Big Bang theories

Three choreographers and three countries - that's one of the ideas behind Montréal Danse's latest offering, Big Bang #3, running Feb. 26-March 6. The popular series was launched three years ago to showcase a multitude of choreographers and their distinct styles. In this edition, a trio of creators have been invited to take part at L'Agora de la Danse (840 Cherrier) this week.

Montréal Danse commissioned local creation master José Navas to invent a charged duo for long-time interpreter Manon Levac and Frédéric Marier. Following that, Belgian choreographer Karine Ponties contributes a piece that uses humour, among other techniques, to transport spectators to another curious world. And lastly, Korean Ae-Soon Ahn presents a contemporary dance piece for five that focuses on the physical nature of dance and movement.

And take note, this Thursday night's performance includes a post-show discussion with the artists. Call 525-1500 for tix. » Marites Carino

Politics and baloney

In her latest theatrical gem, the unique Nathalie Derome achieves the impossible: she makes the poetic political and the political poetic. Using animated projections, singing and dancing, Les Écoutilles: cabaret de fortune! metaphorically - and very playfully - compares our individual bodies with the social body. The inspiration for this piece, Derome says, grew out of a feeling of impotence. "I am frustrated that the people who have the power are my age. I watch the news and try to pick out who they would have been in my elementary school class. Were they the ones eating baloney sandwiches?"

From her obscure street performing beginnings, through numerous critically acclaimed works, Derome consistently questions social norms, fearlessly treading into the controversial territories of nationalism and feminism. In Les Écoutilles, she joins forces with six other performers to confront the "dumbing and numbing of our consciousness," as she puts it. "In my work I am always trying to have an opinion about politics, but curiously, whenever I take this path it leads me to something more spiritual." Feb. 26-28 and March 3-6 at Théâtre La Chapelle (3700 St-Dominique), 843-7738. » Christine Redfern

Respecting roots

The Kalmunity collective is wrapping up a busy Black History Month with a heavy roots showcase at La Sala Rossa (4848 St-Laurent) this Friday. "With this show we're trying to focus on the creativity," says collective cofounder JahSun, "not just music-wise, but how to create a freer, more respectful environment for every voice to be heard." The show features Senegalese drumming and Wolof chanting troupe Oubekou. The Kalmunity collective groove will be in effect as well, the line-up including Jason Selman, Georgio and Sabrina, Phoenix, Waahli, Kya Kindu, with the regal Josephine Watson presiding. Feb. 27, 9 p.m., $12-$15. » Vincent Tinguely

GM toy triumph

Florent Veilleux's resumé is impressive, to say the least: former student of philosophy, medicine, electronics, law and math, classical music composer, Parisian cabaret crooner, and dodeca-disciplinary artist - among other things.

Most recently, Veilleux (pictured here riding a banana) has been building robots out of recycled objects. His current exhibit, Les Solutions Imaginaires, is divided into three mammoth blinking and bleeping installations: a "Y2K Buggy," an electronic jungle of genetically modified toys and an "imaginary Arche de Triomphe," which he co-built with a group of 8-12 year olds at the Montreal Science Centre.

The show was recently extended to Feb. 31 on a poster, which I felt compelled to double-check. "It means that the exhibition is permanent," Veilleux says. "We put that on the poster as a plaisanterie, and I think it goes with the theme of imagination and fancy, like children have." Step into his world at Station C (1450 Ste-Catherine W.). » Matthew Woodley

Is it Art?

I LOVE YOU SWEET LEAF: Since it was legalized in 1998, industrial hemp - extolled for its quality and medicinal properties - has spread far beyond tam-tam necklace vendors into the ritzy world of cosmetics, health food and even beer. Leading the pack in these parts is Quebec company Canolio, which currently controls 90 per cent of the province's hemp-based market. Several Canolio products have found their ways into Mirror coffers of late, including their distinctive and fairly versatile cooking oil, Sexy Ganja Lubricating Gel and Hemp Rejuvenating Body Oil, a favourite of listings editor Vidya Lutchman. "It makes my skin feel smooth and not too greasy," she says. Canolio hemp products also include coffee, nuts, soap and lip balm and are available at selected pharmacies and grocery stores around the city, www.canolio.com for more.

ArtsHole

IDYL EYE: Allison Katz and Christina Kee settle into a big ol' loft (170 Jean Talon W.) to muse on the city dweller's desire for the ideal space. Katz's 50 miniature portraits transform her figures' surroundings into a timeless, spaceless place while Kee's canvas and copper works reveal ornamented, reflective landscapes. Pastoral Present runs from Feb. 28-March 6. • DOLLS IN DROVES: The Sarah Cook Fund presents An Exhibition of Miniature Dolls, a benefit for the Montreal Children's oncology department, from Feb. 27-29 at Ogilvy Tudor Hall (1307 Ste-Catherine W., 5th floor). Sarah Cook, now 11, was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer three years ago and has been in remission for two years. Inspired by her courage, her parents started the fund, which has since raised over $450,000.

ARTISTAT: Number of spoken word and poetry fiends who attended this year's recently wrapped-up Festival Voix d'Amériques, a doubling of last year's audience: 2,250

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