“banana” isn’t just slang — it’s a symbol of the performance, erasure, and reclamation of self. Choreographers Andrew Tay and Stephen Thompson are the co-creators of Make Banana Cry, a genre-defying work merging runway aesthetics with contemporary performance and dance. In an attempt to shake off the weight of representation and fetishization, an international cast of six East Asian artists critique, parody, and protest stereotypes of “Asian-ness.” Slipping between the codes of couture and contemporary art, straddling spectacles of consumption and entertainment, Make Banana Cry is an impressive demonstration of physicality, an unrelenting examination of Western xenophobia, and an ingenious show of humour and wit. Presented for the first time in Toronto after critically acclaimed performances at Impulstanz (Vienna), Portland Institute of Contemporary Art and Festival TransAmériques (Montreal).
Buddies in Bad Times is at 12 Alexander Street, Toronto , Toronto , ON.
The Green Line (9/19/25-10/4/25)
Rhubarb! 46 (2/12/25-2/16/25)
Brotherhood: The Hip Hopera (10/10/14-10/25/14)
Videos
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THE LAST FIVE YEARS
The Terminal Theatre (1/20 - 1/25) | |
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A Doll’s House
Canadian Stage (1/17 - 2/1) | |
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The Importance of Being Earnest
BurlOak Theatre Group (1/22 - 1/25) | |
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Company
The Theatre Centre (1/15 - 2/1) | |
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Clyde’s
Canadian Stage (4/11 - 4/26) | |
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You're a Good Man Charlie Brown
Wychwood Theatre (2/7 - 3/22) | |
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WonderPhil the Magician
Wychwood Theatre (1/31 - 2/1) | |
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House of Stars Presents Broadway Sitzprobe Experience!
House of Stars Presents "Broadway Sitzprobe Experience!" (6/5 - 6/17) | ||
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Make Banana Cry
Buddies in Bad Times (1/14 - 1/17) | |
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Swan Lake: International Ballet Stars in Kingston, ON! On January 29, 2026
Kingston Grand Theatre (1/29 - 1/29) | |
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