Another day in paradise

Paradise can have a multitude of definitions for many people. Abdelaziz Sarrokh, an electrician-turned-choreographer explores some of these interpretations in his most recent creation, Bobo in Paradise, which runs at Usine C (1345 Lalonde) this week. Sarrokh's Belgium-based company, Hush Hush Hush is in the city as part of the Vooruit danse en avant event, a cultural exchange between the province of Quebec and Belgium.

Sarrokh uses a blend of hip hop, capoeira, flamenco and breakdance in this work where seven dancers from various cultural and dance backgrounds ask themselves, "Who am I?" The performance will mark the first-ever visit to North America for the company, which was formed in 1996 to bring together youth, culture and contemporary dance. As to Bobo's identity, well it's best kept a surprise. Bobo in Paradise runs April 24–26, call 521-4493 for tickets. » Marites Carino

The god in porcelain

Delicate, fragile, cold, shiny, breakable, translucent and transparent: now thanks to local photographer Evergon there are a whole new set of images that come to mind when I think of the word "porcelain." Tonight, April 17, at 5 p.m., the Carte grise à Evergon project Porcelaine opens at Dazibao (4001 Berri, #202).

Carte grise is the annual Dazibao event that invites a well-known artist to curate an exhibition and create a publication. This year, alongside Evergon is work by Jennifer Campbell, Léopold L. Foulem, Eduardo Ralickas and Mackenzie Stroh. All involved work with photography except Foulem, whose internationally recognized ceramics were photographed for the exhibition. The only actual porcelain is found in the series made by Ralickas to accompany the text he wrote for the beautiful publication. The text and all the artworks, thankfully, do not present an obvious interpretation of the title. Instead, they stimulate the imagination through the use of bodies, surfaces, associations and glazes. The show runs until May 24, 845-0063. » Christine Redfern

Wit lit

If Claude Lalumière gets his way, "Sardonic Fiction" will take its place as a genuine literary category in our libraries and bookstores. The co-founder of dear departed bookstore danger!, Lalumière has edited Witpunk, an anthology spanning genres from sci-fi to crime fiction to "realistic fiction," united by a dark sense of humour. Authors anthologized include Robert Silverberg, Cory Doctorow, Pat Cadigan and Montreal newcomers Michael Arsenault and Elise Moser. The good editor and several of his writers launch Witpunk this Thursday, April 17 at the McGill Bookstore (3420 McTavish), from 6 p.m.–8 p.m. Expect readings, discussion, food and drink. » Mark Slutsky

Out with the old, n with the new

Art party legends the Group of n are leaving their beloved old digs behind and moving Belgo-ward, as they prepare to take over the curatorship of Studio 303. There'll be one last fling, though, this weekend, as the crew presents Next, another art one-night-stand featuring lots of talented locals. The emphasis is on painting for this self-declared "Greatest Hits" show, with works by Justin Stephens, Joey Dubuc, Flo and Maclean hanging. Of course, there's also going to be lots of work in other media as well, with stuff from All is well (Jennifer Glasgow and Pascaline Knight, doing "silkscreen interventions"), Sherwin Tjia, Colin, Dominique Pétrin, Murmurs of Nose, Ben Burnett and others. As always, guest DJs will be in attendance, with Soundbwoy and DJs Flo and Chubbie on the turntables. Say adieu this Saturday, April 19, 9 p.m., at the soon-to-be-just-memories Group of n space (10 Ontario W., #802). » Mark Slutsky

Is it Art?

Don't distress your tresses: "It never hurts to be stylish" is the slogan of Goody's new Ouchless hair accessories, which will apparently allow you to clip, tie and otherwise put up your locks without the risk of pinching your scalp. No metal is used in the production of the allegedly innovative hairbands and clips, which come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Perfect for those who want maximum fashion impact with minimal howling, bloodshed and embarrassing trips to the emergency room. Available soon; for more info check out www.lookingoody.com.

ArtsHole

How to house: Internationally recognized dancer Brian Footwork Green gives house dance lessons and a dose of history April 17–18, 5:30–7:30 p.m., and April 19, 3:30–5:30 p.m. at les Ateliers de danse moderne de Montréal (372 Ste-Catherine W., 2nd floor), $35/$80. • Community chests: Topless models pose amongst the greenery of a tropical garden this Tuesday, April 22, 8 p.m., at Angels in the Garden, a fashion benefit for AIDS Community Care Montreal featuring designs by Cosmic Angels' Lydia Lukidis, at Mint (1215 de Maisonneuve). • Critical care: This Wednesday, April 23, Projet Porte Parole presents The Hospital, fifth in its Santé! series of short documentary plays about the Quebec health system. The Hospital shows at the J. Armand Bombardier Theatre of the McCord Museum (690 Sherbrooke W.), 8 p.m., $20.

ARTISTAT: Minimum number of Montreal artists who have contributed to BlueSponge's highly interactive mind-of-the-Montreal-nightlife-scene Web site, www.savedbythebelles.com, based on the film by Ziad Toume: 50

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