In any discussion about trail-blazing Canadian theatre or iconic arts institutions in Toronto, without a doubt, you’ll hear the name Buddies In Bad Times.
Founded almost 50 years ago in 1978 by Matt Walsh, Jerry Ciccoritti, and Sky Gilbert, ‘Buddies’ (as it’s colloquially known) is – get ready for it – the largest and longest-running queer theatre company in the world. How amazing is that?! Way to go, Toronto!
While its original purpose was actually to stage adaptations of poetry, with Sky Gilbert (a ground-breaking and famous Canadian playwright in his own right) at the helm through the 1980s, Buddies “developed a distinctly queer aesthetic and practice. The company is known for its work that was unapologetically political, fiercely pro-sexual, and fundamentally anti-establishment.” – Wiki
As a strength and positivity engine, Buddies was founded right when the queer community needed it most. Within the first decade of its existence, the community experienced truly despicable acts of homophobia, bathhouse raids, mass arrests, retaliatory midnight marches, and, of course, the first reported cases of AIDS in Canada.
Like the name implies, Buddies In Bad Times was a bastion on a battlefield- a support network and safe space for those who needed it. They started out in Charm Factory, a brewery-turned artist hub on Queen Street East modelled after Andy Warhol’s studio in New York. In 1992, they moved to the Village and their current venue at 12 Alexander Street.
Over the decades, and from one artistic director to the next, the theatre has stayed true to its roots and mission, while evolving to incorporate and celebrate new causes and identities that simply weren’t recognized in the 70s and 80s! Recent seasons have explored themes of indigeneity, queerness and belonging, and trans experiences, while also reviving some classics and poetry (with a queer twist, of course!)
Right now, Buddies is running a wide range of programming, but the main show is called GenreFuck, which is two movement-driven solo pieces. The blurb says:
“Two audacious artists. Buddies offers space for intimate works to converse and collide in this double-bill. Augusto Bitter’s world premiere Reina envisions the many lives of the anonymous woman depicted on a bag of Harina P.A.N. corn flour, as Julie Phan’s Never Walk Alone uses pole dance to navigate alienation, projection and inertia within different relational spheres. This is art on the edge of gender and genre. Welcome to Genrefuck.”
Personally, I find there’s nothing like going to see art/theatre with friends. Afterward, you emerge with your emotions raw and your brain buzzing, and inevitably end up going to a bar for drinks to unpack and discuss. 🙂
Click the picture below to see what’s on for the rest of the 2024/2025 Season:
Yes, Buddies is a renowned institution for the queer and 2LGBTQIA+ creative and theatre communities – but the venue also housespaces that can become a night club or event venue as needed. Sometimes, toting the banner for new art and artists isn’t the most lucrative mission, and so Buddies made the smart decision to diversify. Subsidized by their other pursuits, the theatre company can afford to nurture student programs and offer young and upcoming artists so many fantastic opportunities.
For example, the programming over the next few weeks includes: trivia nights, ‘Spur Night’ (dance), workshops, an all-night Slumber Party, open mic poetry night, etc.
How do they do that? Well, grants, for one. But also: their second space, Tellulah’s Cabaret, is regularly open Fridays and Saturdays for music, drag performances and dancing, and it can also be rented out for your next party or show!
Nothing to do on a Friday or Saturday…. or Tuesday or Wednesday or any other evening?! Visit Buddies In Bad Times Theatre!
Experience art. Support art. Become part of something important: a supportive, safe, creative space that’s been half a century in the making.
Buddies In Bad Times
12 Alexander St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1B4
(416) 975-8555
Buddies is home to more than queer joy!
It is a home to emerging and established artists who find community, family, and growth.
By supporting Buddies you support the next generation of queer, unapologetic creators! It takes a village to make queer art!
Until May 31 every dollar you donate is doubled through our Next Gen campaign focused on donors under 35 years old.
Buddies in raising the next generation of radical queer artists –> NextGen
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