So, a confession: I am not simply a sucker for a story, I'm positively OCD for story.I have two English degrees, combined with critical theory and creative writing. This means that, warrented or not, I will hunt for metanarrative in just about any fragment, and will analyse a mash-up of ideas within an inch of its essence. I'm a pro. It's what I do.
Therefore, choreographer beware: if you tell me your performance is about seafaring myths of femininity, I will take you at your word. I will turn the diamond of your...
The anticipation of seeing my very first Ruby Slippers Theatre production was only fuelled more when I saw the set. Consisting of an elaborate network of doors and levels - already I could feel the exceptional production values of this production. With almost a full house surrounding me, I had a very good feeling about what I was about to see. I first thought this was going to be a serious play, but to my delight Drew McCreadie delivers a wiz bang of farcical humour, a sprinkle of slapstick and a healthy dollop of laugh out loud humour!
'Twas...
John Murphy & Jennifer Mawhinney in Hotel Bethlehem (photo credit: Tim Matheson)
Last night Jay & Silent Bob (AKA Kevin Smith & Jason Mews) graced us with their presence downtown Vancouver at the Vogue theatre. The line-up outside was long and it was pretty cold, but as soon as everyone settled into a packed house with our beers (and a hint of herb lingering in the air) we were all chirping away about our favourite SModimation vids, movies and everything else that was Jay & Silent Bob. It was a fans only clubhouse event. Everyone there knew what they were there for, what to expect and to be part of a live...
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... Which means that the seasonal shows are starting up! And the improvisors of Vancouver Theatresports are not to be left behind.
Last night was opening night for Ballet BC’s first performance in the 2011/2012 season in the Queen Elizabeth Thearre. And a wonderful opening it was! A Canadian première, a world premiere and a wonderful revisiting and expansion of Doppeling ( premiere 2009) by Canadian choreographer Simone Orlando.
In the 7:00 preshow talk Vancouver Dance writer Janet Smith interviewed both visiting choreographers presented in 3 Fold: Canadian Robert Glumbek with his World Premiere Diversion, developed for Ballet BC dancers and Italian Choreographer Walter Matteini. This is the first time this Matteini’s work has been shown in Canada.. Tonight we saw...
Looking back at my notes from the last time I saw Louise Lecavalier dance, I am reminded that I compared that piece, Cobalt Rouge to Salvador Dali on speed. In other words, Lecavalier was the technically gifted and highly expressive dancer that she always is, but I found that piece to be somewhat inaccessible. So, I was a bit hesitant when it came to seeing Children and A Few Minutes of Lock as presented by Dance House on November 4th and 5th at the Playhouse Theatre. This time around, Louise Lecavalier...
At the main entrance at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, patrons have their tickets torn as they enter to see the Love Lies Bleeding, the Alberta Ballet performance. Coming in, they pass a huge and beautiful flower arrangement of orchids. The accompanying card for the orchids reads: “My thoughts are with Jean and the company of Alberta Ballet for this premiere performance in Vancouver.” Love Elton
In the lobby, are ladies and gentlemen, formally dressed with the oddest additions -feather boas and outrageous glasses - aka Elton John. Sales – if not brisk - are good for the boas, glasses...
On Sunday September 18, I attended the second last show of the last day of the tenth anniversary of the Scotia Bank Dance Centre: Kinesis Dance Artistic Director Paras Terezakis' innovative new site-specific work Compartment 114 - An Odd-Essay.
The talented burlesque trio of April O’Peel, Melody Mangler and Violet Femme are back again in this fun and raunchy neo-cabaret spectacular at the Vancouver Fringe Festival. Inspired by a collection of performance styles, including circus, B-movies, baggy pants comedians, and classic striptease, the Razzle Tassle Tease Show will certainly keep you entertained, no matter what your sexual orientation!
The theatre is dimly lit with cabaret seating (tables and chairs), so feel free to bring that glass of wine you purchased before the show in with you. The opening number is punchy and amusing, as the three performers enter the...
The Sun Yat Sen Garden is an iconic Vancouver location and not one that is intuitively a great place to put on a show. But in the epic Fringe play, Siddhartha, the performers use every inch of this space to bring the audience into another world – a beautiful world of rustic villages, primeval forests, wondrous cities and peaceful secluded spots down by the river.
Siddhartha is the name of the protagonist, a charismatic and clever figure who seems destined for greatness but carries a heavy burden of existential doubt wherever he goes. In a quest for nirvana, he tries...
