Through The Bamboo Thursday, July 9 – 7pm (preview) Friday, July 10 – 7pm (opening) Saturday, July 11 – 2pm & 7pm Tuesday, July 14 – 7pm Wednesday, July 15 – 7pm Thursday, July 16 – 7pm Friday, July 17 – 7pm Saturday, July 18 – 2pm & 7pm Sunday, July 19 – 2pm Lost in a storybook world, can Philly rescue her lola, save the magical land of Uwi, and find her way home? In Through the Bamboo, twelve-year-old Philly is pulled into an action-packed adventure while mourning the loss of her lola (“grandmother” in Tagalog) when she opens an old book and finds herself tossed into the fantastical land of Uwi. Similar to The Wizard of Oz, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Alice in Wonderland, this imaginative Filipinx-Canadian folktale adventure invites audiences into a magical world brought to life through inventive object puppetry, immersive storytelling, and audience participation. Inspired by Philippine mythology, the production weaves together themes of grief, love, and legacy, offering a rich theatrical experience rooted in intergenerational wisdom and a vibrant celebration of culture. Accessibility is one of Crossroads’ main priorities. Little Avenue Memorial Park is physically accessible, and the production will include on-site access coordination. For more information, check out the Through the Bamboo Access Guide, found on the Crossroads Theatre website: www.crossroadstheatre.org. Through the Bamboo is written by Byron Abalos and Andrea Mapili, Directed by Chantelle Han Starring Olivia Sgambelluri AP Bautista Jainee Fernandez Jude Baris Neil-Erine Palmaria Production Manager: Carlos Varela Technical Director: Nathan Greogory Set and Puppet Designer: Olivia Wheeler Lighting Designer: Echo Zhou Sound Designer: Miquelon Rodriguez Costume Designer: Jung A Im Cultural Consultant: Motzie Dapul Puppetry Director: Michelle Urbano Access Coordinator: Mandy E. MacLean Marketing & Outreach: Lili Robinson Publicity: Amira de Vera Photo credit: otîhêw by PJ Prudat at Arts in the Parks 2023, photography by Matt Hertendy. Performers from left to right: Jonathon LeRose, Spencer Bennett, Nicole Joy-Fraser, Jewell Bowry, Raymond J. Johnson-Brown, and Brefny Caribou.
Through The Bamboo Thursday, July 9 – 7pm (preview) Friday, July 10 – 7pm (opening) Saturday, July 11 – 2pm & 7pm Tuesday, July 14 – 7pm Wednesday, July 15 – 7pm Thursday, July 16 – 7pm Friday, July 17 – 7pm Saturday, July 18 – 2pm & 7pm Sunday, July 19 – 2pm Lost in a storybook world, can Philly rescue her lola, save the magical land of Uwi, and find her way home? In Through the Bamboo, twelve-year-old Philly is pulled into an action-packed adventure while mourning the loss of her lola (“grandmother” in Tagalog) when she opens an old book and finds herself tossed into the fantastical land of Uwi. Similar to The Wizard of Oz, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Alice in Wonderland, this imaginative Filipinx-Canadian folktale adventure invites audiences into a magical world brought to life through inventive object puppetry, immersive storytelling, and audience participation. Inspired by Philippine mythology, the production weaves together themes of grief, love, and legacy, offering a rich theatrical experience rooted in intergenerational wisdom and a vibrant celebration of culture. Accessibility is one of Crossroads’ main priorities. Little Avenue Memorial Park is physically accessible, and the production will include on-site access coordination. For more information, check out the Through the Bamboo Access Guide, found on the Crossroads Theatre website: www.crossroadstheatre.org. Through the Bamboo is written by Byron Abalos and Andrea Mapili, Directed by Chantelle Han Starring Olivia Sgambelluri AP Bautista Jainee Fernandez Jude Baris Neil-Erine Palmaria Production Manager: Carlos Varela Technical Director: Nathan Greogory Set and Puppet Designer: Olivia Wheeler Lighting Designer: Echo Zhou Sound Designer: Miquelon Rodriguez Costume Designer: Jung A Im Cultural Consultant: Motzie Dapul Puppetry Director: Michelle Urbano Access Coordinator: Mandy E. MacLean Marketing & Outreach: Lili Robinson Publicity: Amira de Vera Photo credit: otîhêw by PJ Prudat at Arts in the Parks 2023, photography by Matt Hertendy. Performers from left to right: Jonathon LeRose, Spencer Bennett, Nicole Joy-Fraser, Jewell Bowry, Raymond J. Johnson-Brown, and Brefny Caribou
The African Circus Through contemporary movement, dance, music and circus, 16 Ethiopian, Indian and Bangladeshi newcomers will share an-exploration. The show tells the story of three construction workers, one from Ethiopia, one from India & one from Bangladesh, who come together to build a magnificent structure that represents the unity & diversity of their cultures. As they work together, they face challenges and obstacles, but through their combined skills, creativity & determination, they overcome these hurdles & create something truly remarkable. This performance will be interlaced with the rich color of traditional circus art forms prominent in Ethiopian & Indian-traditional dance, representing the importance of beauty and culture of home.
The Tweetations Present: The Love Nest Hatched by filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist Fraser Collins, The Tweetations takes audiences on a fantastical journey celebrating the connection between Black music, nature, and our most glamorous, unusual, and iconic friends: birds. Blending playful performance with music, dance, comedy, and storytelling, the event brings to life a diverse cast of birds portrayed by a team of fabulously feathered performers. The Tweetations Presents: The Love Nest is a free, family-friendly, interactive musical revue at sunset, transforming Memorial Park into a harmonious retreat. The event is designed to spark community connection and shared cultural experiences while exploring the many shades of love – romantic, platonic, familial, self-love, and love for the natural world.
