Arts Adventures for the Holidays in Victoria BC, December 2013 There is truly something for everyone in Victoria this up-coming holiday season. Whether you enjoy theatre, music or dance, local arts organizations have prepared wonderful holiday-themed events for your consideration. It's Christmas: a sparkling, musical, holiday revue continues Fridays and Saturdays throughout December at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. A talented cast of singers … [Read more...]
Vancouver Fringe 2013 – suggestions (mostly) from the Victoria Fringe
September 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Vancouver Fringe Festival 2013 suggestions (mostly) from the Victoria Fringe It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say I’m a bit of a Fringe fanatic – over the years since I got back in to fringing, I’ve gone from seeing a handful of shows to 33 shows at this year’s Victoria Fringe Festival. Here are my recommendations for shows that were in Victoria this year (or last), either at the Fringe Festival, Intrepid Theatre’s UNO Fest, or the Belfry … [Read more...]
Victoria Fringe Festival 2013 – my “away” picks
August 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment
I'm a bit of a Fringe fanatic, seeing between 30 and 40 shows in any given year. For my "away" picks, I rely heavily on research, knowledge of past performances, and a network of fellow-Fringers (including Ottawa's Brian M Carroll who has greatly informed this year's picks). As always though, I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone, and take chances on shows you might not normally see - don't depend only on my picks; my tastes might … [Read more...]
Victoria Fringe Festival 2013 – my “local” picks
August 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment
When it comes to the Victoria Fringe, I’m a mere baby fringer. It wasn’t until the 20th anniversary in 2006 that I really got involved in this two week long festival of alternative live performance. I love the buzz, and hanging out with fellow volunteers, performers and like-minded “fringe addicts”. I see between 30 and 40 shows at the Victoria Fringe, and another 50 – 60 shows during the year. Here are my “local” picks based on performances … [Read more...]
My Fair Lady by Blue Bridge Theatre, a review
August 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Simply magnificent. There are no other words to describe the wonderful production of My Fair Lady by Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre currently playing at the McPherson Playhouse until August 18th. From the moment the audience enters the theatre, to a glorious vintage view of London (a scrim specially commissioned by designer Patrick Du Wors) the sense of anticipation is palpable. Brian Richmond (Henry Higgins) and Amanda Lisman (Eliza … [Read more...]
Victoria’s First AfriCa Fest celebrates the 50th anniversary of the African Union
May 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Did you know 2013 is the 50th anniversary of the African Union? To celebrate, join members of the African, Caribbean and Créole communities for Victoria's first-ever AfriCa Fest, May 17th - 25th. Free family-friendly activities will be centered around Centennial Square for the opening weekend May 17th - 19th and include musical performances, activities for children, exhibitions, and interactive games. … [Read more...]
The Museum Amplification Project, April 20th 2013
April 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment
I don’t remember how or when I first learned of the Royal BC Museum’s Amplification Project (now in its second year and originally called Site and Sound), but I knew I wanted to experience it. Some of my favourite performers have been involved, and the styles of performance span the genres. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday April 20th and tickets are available here. The Museum Amplification Project is curated by Chris O’Connor who … [Read more...]
Quadra Village Day 2013
April 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment
It's time again for my neighbourhood's favourite event - Quadra Village Day 2013! This year we celebrate the 11th annual event, one planned and executed with an entirely volunteer-run planning committee and close to 100 event-day volunteers. This vibrant diverse neighbourhood is proud to be "Building and Celebrating our Thriving Community". Thanks to generous sponsors and donors the event is entirely FREE - and that includes two breakfasts … [Read more...]
One, Belfry Theatre SPARK Festival 2013
March 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Words fail to do justice to the artistry and precision, the beauty in motion that is Ghost River Theatre’s production of One, currently at the Belfry Theatre’s SPARK Festival. Writ large with an immense physicality that stretches to every corner of the Belfry stage; painting an enormous artistic vision with sound, light and bodies, this atmospheric tale encompasses the beginning of the world, and the awakening of love; soars to the heavens, … [Read more...]
Spring Theatre 2013, Victoria BC
March 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Spring is a busy time traditionally in Victoria BC theatre, and 2013 is no exception. The period March to May is book-ended by festivals - the Belfry Theatre's Spark Festival in March, and Intrepid Theatre's UNO Fest at the end of May - and includes theatre for all tastes, with three (Let's Make an Opera/the Little Sweep, the 39 Steps and You're a Good Man Charlie Brown) that would be appropriate for young audiences (without being children's … [Read more...]
