When Michael Shamata arrived as Artistic Director at the Belfry Theatre in December 2007, he brought with him the remembrance of a much-loved Toronto holiday tradition. Since 2001 he had directed his adaptation of Charles Dickens iconic and standard bearing story, A Christmas Carol, for the Soulpepper Theatre Company, and couldn’t wait to see it staged in Victoria. Now, after 5 years, the wait is over, and avid theatre-goers and lovers of … [Read more...]
Good Person of Setzuan at UVic’s Phoenix – a review
November 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment
It’s not often that Victoria audiences have the fortunate pleasure of experiencing a 23 person cast. Good Person of Setzuan, currently at the University of Victoria’s Phoenix Theatre until November 24, 2012 offers one such opportunity. This highly entertaining, multi-element visual feast showcases the large talents of students and faculty. Brecht’s morality play, originally written between 1938 and 1943, has been transported to modern day. … [Read more...]
Arts Fundraisers for the Holiday Season 2012 – Victoria BC
November 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Do you love the arts? Would you like to support them and at the same time put a dent in your holiday shopping? Or, perhaps you'd like to treat those you love before the holidays, or give them a gift they can enjoy early? If so, these upcoming arts fundraisers will be on interest to you. PLEASE NOTE: November 23, 2012 The Belfry Theatre has just announced a special online auction which will close December 16th at 4pm- scroll down for … [Read more...]
Art Walks, Shows and Sales for the 2012 Holiday Season – Victoria BC
November 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
An impressive cornucopia of artistic treats awaits art lovers as the holiday season approaches. How often have I heard people wish, sometimes with a trace of envy, that they had more art in their lives? I’m reminded of the old English proverb “What, a cat may look on a king, ye know!” I may not have the finances to purchase all the art I would like to have hanging on my walls, but I can definitely attend art openings, studio tours, gallery … [Read more...]
Bounce Dance Cabaret Returns – November 24, 2012
November 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Bounce Dance Cabaret is back and I couldn't be happier. Mariko Ihara, Kimberly Tuson, Stacey Horton, Jung-Ah Chung, Lisa Milloy, Lori Hamar, Hugh MacPherson photo: Michael Barnes Treena Stubel, award winning dancer and choreographer, founded Bounce! in 2009 to support new work by independent dance and physical theatre artists. As a long time collaborator and friend of Victoria’s Atomic Vaudeville cabaret, she was inspired to create a … [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...]
Cage 100 Festival in Victoria BC – a fine arts collaboration
October 25, 2012 By 3 Comments
I’m always looking to extend my cultural horizons beyond tried and true choices. The Cage Festival, November 8th – 22nd has definitely piqued my interest. Four Victoria arts institutions - the Victoria Symphony, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, University of Victoria (School of Music) and Open Space - are celebrating the 100th anniversary of John Cage’s birth by hosting a series of concerts, art exhibitions and special retrospectives … [Read more...]
Popular Belfry Theatre fundraiser Crush – cancelled – due to LCLB decision
October 22, 2012 By 1 Comment
Just as I was about to update my readers on a number of popular arts fundraisers, the Belfry Theatre is forced to cancel their popular CRUSH - A Fine Wine Affair, due to a Liquor Control and Licensing Board decision. This last minute decision has far-reaching implications for others arts groups as well. Ivan Habel, General Manager, announced this afternoon (October 22nd, 2012) that Crush, the Belfry’s fundraising event scheduled for Sunday, … [Read more...]
