fernando belote (Fern) is a multidisciplinary bixa/queer artist and the president of DC-Art Indisciplinaire, the first artist-run center in Quebec exclusively supporting disability diversity.

Looking back on the paths we've walked thus far, it's easy to see the things we might've done differently. From big things like what if I had pursued a different career, to I shouldn't have said that thing I said, we’re quick to judge ourselves for our past actions.

I would argue that the Poet would generally be described as a lonely creature. It conjures the image of a tortured, tubercular young artist—or, through a more modern lens, a highly sensitive individual with a Moleskine in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

Martin Saint was the lead-singer and second guitar player with Montreal's The Ember Glows. He is now pursuing his own solo project full time as well as other collaborations with various local musicians.

I've gotten better at choosing. From sussing out what's probably good on the menu, to the company I keep, lately I can't help but notice that I'm choosing wisely. This isn't to say that I'm making the right choice, as that's often arbitrarily defined by whom you ask, or societal expectations.

Patrick O'Reilly is a poet from Renews, NL, now living in Montreal/Tiohtià:ke. He is responsible for two chapbooks, A Collapsible Newfoundland (Frog Hollow Press, 2020) and Demographics Report November 2023 (Cactus Press, 2024).

The sun is shining, dandelions are fluffing, bees are buzzing (and keeping our food supply going) -- everything is verbing. Humans -- understandably pent up after the snowy, rainy spring -- are out in their full glory, gussied up, and travelling in packs.

Andrew Jamieson reviews Frankencéline, Cracks, MEAT FACTORY: MOMMY, Mr. Potts, and POZ for Forget The Box’s coverage of FringeMTL 2025.

Bailey B. Carter reviews Thespis, boKa, BRAIN, Creatures of Habits, and Mouse Trap! for Forget The Box’s coverage of FringeMTL 2025.

Candice Ann reviews 0z, Cheers!, Quickshot, ROBERT WILL SHOW YOU THE DOOR (Tales of Being Fired), and The Total Veronica Experience for Forget The Box’s coverage of FringeMTL 2025.