The Power Plant

Film & Panel: Bruce Eves in Polari

Thu Jul 18 2019

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

FREE

Studio Theatre, Harbourfront Centre

Still from Bruce Eves in Polari, courtesy the director.

Conceived and directed by Peter Dudar, the film details Eves’ cutting-edge career in the international art scene. Bruce Eves’ visually creative use of code includes Polari, a ‘secret’ gay anti-language. Stylistically the film is dynamic and original, plus witty and unflinchingly honest. While engaging the intellect, it ranges emotionally from laugh-out-loud funny to deeply sad. Its fresh approach to the culture and politics of the last half century is a must-see. Following the film, Bruce Eves and Peter Dudar will be joined by UK-based curator David Gleeson for a panel discussion.


Bruce Eves received the 2018 Governor-General’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Visual and Media Arts. His practice centers on conceptually-driven photo-based work and writing. In the past Eves has involved himself with curatorial, performance, and archival projects. “Bruce Eves in Polari” is his cinematic debut. Next stop, Hollywood?

Peter Dudar’s origins are in painting, graphic design and performance art. For a decade, he partnered with dancer/choreographer Lily Eng—and they performed internationally as Missing Associates. His uniquely creative documentary films, which screen worldwide, disclose ‘choreographed’ movement in everyday life and focus on individuals engaging with political and cultural history.

David Gleeson is a London-based art historian, writer and critic whose work has been published in Britain, Europe, USA, Canada, Russia, Iran and Dubai. He has also independently curated exhibitions in London and has worked in an advisory/consultancy role for public and private galleries in the UK and Arts Council England.