From a Serbian immigrant’s basement to the forests of Cedar Island–the illustrious Kick & Push (K&P) Festival takes audiences to new, distinctive places.
Taking place July 25 to August 18, K&P offers unconventional performances by award-winning Canadian artists. Founded in Kingston, the festival was named after the old Kingston and Pembroke railway, built in 1871 and nicknamed the “Kick & Push”.
As K&P enters its tenth year of operation, the festival’s creative director Liam Karry promises productions that push the boundaries of theatre and celebrate the city’s artistic landscape.
“Kingston is the city we call home. Kingston is where innovation happens. And to be able to bring innovative and live performances to the downtown area, we’re really excited about that,” Karry says.
Among the list of K&P’s unforgettable productions is the Indigenous artist residency on Cedar Island. As the sun dips below the horizon, audiences are invited aboard a boat to the island off the eastern shore of Fort Henry. There, Brian Solomon, an Indigenous contemporary dancer, presents a breathtaking performance, illuminated by the glow of fireflies.
The Indigenous artists residency is the most important program K&P hosts, Karry says.
“It’s an opportunity for Indigenous artists to go to a national park and respond to [their surroundings] artistically and in a way of their choosing. The work they create is beautiful,” Karry says.
Back in the downtown Kingston area, you may spot a beautiful goddess whizzing by on a bike. You’ve stumbled upon “Divine Interventions.”
Four goddesses have been summoned to the Limestone City in this unrestricted musical performance created by K&P in collaboration with Centre Culturel Frontenac. “Divine Interventions” captures the wonders of the improbable, Karry explains.
You may find yourself a part of another spontaneous production, “Other(wordly).” In this free-spirited art installation, performers traverse the downtown area wearing elaborate pieces curated by ingenious textile artist Leisa Rich.
Artist Leslie Ting has also brought her talents to Kingston for an interactive performance at the Baby Grand Theatre. “What Brings You In” offers audiences an immersive and emotionally stirring experience, all while being serenaded by Ting’s violin.
Below the stunning art pieces and haunting melodies enveloping downtown Kingston is the production, “Basement Girl.” Audiences will enter the basement apartment of Serbian immigrant Jovana and see what life is like for someone new to Canada.
“The performance is a unique and timely comment on the immigrant experience written from a female point of view,” Karry says.
You can purchase your tickets to “Basement Girl” or any other K&P production on their website today.
Rounding out K&P is Theatre Kingston Fringe Festival, K&P’s rebellious teenage cousin, according to Karry. Taking place August 1 to 11 within the K&P Festival, local and visiting artists perform unconventional plays at the Kingston Grand Theatre and Confederation Place Hotel.
“Kingston has a young energy. The Fringe embodies that,” Karry says.
Here’s a list of this year’s Theatre Kingston Fringe shows. Prepare to shed a tear, laugh your head off, and ponder life’s deepest questions.
If the Shoe Fits
Kingston Grand Theatre | August 1–11
Dell finds himself transported to a time and place that’s strange yet recognizable after stepping into a pair of new shoes. Watch Dell’s uncanny journey at the Kingston Grand Theatre this summer.
The Cape as Red As Blood
Kingston Grand Theatre | August 1–11
A chilling twist on Little Red Riding Hood. Five talented artists use sock puppetry, song, and dance in their own version of the childhood classic.
Death of A Star Man
Kingston Grand Theatre | August 1–7
An astrologer with a dubious past must pay off his debt to a criminal syndicate. Watch him descend into madness while gaining new insight into the rising trend of toxic male grifter culture.
Coming to the Table
Kingston Grand Theatre | August 2–11
This one-women show poses the question, if you had the chance to sit down with one person for dinner, who would you choose?
Watch “Coming to the Table” to learn one person’s answer to the age-old question and ponder your own reply.
The Fall After Midsummer
Kingston Grand Theatre | August 2–11
Tania and Ron’s marriage is in shambles after an incident during midsummer. When Ron finds himself entangled in the legal system, he seeks help from his distant wife.
Can Tania look past Ron’s mistakes and help her husband navigate his legal woes?
Knowing Riley
Kingston Grand Theatre | August 2-11
Is it possible to stop loving someone completely, or do we forever carry the pieces of our lost love with us? “Knowing Riley” explores the tribulations of letting someone into your life, then losing them.
MILF and Cookies
Kingston Grand Theatre | July 31
Three stoned women walk into a mall, hellbent on finding Santa. Unearthing their sex lives and daddy issues, “MILF and Cookies” explores themes of female empowerment and feminism.
The one-women show is performed by Anne Marie Scheffler who’s delivered her hilarious work at Laugh Factory and Second City in Toronto.
Side of Rice
Kingston Grand Theatre | August 1–11
This personal play tells one man’s journey from being a shy, fatherless Jewish child in Winnipeg to a dad, cancer survivor, and storyteller. Funny, touching, and real.
Mickey Mouse Shot me in the Ass
Kingston Grand Theatre | August 1–11
Yes. Freddy Proia really was shot in the ass by Mickey Mouse. Learn more about Freddy’s quirky childhood escapades during this performance brimming with energy and humour at the Kingston Grand Theatre.
ABD With Mark The C
Kingston Grand Theatre | August 1–11
Mark Cassidy is all too familiar with the overblown air-conditioning and off-white floral sheets of hotels and motels. “ABD With Mark the C” recounts the Toronto-based writer, director, and performer’s experience growing up in hotels and motels in Ontario.
My One and Only
Confederation Place Hotel | August 2-11
This one-women show produced by Queen’s University graduate Deanna Cervi tells the love story of Nora and Isabelle –and what happened once their love died.
Circus Gothic
Confederation Place Hotel | August 2–11
Twenty-eight Canadian students. One clown tour.
“Circus Gothic” tells the true story of a 1970s clown tour lead by Richard Pochinko, Canadian teacher and innovator. Enmeshed with poignant insights and drama, this solo performance is a worthwhile production.
Christian Slut
Confederation Place Hotel | August 2–11
Sexual escapades during Christian summer camp and clandestine relationships at missionary study. This oxymoronic tale is about a young person’s exploration of their faith, sex, and sin.
Hysterical History
Confederation Place Hotel | August 2–11
Talented actors come together to recount history’s greatest moments…off the cuff. As one narrator walks audiences through the world’s momentous moments, guest performers hilariously improvise the important events.
Just Add Another Lane
Confederation Place Hotel | August 1–11
This sexy, touching, hilarious, and educational performance by two Queen’s University students is about one person’s hatred of car-centric infrastructure and their attempt to halt the automobile industry in its tracks.
End of the Line
Confederation Place Hotel | August 2–11
A subway car hurdles towards its final station in this breathtaking performance. One passenger knows what’s happening. The others been left in the dark.
New Wave Your Behaviour
Confederation Place Hotel | August 2–10
Has he truly found solace in his tiny, electric keyboard, or is he going mad? “New Wave Your Behaviour” is about a Gen X man’s journey with his mental health and synth-pop music.
A Sketchy Kind of Show
Confederation Place Hotel | August 2–11
This improv show truly embraces the ethos of K&P Festival–nothing’s off limits in “A Sketchy Kind of Show.” This quirky performance was developed by a team of talented writers and features hilarious social commentary.
Crazy Bitch
Confederation Place Hotel | August 2–11
Maggie, played by Thea Fitz-James, is a headstrong women competing for a spot at the table with her male coworkers, all while navigating burnout and sexism.
Combining academic research and performance art, this poignant performance explores the categorization of ambitious women as “bitches.”
