A Summer of Shakespeare in Victoria BC – 2012

The summer of 2012 will see not one, not two, but THREE Shakespeare companies develop shows for your viewing pleasure. Joining the veteran Greater Victoria Shakespeare Society, will be Keep It Simple Productions, now in their sophmore year, and for the first time, Victoria's Shakespeare by the Sea.  Whether you are a fan of the histories, tragedies, or comedies - there is an offering for you.  You can stretch out on a blanket outdoors, chose to … [Read more...]

Shakespeare’s Great Monologues Monday May 21 at The Well

KeepItSimple Theatre Productions and THE WELL Café & Arts Venue present William Shakespeare's Great Monologues (an interactive evening of monologues, dialogues, and great food) Monday May 21, 2012 at 7pm. Keep it Simple was founded by Artistic Director David Christopher, Ryan Levis, and Marianne Christopher  in 2011, and has focused on Shakespeare's histories.  Here's  a chance to hear some of Shakespeare's iconic monologues. THE WELL … [Read more...]

This is Twisted Theatre presents: Batman’s Great Mystery

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s …… The talented crew at Twisted Theatre bring an original 1948 radio play to Victoria audiences, complete with some of your favourite thespians and technical staff. Join them Saturday May 19th for Twisted Radio Play’s “Batman’s Great Mystery! … [Read more...]

Quadra Village Day 2012. Celebrating 10 Years!

Who doesn’t love a free, family-friendly, all-ages celebration? Especially when food is involved. You’ll find all that and more at the 10th annual Quadra Village Day, Saturday May 12th from 9:30 am to 1pm. I’ve been actively involved on the planning committee since shortly after moving to the Hillside-Quadra neighbourhood in 2006. It’s wonderful to see people pulling together – businesses, not-for-profits, citizens (young and old), community … [Read more...]

God of Carnage at the Belfry Theatre – Review

I remember thinking as I prepared to attend opening night of the Tony award-winning God of Carnage at the Belfry Theatre, how much this arts institution means to me.  I love: the warm, intimate nature of the space itself; the kind, talented, creative, hard-working individuals who collaborate there; the challenging, thought-provoking, excellent work they produce. God of Carnage is fun, ferocious theatre. Written by one of France’s most well … [Read more...]

4th Annual Fashion with Passion Fundraiser for WIN Cooperative

I've long been an advocate of reusing and repurposing clothing. As a young mother, my budget did not always allow me to purchase off-the-rack at full price so I spent my "me" time scouring the shelves at local thrift, second-hand and consignment stores. One of my favourite destinations is the WIN store on Cook Street.  I like to give back to my community by supporting this locally owned cooperative that assists so many "women in need". … [Read more...]

Quadra Village Day Dance needs YOU!

I've been a supporter of Quadra Village Day since moving to the Hillside - Quadra neighbourhood in 2006, and a member of the entirely volunteer-run planning committee since 2008.  This year one of our community partners and long time supporters, Dance Victoria, is organizing a "flash-mob" style dance to be performed at Quadra Village Day on Saturday May 12th. In 2011 Dance Victoria received municipal funding to create an … [Read more...]

A Spring to Fall 2012: Art Shows and Studio Tours in Victoria BC

I love art, and remember well growing up on the West Coast at a time when many artists were escaping the city. Moving to Europe in my early 20s, I spent endless hours wandering the corridors of museums and galleries, frantically sketching (poorly) my impressions. When I returned to Victoria I knew art had to remain in my life. Remembering an early comment by Robert Amos about the value of purchasing local, original art, we began. Our budget … [Read more...]

Announcing Uno Fest 2012 – 15th anniversary

I wonder if the arts administrators at Intrepid Theatre knew in 1997 that they were in the process of creating what has become the longest running solo performance festival in North America– Uno Fest, Canada’s Singular Live Theatre Event. This year Uno Fest runs May 24th – June 3rd inVictoria, BC. … [Read more...]

Nicola Cavendish IS Shirley Valentine, an interview. Appearing May 15-20 in Victoria.

Celebrated Canadian actor Nicola Cavendish has played Shirley Valentine more than 600 times, but the upcoming shows in Victoria May 15th – 20th may be her last in this role. After recent triumphant runs in Winnipeg and Calgary, she generously made time out of a full schedule to talk to me about the significance of the role and play (25 years after its creation by Willy Russell) not only for the audience, but to her personally. In particular I … [Read more...]