Theatre companies in Victoria are launching 2013 with a number of dark plays (some of them dark comedies) deemed “suitable for mature audiences”, as well as ground-breaking trans-media and immersive experiences at the new Winterlab Festival. Families will be happy to hear of a new Family Theatre Festival, and lovers of multi-cultural story telling will want to check out WorldPlay (re-scheduled to March 7-10th) Sin City returns for a third … [Read more...]
Theatre for the holidays in Victoria BC, December 2012
December 21, 2012 By 2 Comments
There's nothing quite like the theatre to whisk you away, and what better way to celebrate the holiday season than with tickets to an awesome show and time with family and friends. The theatrical offerings this year from December 21st to year end are varied, ranging from the traditional (A Christmas Carol and St Luke's Christmas pantomine), to variety/vaudeville (Derwin Blanshard and Atomic Vaudeville) , dance (Pandora's Box), and even more … [Read more...]
Wildlife Photographer 2012 at the Royal BC Museum
November 30, 2012 By 3 Comments
For the second year in a row, the Royal BC Museum has the considerable honour of being the only North American site for the prestigious Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2012 exhibit. The competition is owned by two UK institutions that “pride themselves on revealing and championing the diversity of life on Earth” – the Natural History Museum and BBC Worldwide. Comprised of 100 beautifully back-lit images, chosen as … [Read more...]
Open Cinema hosts: “Play Again” – November 7th, 2012
November 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Open Cinema hosts the thought-provoking and gently funny documentary PLAY AGAIN Wednesday November 7th, in partnership with the Habitat Acquistion Trust, and asks the question – “What are the consequences of a childhood removed from Nature?” As a child, growing up on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island in the 1960s and early 1970s, I spent hours exploring the woods and beaches surrounding my community. It wasn’t unusual for me … [Read more...]
Envisioning the World at the Royal BC Museum, Oct 4 2012 – Jan 27 2013
November 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment
If you've ever pored over an old atlas, or traced your fingers from Point A to Point B on an antiquated road map, you might have the same interest that sparked a life-long passion for Henry Wendt. It’s as a result of this passion that the Royal BC Museum is able to present a most unique exhibition Envisioning The World: The First Printed Maps, 1472 – 1700 in association with the Sonoma County Museum. … [Read more...]
Theatrical Treats for Halloween in Victoria BC
October 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Since time immemorial people have gathered together at this turn in the seasons, as night falls earlier and earlier, and conversation around campfires, hearths and living rooms has turned to spooky and scary tales. Victoria theatre companies have seized upon this desire for the frightful, and propose a panoply of plays for your viewing pleasure. In addition, the ever popular Ghost Bus Tours narrated by local historian John Adams, a fundraiser … [Read more...]
Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival September 8-16, 2012
August 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Summer will soon be over, but there is still the opportunity to enjoy the last few days of sun, and revel in the culinary bounty this season brings. A short drive north of Victoria lays “The Warm Land”. The wineries and food producers of the Cowichan Valley have once again united to present the 8th annual Wine and Culinary Festival September 8th – 16th. Marsha, Wine Taster at Damali Winery The festival begins with a Grape Stomp at the … [Read more...]
Greek Fest, August 28th – September 3rd, Victoria BC
August 28, 2012 By 1 Comment
As summer slowly wends its way to a close, and the nights get a touch cooler, we have one last opportunity to experience the warmth of distant, sunnier climes. Perhaps you haven't had the chance to vacation in Greece this year, but you can definitely experience the hospitality of the local Victoria Greek community during the 11th annual Greek Fest, September 28th - September 3rd. I don't know how this well-attended local festival has remained … [Read more...]
Victoria Fringe Festival 2012 – my “local” picks
August 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment
I love the Victoria Fringe Festival! When my kids were growing up, I only attended the odd show here and there, but that all changed in 2006 when my second son moved away to take a job as a historical interpreter at the MacLean Mill in Port Alberni. Without two teenage boys to feed and house, there was suddenly disposable income. 2006 was the 20th anniversary of the Victoria Fringe, and I managed to see more shows that year than in all the … [Read more...]
Bilingual Tours of St Ann’s Academy Precinct Highlight Victoria’s Francophone Roots
August 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment
My first introduction to the Sisters of St Ann came as a young girl, visiting my grandparents near the Victoria–Esquimalt border. One of the Sisters’ properties (now the site of the Sea Gate Apartments) overlooked the water close to their house. Years later, when the downtown St Ann’s Academy fell into dis-use and was boarded up, we would go “scrumping” for apples in the orchards. And while the restoration of the Academy may have deprived us … [Read more...]
