by CHRISTINE REDFERN

"I have a lot of exciting plans for 2005," says performer, filmmaker, choreographer and DJ Miriam Ginestier. "It's the year I've chosen to focus on developing events that highlight the innovative work of artists who inspire me, and that integrates my passion for the performing arts, feminism and queer culture."

As co-artistic director of Studio 303, Ginestier is turning the 12th edition of Edgy Women into a bona fide festival. This year, the annual showing of short, highly physical and innovative works by women occupies a new venue and extends over four nights. From March 17-20 at la Sala Rossa, check out the retrospective of Nathalie Claude's acclaimed solos and an anarchy cabaret by the Swiss queens of post-punk, Les Reines Prochaines. A touring edition of Edgy Women recently premiered at the Hysteria Festival in Toronto to overwhelming acclaim. "Next year we hope to visit more cities with the event," she says.

Ginestier is also the associate artistic director of the project-based queer theatre company OUT Productions and the popular host of events including the legendary cabaret soirée le Boudoir, as well as the monthly Meow Mix parties. In June, she will co-curate a Boudoir-inspired edition of Strange Sisters at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre in Toronto. The 12th edition of le Boudoir will take place in Montreal on Saturday, July 2, spanning the whole weekend with a pre-boudoir party and post-boudoir brunch. She says, "My hope is to transform it into an alternative cultural ‘circuit party' for the local and visiting bent girl communities."

Ginestier's future plans include working with OUT Productions to remount two of Nathalie Claude's vaudeville plays next fall. More info on events can be found at www.out.ca and www.studio303.ca. To keep track of all Ginestier's upcoming projects, join her e-newsletter at mim@aei.ca.