By CINDY OLBERG
In this edition of the Weekender: Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Complexe des genres, Fibre Fling 3, and five more things to do in Ottawa this weekend.
Rock Musical
Hedwig and the Angry Inch is an award-winning Off-Broadway musical that deals with themes of identity, individuality, and rock n’ roll. Follow rock goddess Hedwig Schmidt on her quest for the “Origin of Love” in this fun and unforgettable musical presented by Vanity Project Productions. The show runs from April 3 to 5 at The Gladstone. From $25. The Gladstone is located at 910 Gladstone Ave.
Vulnerability and Desire
Montreal choreographer Virginie Brunelle explores the strengths and shortcomings of the human experience in her ballet Complexe des genres. With a cast of six men and women, the performance covers themes of desire and vulnerability that so often go hand in hand with the search for love.The performance contains mature themes and nudity. Complexe des genres is on from April 3 to 5 at the National Arts Centre. From $30. The NAC is located at 53 Elgin St.
Philanthropic Craft Sale
Out-of-the-Box, a group of textile artists based in Ottawa, hosts its third annual Fibre Fling to raise money for the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Support a good cause by buying one of Out-of-the-Box’s many handmade crafts, such as hats, bags, quilted wall hangings, and bookmarks. It takes place at Kitchissippi United Church April 4 and 5. Admission is $10. There will be an array of refreshments available on Saturday afternoon for an additional $10. Kitchissippi United Church is located at 630 Island Park Dr.
Piggy Market Party! (FREE!)
The Piggy Market is reopening and celebrating their fifth anniversary! On April 4 they’ll be offering a 5 percent discount, and on April 5 they’ll have birthday cupcakes, Harvey and Vern’s sodas, and ice cream floats made with Pascale’s All Natural Ice Cream. The Piggy Market is located at 400 Winston Ave.
A Gluten-Avoider’s Paradise
Attention, gluten intolerants and Celiac sufferers! On April 5 the Gluten Free Utopia brings together more than 50 local businesses and vendors who specialize in all things gluten-free. The event takes place at the Library and Archives Canada. Admission is $8 for adults. Library and Archives Canada is located at 395 Wellington St.
Canada’s Fourth Coast
Juno Award-winning Canadian folk artist/playwright/adventurer Ian Tamblyn just finished his multi-CD musical project The Four Coast Project. Celebrate the release of the final instalment of his project at The Black Sheep Inn on April 6. Tickets are $15 in advance. The Black Sheep Inn is located at 753 Riverside Dr. in Wakefield.
2 for 1 Choir Performance
There’s nothing quite as angelic as the sound of two choirs performing together in one church. This Sunday afternoon the University of Ottawa Choir and the Notre Dame Basilica Cathedral Choir will perform the Mass for Double Choir by Frank Martin, as well as works by other composers such as Brahms and Mendelssohn. St. Joseph’s Parish and Sanctuary hosts this event on April 6. From $20. St. Joseph’s is located at 174 Wilbrod St.
Two-Dimensional Art (FREE!)
While living in Paonia, Colorado, Ottawa artist Mat Dubé created a new technique that allows him to merge sculpture, drawing, and painting to create pieces that challenge the viewer’s perception of figure representation and dimension. Body of Thought, his solo exhibit at Railbender Gallery, features 20 paintings made with his unique process. Body of Thought will be on display until April 27. Railbender Studio is located at 3 Hamilton Ave. N.