been open for 10 years. Doepel started the business after she bought dozens of old books from an art gallery that used to be in the area. Opening a bookstore during a time when the demand for print books was steadily declining was always going to be challenging.

“I am a big supporter of the film industry in our city and always have been,” said Doepel. “Not only because of the work and money they bring to town, and all the small businesses they support while here, but on a more personal level as well.”

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