A hiatus and a thank you

Thank you dear readers for your attention to this website.  Many of you will have noticed that the last article was dated September 23, 2018. I hit "pause" after almost a decade of following and writing about a community I love more than words could ever convey. Stay tuned for more news about the next chapter and thank you for reading.  This website began as a way of aggregating various posts on Twitter, Facebook and other social media … [Read more...]

Dispatches from the Victoria Fringe 2018. Day Four.

Reviews of The Birdmann and Egg FINALE, Cornelius and Titania by Pamela Bethel and BLOOD RELATIVE by Ren Lunicke. Day Four had me happily camped out at a relatively new Victoria Fringe venue—Venue 7, St Andrew’s Kirk Hall, entrance at 680 Courtney Street (NOTE: it’s listed incorrectly as 860 Courtney in the schedule found on page 22 of the Fringe guide)—meeting many old Fringe friend in the line-up (one of my favourite aspects of the festival) … [Read more...]

Sweeney Todd at Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre July 31-August 12 2018. An interview.

The behemoth that is Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd comes to the Roxy Theatre from July 31st- August 12th in Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre’s creative re-imagining.  I met with Patrick Du Wors, set and lighting designer, and Graham McMonagle, costume designer, to discuss the many innovations they have employed to redefine the scenario while remaining true to Sondheim’s original intentions. “Sweeney Todd is extremely taxing, even for the largest … [Read more...]

Paper Street Theatre Season 8 announcement 2018 2019

Some Old, Something New True to its improvisational nature, Paper Street Theatre is shaking it up for Season 8 with new cast members and a surprising return to an old style. “After eight years I think it’s time to change our routine,” explained director Dave Morris. “That’s why we’re trying new things like performing in the round for Ghost Stories and brining in new people to play, while staying true to our commitment to create … [Read more...]

The Birdmann and Egg: Finale at the Victoria Fringe 2018. An interview.

To this day the work of The Birdmann and Egg remains some of the fringiest at any festival, and is a reminder of the importance of the Fringe circuit.  Arriving as The Birdmann in Victoria in 2011 (before beginning a serendipitous collaboration with fellow artist Egg--Sachie Mikawa), Trent Baumann quickly captured the hearts of audiences with his unique, quirky stylings that riff off classic vaudeville and busking routines.  Never afraid to push … [Read more...]

Langham Court Theatre turns 90. 2018-2019 season announcement.

Langham Court Theatre turns 90. 2018-2019 season announcement. Media release. Victoria’s longest running theatre celebrates its ninetieth birthday this upcoming season. Established in 1929, Langham Court Theatre is gearing up for its 90th consecutive season. It is a Canadian success story of what happens when passionate, talented people work together doing something they love. With nearly 400 volunteers and members, Langham is also Victoria … [Read more...]

The Farquhar at UVic celebrates 40th birthday with a fresh new brand.

The Farquhar at UVic celebrates 40th birthday with a fresh new brand. (media release)   Celebrating 40 years of serving the community, the Farquhar Auditorium is launching a new brand look and fresh feel with its 2018-19 season. The new brand which shortens the full name of the University Centre Farquhar Auditorium to “The Farquhar at UVic”, will promote the space to a wide variety of audience members and performers, both local and from … [Read more...]

Illicit A Shadow Story July 11 2018 at the Belfry Theatre

ILLICIT A Shadow Story July 11 2018 at the Belfry Theatre Victoria Performance & Dialogue on the Opioid Overdose Crisis A collective of frontline responders to the opioid crisis from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside will share their community play, ILLICIT, at the historic Belfry Theatre’s Studio A on the evening of July 11, 2018. The play, which features stories and shadow theatre sourced from the actors’ lived experience, will be … [Read more...]

White Mans Indian at UNO Fest 2018. A review.

White Man’s Indian at UNO Fest 2018. A review. Intrepid Theatre’s UNO Fest, now in its twenty-first year, runs May 9-19, 2018 in Victoria BC.  It features eighteen shows, including two as part of the new Family Fest Series, and a spotlight on women’s indigenous voices with a guest indigenous curator, Yolanda Bonnell. I’ll be featuring interviews, previews and reviews during the festival. Follow http://janislacouvee.com/tag/uno-fest-2018/ for … [Read more...]

Our Fathers, Sons, Lovers and Little Brothers at UNO Fest 2018. Interview with Makambe Simamba.

Our Fathers, Sons, Lovers and Little Brothers at UNO Fest 2018. Interview with Makambe Simamba. Intrepid Theatre’s UNO Fest, now in its twenty-first year, runs May 9-19, 2018 in Victoria BC.  It features eighteen shows, including two as part of the new Family Fest Series, and a spotlight on women’s indigenous voices with a guest indigenous curator, Yolanda Bonnell. I’ll be featuring interviews, previews and reviews during the festival. … [Read more...]