HOUSTON BALLET: MARIE
The Houston Ballet brings the fascinating life of Marie Antoinette to the stage at the National Arts Centre for its Canadian premiere. From child bride to spoiled socialite to eventual victim of a revolution, this majestic performance charts the story of the infamous French queen, complete with a score by Shostakovich and sumptuous sets and costumes by Kandis Cook that embody the decadence and high fashion of Louis XVI’s court. On Friday, join former Royal Winnipeg Ballet instructor Kathryn Jones for a pre-show chat about ballet before the Revolution at 7 p.m. Thursday, October 18, to Saturday, October 20, 8 p.m. $45-$105. National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.

THE ENLIGTENED SCREEN: GARY BURNS
The Canadian Film Institute presents the first installment of an ongoing screening and guest artist series, which will profile leading Canadian independent filmmakers. This weekend will showcase six feature length films by Calgary filmmaker Gary Burns including The Suburbanators, waydowntown, and The Future Is Now! Burns is known for his quirky, imaginative films that are often described as bringing a whole new meaning to the term “western alienation.” Thursday, October 18, to Saturday, October 20. $12. The Auditorium, 395 Wellington St., see website for schedule, www.cfi-icf.ca. (more…)