Are you ready to face your fears, face your future, face forward, and face the music? Then The R.A.V.E. Institute is ready for you, too! Get ready to get your sweat on as you dance your way towards transcendence and (hopefully) the upload. Devised by DJ Me Time (a.k.a. the Founder), R.A.V.E. will lift your spirits up while you get down with other souls searching for meaning.
R.A.V.E. is truly unlike anything you’ll experience in the Toronto theatre scene. The R.A.V.E. Institute has taken over the former Bombardier offices in the Downsview Airport Lands to create this fully immersive production. From the moment you walk in the door, you understand the kind of organization/cult that they’re satirizing; giant paper crystals adorn the entryway while branded glass water bottles sit atop the box office and concession stands. As you navigate down the hallway towards the dance floor, there’s a curtain of rainbow coats and sweaters leading to a cascade of iridescent fabric, creating an ethereal vibe to the pre-show experience.
Photo by Wade Muir
Through The R.A.V.E. Institute, Founder DJ Me Time combines self-empowerment and social change with the magic of dancing together as a collective. Initially, the audience gets fully involved in The R.A.V.E. Institute’s program, learning the power moves and hearing the inspirational words of The Founder. Yet there are moments, cracks in the it’s-party-time facade which let us know that not everything is as it seems. As we progress through and prepare for the upload, DJ Me Time tells us more and more about the issues surrounding The R.A.V.E. Institute and its practices. The Founders final message is one of slowing down and taking care of one another; the true reason she started The R.A.V.E. Institute in the first place. This heartfelt and empowering speech strikes straight to the heart, and as she hangs up her Institute jacket for good, there’s a feeling that this will actually lead to bigger and better things for The Founder and MC’s.
Photo by Wade Muir
Alongside DJ Me Time are Chenise Mitchell, Ashley Perez, Wellesley Robertson III, and Raoul Wilke. All of these performers were incredible dancers, and they each get to show off their unique styles of dance throughout the performance. They interact with the audience throughout the show, keeping the energy up and ensuring everyone is having a good time. The enthusiasm which radiates from these performers engulfs the room and is utterly contagious.
Photo by Wade Muir
R.A.V.E. is the epitome of what I’ve come to expect from an Outside the March production: extreme attention to detail, a friendly, accessible environment, and more fun than you thought possible at a theatre. Leigh Van Maaren’s environmental design doesn’t miss a beat: there are fake motivational posters on the walls which look real enough to make you do a double take, the names of the cast are displayed on office doors on the way in, and the DJ altar is the stuff of sci-fi dreams. Nick Blais’ lighting design gives the ideal party atmosphere while ensuring we can see the action wherever it’s taking place around the room. The costumes by Diséiye are a mix of club wear and cult cloaks, creating an immediately identifiable atmosphere.
Photo by Wade Muir
Special mention needs to go out to psyLush and Held Agency for their work with this production. Luminato Festival Toronto provided two safe spaces within the production where audience members can go to unwind if needed during the show. psyLush’s portion was called “The Sanctuary” and was within the same room as the rest of the production, while Held Agency’s quiet space was in the lobby, for those who needed more of a break from the loud music and bright lighting. Not to mention that with plenty of office chairs to sit in on at the side of the dance floor and the event taking place on the first level of the building, the production is entirely accessible. These movements towards inclusivity and accessibility are refreshing, and hopefully a sign of great things to come from theatre companies of all levels.
I can’t lie, I was fully buying what DJ Me Time was selling. R.A.V.E.’s mix of self-discovery and an endorphin-inducing dance program is invigorating for your body and soul. The overall message of community and care is one which speaks to my heart. This is a production I’ll carry with me for a long time. There are only a few chances left to get uploaded and check out R.A.V.E. For more information and tickets, visit: https://outsidethemarch.ca/the-experiences/rave/
Cover Photo: Raoul Wilke, Ashley Perez, DJ Me Time (Sarah Barrable-Tishauer), Chenise Mitchell, and Wellesley Robertson III. Photo by Wade Muir.
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