So near and yet so far. It’s been simply ages since I’ve headed over to SaltSpringIsland to peruse the market, shop at Mouat’s, stroll through art galleries and craft shops, and head to the top of MountMaxwell. I’ll get a chance at a few of these activities this week thanks to the very generous members of the Salt Spring Island Christmas Committee. I’ve been invited to judge the 3rd Annual Glowtini Contest at Harbour House Hotel on Thursday … [Read more...]
My Gift is for the Trees, an Emily Carr Christmas. A review
December 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment
As a native West Coaster, all my life I have longed for Christmas iconography and tradition that celebrates Christmas and the holiday season as I know it – surrounded by nature, and often with an absence of snow. In creating My Gift is for the Trees: an Emily Carr Christmas, Tim Gosley has tapped into the current fascination with storytelling and trans-media. The performance is an inventive multi-generational “play within a play within a … [Read more...]
Arts Adventures for the Holidays in Victoria BC December 2013
December 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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...]
The Collected Works of Billy the Kid at Theatre Inconnu. My review.
November 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Some performances stay with us a lifetime, vivid memories sparked by visceral reactions to the sights and sounds onstage. The Collected Works of Billy the Kid by Michael Ondaatje is one such a show. First staged in Victoria by the Belfry Theatre in 1993, in the full theatrical version, it unnerved me with its force. The powerful language painted pictures beyond anything I’d experienced to that point. Ondaatje won his first Governor General’s … [Read more...]
“It’s Christmas” holiday revue at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel
November 27, 2013 By 2 Comments
The new Oak Bay Beach Hotel celebrates its first anniversary (December 1st) in style with many Christmas-themed events throughout the month. Whether you are of the Christian faith or not, Christmas for most people is tied up in remembrances and nostalgia, dreams of childhood and past celebrations. Since everyone has their own interpretation of the “perfect” holiday, it is extremely challenging to design a program that will appeal to the … [Read more...]
Canary Club Speakeasy a Fundraiser for Atomic Vaudeville November 28, 2013
November 25, 2013 By 1 Comment
It's hard to imagine - Atomic Vaudeville, co-founded by Jacob Richmond and Britt Small in 2004, is now in its tenth season. The collective of new and emerging local actors, writers, musicians, artists and performers has staged over 60 cabarets and new works, winning multiple awards in the process. With hits like Ride The Cyclone, Legoland, The Qualities of Zero, and The History of Everything to their credit, they are about to embark on another … [Read more...]
True West by Blue Bridge Theatre at the Roxy. A review.
November 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment
True West, by Sam Shepard, currently playing at Blue Bridge Repertory’s Roxy Theatre until December 1st, is a searing tension-filled drama of sibling rivalry that crackles and sparks with male energy and disdain. Shepard was only 37, and already a Pulitzer Prize winner for Buried Child, when he penned True West, considered to be the final play in his Family Trilogy (Curse of the Starving Class 1976, Buried Child 1979). The structure is … [Read more...]
Art Walks, Studio Tours and Sales for the Holiday Season 2013. Victoria BC
November 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Art Walks, Studio Tours and Sales for the Holiday Season 2013. Victoria BC. For me, shop local also means art. Some of my most cherished holiday traditions are walking from gallery to gallery during specially organized art walks, or taking a trip to participate in a studio tour. Of late, the “small works show” has become popular, with three local galleries displaying works that are small in size and cost. Walks, tours and sales all … [Read more...]
Heroes by Gérald Sibleyras at Langham Court Nov 13 – 30, 2013. A review.
November 18, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Heroes by Gérard Sibleyras, translated by Tom Stoppard, currently playing at Langham Court Theatre until November 30, 2013, is a gentle, sweet , funny and slightly saucy play that treads carefully on well-worn ground, without becoming maudlin or hoary. Travel to Europe, and in every village or town square, at every coffee counter or small bar, pétanque field or outdoor chess game, you’ll see them gathered – the old men. Their days revolve … [Read more...]
Call for Victoria’s Second Youth Poet Laureate. Deadline November 25 2013
November 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Did you know that the City of Victoria is the first city in Canada to have a Youth Poet Laureate? Aysia Law, a current UVic creative writing student, was chosen in January 2013 to represent Victoria. She was active in the community, performing at Pop-Up Poetry events in April to celebrate National Poetry Month, and at council meetings and Culture Days events, as well as organizing a Diversity Slam this past summer. Photo: City of … [Read more...]
