Ejaculations from the Charm Factory: A Memoir

Ian C. Nelson is librarian emeritus and former Assistant Director of
Libraries (Collection Management & Budget) University of Saskatchewan
Library and Dramaturge for the Festival de la Dramaturgie des Prairies.

Covering the years 1979 to 1997, filmmaker, playwright, and novelist Sky
Gilbert’s memoir tells the story of the artistic and administrative
roller-coaster journey of Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, from its
establishment until he left its helm. It is redolent of the unique
perspective of the man who lived the events, anecdotal in style, and
naturally full of personal opinions about cronies, critics, and capital.
Two generous sections of photographs enhance the volume and help put a
face to the various players and events.

The first two-thirds of the memoir are a fascinating and entertaining
personal take on the Toronto theatre scene (Gilbert gets a lot of licks
in at Tarragon’s expense) and the parallel sexual politics of the new
gay theatre he founded. The last third falls off considerably into
vituperation and self-justification. It may be said that this book is
part of the self-star-maker machine that Gilbert so enthusiastically
embraces. Considered strictly in terms of accuracy or history, perhaps
it is best to take Gilbert at his word when he states “the most
important and absolutely true thing I can tell you about this time is
this: I was there.”

Ejaculations from the Charm Factory is a lively read, on the wild side
sexually and theatrically. It is bound to raise all kinds of reactions
from others close to these institutions and events. As a first and very
personal record of the joys and constraints of the times, it is a must
for Canadian theatre collections. It will also appeal to those
interested in tracing the ascendancy of gay institutions of public
record.