The Power of Movement This three-week cultural dance series is designed to enhance mental health and overall well-being through African and Caribbean dance styles. Each session will begin with a 45-minute DJ set to create an energetic and welcoming atmosphere, during which ICONS group members will guide participants through interactive movement activities. This will be followed by a 45-minute dance workshop led by a resident artist. All dance levels are welcome, and the program is designed to foster a safe, inclusive, and joyful environment where participants can learn, move, and connect. The series is free, family-friendly, and open to the entire community. Sessions will take place at Bell Manor Park from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Saturdays: June 27, 2026; July 25, 2026; and August 22, 2026. Rain dates will be held on the following Sunday
The Power of Movement This three-week cultural dance series is designed to enhance mental health and overall well-being through African and Caribbean dance styles. Each session will begin with a 45-minute DJ set to create an energetic and welcoming atmosphere, during which ICONS group members will guide participants through interactive movement activities. This will be followed by a 45-minute dance workshop led by a resident artist. All dance levels are welcome, and the program is designed to foster a safe, inclusive, and joyful environment where participants can learn, move, and connect. The series is free, family-friendly, and open to the entire community. Sessions will take place at Bell Manor Park from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Saturdays: June 27, 2026; July 25, 2026; and August 22, 2026. Rain dates will be held on the following Sunday
The Power of Movement This three-week cultural dance series is designed to enhance mental health and overall well-being through African and Caribbean dance styles. Each session will begin with a 45-minute DJ set to create an energetic and welcoming atmosphere, during which ICONS group members will guide participants through interactive movement activities. This will be followed by a 45-minute dance workshop led by a resident artist. All dance levels are welcome, and the program is designed to foster a safe, inclusive, and joyful environment where participants can learn, move, and connect. The series is free, family-friendly, and open to the entire community. Sessions will take place at Bell Manor Park from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Saturdays: June 27, 2026; July 25, 2026; and August 22, 2026. Rain dates will be held on the following Sunday
African Dance with Pulga This immersive, community-driven project will take place over five weekly programs that include African dance classes, with live music, followed multi-disciplinary performances by musicians, dancers, choreographers, and visual artists in Walter Saunders Memorial Park. July 4 of 2026/ Session 1: African Dance Workshop with Pulga Muchochoma followed by Performance of Ngoma solo and choreographic exploration by Pulga Muchochoma. July 11 of 2026 / Session 2: African Dance with Aisha Nicholson followed with performance by Musician Moyo Rainos Mutamba who sings and plays a traditional instrument called Mbira from Zimbabwe. July 18 of 2026 / Session 3: African Dance with Mafa Makhubalo followed with performance by Musician Moyo Rainos Mutamba who sings and plays a traditional instrument called Mbira from Zimbabwe. July 25 of 2026 / Session 4: African Dance by Aisha Nicholson followed with a visual Arts Presentation and Exploration with Hans Poppe. August 1, 2026 / Session 5: African Dance with Pulga Muchochoma followed with a drum circle led by Cece Haba & Walter Maclean( We invite all the participants to bring drum (Jembe) or any instruments that they wish to play outdoors (pots, cans, flutes etc.). Rain Dates: August 8 and 15, 2026
African Dance with Pulga This immersive, community-driven project will take place over five weekly programs that include African dance classes, with live music, followed multi-disciplinary performances by musicians, dancers, choreographers, and visual artists in Walter Saunders Memorial Park. July 4 of 2026/ Session 1: African Dance Workshop with Pulga Muchochoma followed by Performance of Ngoma solo and choreographic exploration by Pulga Muchochoma. July 11 of 2026 / Session 2: African Dance with Aisha Nicholson followed with performance by Musician Moyo Rainos Mutamba who sings and plays a traditional instrument called Mbira from Zimbabwe. July 18 of 2026 / Session 3: African Dance with Mafa Makhubalo followed with performance by Musician Moyo Rainos Mutamba who sings and plays a traditional instrument called Mbira from Zimbabwe. July 25 of 2026 / Session 4: African Dance by Aisha Nicholson followed with a visual Arts Presentation and Exploration with Hans Poppe. August 1, 2026 / Session 5: African Dance with Pulga Muchochoma followed with a drum circle led by Cece Haba & Walter Maclean( We invite all the participants to bring drum (Jembe) or any instruments that they wish to play outdoors (pots, cans, flutes etc.). Rain Dates: August 8 and 15, 2026
African Dance with Pulga This immersive, community-driven project will take place over five weekly programs that include African dance classes, with live music, followed multi-disciplinary performances by musicians, dancers, choreographers, and visual artists in Walter Saunders Memorial Park. July 4 of 2026/ Session 1: African Dance Workshop with Pulga Muchochoma followed by Performance of Ngoma solo and choreographic exploration by Pulga Muchochoma. July 11 of 2026 / Session 2: African Dance with Aisha Nicholson followed with performance by Musician Moyo Rainos Mutamba who sings and plays a traditional instrument called Mbira from Zimbabwe. July 18 of 2026 / Session 3: African Dance with Mafa Makhubalo followed with performance by Musician Moyo Rainos Mutamba who sings and plays a traditional instrument called Mbira from Zimbabwe. July 25 of 2026 / Session 4: African Dance by Aisha Nicholson followed with a visual Arts Presentation and Exploration with Hans Poppe. August 1, 2026 / Session 5: African Dance with Pulga Muchochoma followed with a drum circle led by Cece Haba & Walter Maclean( We invite all the participants to bring drum (Jembe) or any instruments that they wish to play outdoors (pots, cans, flutes etc.). Rain Dates: August 8 and 15, 2026