Spring 2022 : Collected Works at Rennie

I was sad to hear that the Rennie Museum would be giving up its location in Chinatown soon, but happy to hear that they are giving the space over to the Chinese Canadian Museum. I recently went to visit, fearing it would be their last exhibit there (luckily there is at least one more to look forward to!) and I spoke with one of the employees, who told me that the gallery would be relocating, so there is still going to be a space in Vancouver to see Rennie's art collection! 

Right now though, there are a number of different artists being displayed at the Rennie that are worth your time :  Larry Clark, Katy Grannan, and Andres Serrano. Here's a sampling of some of their pieces, but I highly recommend you book your free visit now and look at the exhibition as a whole. 

Book your visit at the Rennie Gallery here. 

How The World Began

 I haven't been to the Pacific Theatre in over two years, and boy was it good to be back! I'd forgotten how being there always made me feel like I was in New York at some off-Broadway theatre. It's not just the atmosphere either, it's also the continuous quality productions that they put on. 

Last night saw the opening of How The World Began, which explores the clash of religion vs. science. It's thought provoking and exhilarating, no matter which side of the conversation you fall on. 

Photo Credit: Diamond’s Edge Photography

Actors Pictured: Ron Reed, Evan Rein, Meghan Gardiner

Designers: Stephanie Kong (Costume), Jessica Oostergo (Set), John Webber (Lighting), Marcus Vaillant (Properties), Rick Colhoun (Sound)

We are introduced to Susan, a new Science teacher recently relocated to small town Kansas from the bright lights of New York. She is met with student Micah, who has an issue with something she had stated in class, basically scoffing at the idea of creationism, which juxtaposes Micah's religious beliefs. Throw in Gene, Micah's guardian, who represents the close-knit mentality of a small town, and this is one explosive powder keg just ready to ignite. 

There is friction, frustration, anxiety, and stress. There is no intermission, so the ride continues with or without you. At times I was reminded of David Mamet's Oleanna, in that there was a lot of "he said, she said" moments with misunderstandings left, right, and centre. A turn in the fourth act really brought it all together for me and made the play not just a debate between those of faith and those of science, but a piece about humanity and our differences, but more importantly, how we navigate and embrace them. 

How The World Began is on now until April 16 at the Pacific Theatre. 

Shakespeare's First Folio and Yoko Ono at the VAG

 If you haven't yet gone to the Vancouver Art Gallery yet to check out Shakespeare's First Folio, it's pretty damn cool to see. It's like such an immense part of Western history, that one just has to go see it for their own eyes. 

Also on still is the Yoko Ono exhibit, which couldn't be more timely given what's happening in the Ukraine right now, with a message of peace and anti-war.  There are also enough participatory installations to keep one entertained. 

Speaking of participatory installations, the latest exhibit aims to engage viewers with its focus on Artificial Intelligence. I wasn't too fussed about this exhibit to be honest. I was also surprised to see an entire floor of the art gallery currently closed off as it is in between exhibitions. Considering it's Spring Break and many people might want to bring their kids to the art gallery to turn their kids onto art, I would've thought they'd want to have as many exhibits on and open during this period, but what do I know. 

Check out the Vancouver Art Gallery for yourself and see what you think! 

BOW'T TRAIL Retrospek

As part of the Cultch's fifth annual Femme Festival, last night saw the opening of the dance performance BOW'T TRAIL Retrospek, starring Rhodine Désir. 

Now I don't pretend to know anything about dance. But this was a powerful and exhilarating performance to behold. Not only with the choreography and movement that we were lucky enough to witness, but also the live music performed by two accompanying "maestro musicians." 

This is culture and it is back in fine form, so don't miss your chance to experience it. Thank you to everyone involved for this opportunity to see this award-winning performance. 

BOW'T TRAIL Retrospek is on now at The Cultch until March 26 !  

Great Freedom

 It's good to be back at the movies, isn't it? 

I did go to a few during the pandemic but it's been few and far between. And last year I partook in the online Vancouver International Film Festival by purchasing a pass to stream films at home. 

Tonight however, I set foot once again in the Vancity VIFF Theatre on Seymour Street to catch the Cannes award winning feature, Great Freedom, a German film about a gay man who is released from Nazi Germany's concentration camps only to be put in jail for his homosexuality immediately after. 

It wasn't the gay prison love story I had imagined, but it was definitely moving and had me in tears at one point. I could see why it would be a winner at the Cannes Film Festival. 

Check out Great Freedom at the VIFF Theatre! Showtimes and tickets here. 

Hey Viola!

 

If you're wondering about the woman who graces the Canadian $10 bill, Viola Desmond, then wonder no more. 

Playing now at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster is Krystle Dos Santos' one person show (with a four piece band), Hey Viola! 

Live theatre is back and this is a perfect one to get you back into the mode of going out and getting some fine entertainment while learning a bit about forgotten Canadian history. We learn about the woman who was Viola Desmond, as imagined by Dos Santos and through songs of the period. 

I wasn't expecting to be as moved as I was with this show. There was definitely a moment when I could hear people around me also shedding tears. Moving and poignant, Hey Viola is a musical for the times! 

Hey Viola! is on now until March 27 at the Anvil Centre. 

SUM Gallery : Sovereignty

 Did you know there was an art gallery here in Vancouver dedicated to Queer Arts? 

I just found out recently that the SUM Gallery exists, over in Chinatown! This space is courtesy of the Queer Arts Festival. 

On now until May 14 is the show Sovereignty by Duane Isaac, who is a Mi'gmaq photograpgher and mask maker.  

It's free to visit the SUM Gallery, you just have to book an appointment! Go check it out! 

Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer

If you are like me, and not sure about going to live theatre yet, then by all means please go dip your toe into what's playing now at the York Theatre. This was my first live play in two years! And it was FULL CAPACITY. Kinda like the olden times, but with everyone in masks. 

The play is Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer, written and directed by Kevin Loring of the Nlaka’pamux Nation.

I went into the show knowing next to nothing about the story. Judging from the title alone, I thought it was going to be a serious play. And yes, there are definitely serious messages in it, but it is delivered with wit and charm and over-the-top satirical prowess. 

The show centres around an Indigenous man named Little Red Warrior, who is trying to defend his land against developers. And from there, comedy ensues, if you can believe it. I don't want to give out too many details as I found not knowing anything about the show really helped me enjoy the moment. And what a moment to be in. A theatre full of people laughing and enjoying themselves with some live entertainment. If the pandemic is soon to be over and we are ready to party hard again, this is definitely a good start.  

In short, Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer is a raucous good time! It is playing now at the York Theatre until March 13.