Recently I met Monica Prendergast, professor of theatre at UVic, actor, director, reviewer and blogger. Our conversation was wide-ranging. At one point, she recommended a book "The Necessity of Theatre: The Art of Watching and Being Watched" by Paul Woodruff. From the book description: A good audience is emotionally engaged as spectators; their engagement takes a form of empathy that can lead to a special kind of human wisdom. … [Read more...]
The Human Body Project Celebrates 6th Anniversary with a March Vigil
March 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The first year Tasha Diamant appeared in the Human Body Project at the Victoria Fringe Festival, I had just completed the photo shoot for the Babes (and Blokes) Go Bare for Cancer fundraising calendar, so the idea of a middle-aged woman onstage, naked and unscripted, struck me, not as odd, but as intriguing. The Human Body Project is an ongoing performance art and non-violent action project. As creator, I make an intention to show up in … [Read more...]
15th Annual Victoria French Fest
March 1, 2012 By 2 Comments
Celebrate French culture and heritage March 8-11th in Victoria BC with free events for children, circus workshops, a sugar shack, artisans marketplace, performances and more! Centennial Square is the site of the 15th annual Victoria French Fest. (Complete program guide -in French and English here). Most free events take place noon - 4pm in the Square. People are often amazed at the number of Francophones and Francophiles in the Capital Region … [Read more...]
A Spring of Theatre in Victoria BC 2012
February 28, 2012 By 2 Comments
After an amazing fall and winter season of theatre, we enter spring and an incredible line-up of shows including the Intrepid Theatre 2012 Presenting Series, Theatre Inconnu’s 2012 season opener, the YOU Show, SPARK Festival at the Belfry, the TD Performing Arts Festival with the Canadian College of Performing Arts, UNOFest, and the start of Blue Bridge Theatre’s fourth year. Paper Street Theatre brings improvised “film noir” to the stage, and … [Read more...]
Traditional Indonesian Puppetry Workshop at Merlin’s Sun Home Theatre
February 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment
I've written before about the intimate performance space at Merlin's Sun Theatre in Victoria BC. Timothy Gosley and Petra Kixmoeller have worked hard to create a theatre with a variety of performances and classes, suitable for many ages groups. Tim, a well known puppeteer, has convinced Javanese puppet master Sutrisno Hartano to offer a workshop (Victoria's first) in traditional Indonesian shadow puppetry (Wayang Kulit). … [Read more...]
Urban Arts Productions Announces their Second Season
February 10, 2012 By 1 Comment
We are so incredibly fortunate in Victoria BC to have a vibrant arts culture. Most people are familiar with larger companies like the Belfry Theatre and Intrepid (producers of the Victoria Fringe Festival), but there are many smaller and younger groups that merit our attention too. Urban Arts Productions had a very successful start in 2011, and has just announced their second season. … [Read more...]
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Sin City: Carnies
February 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Sin City, a live improvised soap opera, is in its second season in Victoria. With Valentine's Day upcoming - why not celebrate by joining them for their 15th episode of Carnies! - the continuing story of travelling side-show performers in the Dust Bowl of 1931. Doors open at the Victoria Event Centre at 7:15 pm, with pre-show entertainment from strolling accordionist Grayson Walker. The show begins at 8pm. The Carnies have left a trail of … [Read more...]
on the edge at the Belfry Theatre – Review
January 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment
I was first introduced to Michele Riml's work on the edge at the Belfry Theatre's Spark Festival during a reading of the "Yoga Studio" episode. The audience laughed appreciably at the character’s antics, relating to the reality of being that time-starved parent, searching for inner peace amid the pressing nature of familial duties. on the edge had its world première last week. … [Read more...]
New Works Festival – Canadian College of Performing Arts
January 18, 2012 By 1 Comment
Wouldn't you like to be able to say, just once, "I knew them when they were just starting out"? You'll have that opportunity at the Canadian College of Performing Arts New Works Festival January 19-21st in Victoria BC. Join creators in dance, theatre and playwriting; experience the pulse of youthful creation; learn what it means to be a performing artist in 2012. … [Read more...]
Party Like You’re 17 Again at Theatre SKAM’s Birthday Bash
January 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment
One of my favourite Victoria theatre companies, Theatre SKAM, is turning 17! And in inimitable SKAM fashion, they'll have you partying like you are too. Where else would you be able to experience the Odd Fellows Hall (a heritage building located at 1315 Douglas) without being a member? … [Read more...]
