Toronto audiences can step into the glamorous world of the Roaring Twenties when Gatsby Redux returns to Harbourfront Centre on September 26 and 27th this weekend.

Following its well-received Toronto debut last year, the immersive outdoor production will transform Harbourfront Centre’s waterfront campus into a stage, reimagining F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby through contemporary dance, music and movement.

Created by Los Angeles-based Mixed eMotion Theatrix and led by award-winning director and choreographer Janet Roston, Gatsby Redux takes audiences beyond the traditional theatre experience.

There is no conventional stage or fixed theatre seating. Instead, the ensemble makes a dramatic entrance by water, arriving at Harbourfront Centre by boat before leading audiences on a journey through the campus. Moving between indoor and outdoor spaces, the performance incorporates the waterfront, architecture and surrounding environment into the production. Set to a combination of classic jazz and contemporary Electro Swing, the show explores the novel’s characters and themes of class, status, belonging and the American Dream through a modern lens.

At least four Toronto dancers will join the visiting Los Angeles company for this year’s production, bringing local and international artists together for the site-specific performance.

“Bringing Gatsby Redux back gives us an opportunity to build on what made the experience so special last year, while creating something new for Toronto audiences,” said Diana Webley, Arts and Culture Manager at Harbourfront Centre.

“The production reflects the kind of artistic exchange we want to support at Harbourfront Centre, connecting artists from our community with artists from around the world. With the waterfront itself becoming part of the performance, it’s an experience that feels uniquely at home here.”

Audiences are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the Jazz Age by wearing 1920s-inspired attire. Comfortable footwear is also recommended, as the 90-minute experience involves standing and walking across the campus, with limited opportunities for seating.

As always, you can keep up with all the fun happenings in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area on efosa.

Gatsby Redux

When: September 26th and 27th, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm (90 mins runtime)

Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto

Admission: Ticketed. Price starts at $65. Grab your tickets here