Unsavoury Witness - Alejandro A. Barbosa

I remember when Aaron Webster was murdered. Back in the 90s, the story was all over the news. He was a gay man who was hunted down in the trails of Stanley Park where gay men were known to go cruising. He was beaten to death with baseball bats by 3 people, one charged as a minor, and the other two - Ryan Cran and Danny Rao, as adults. 

"Unsavoury Witness is a photo-based installation that includes laser-engraved photographs, photographic murals, intermedia, print media, and court transcripts from the Supreme Court of British Columbia on the 2001 murder of Aaron Webster in Stanley Park. This immersive exhibition foregrounds homophobia’s intimate connections with public spaces, institutionalised systems, societal responses, queer bodies, and desire."

Register for your free ticket to the opening night reception at the SUM Gallery on Wed. April 16 at 6pm.

The exhibit runs from April 16 until June 6 at the SUM Gallery . 

Mirrors art exhibit

Come by this evening 6-9pm for the opening night reception of the latest art exhibit at the Queer Arts Festival's Sum Gallery in Chinatown! 

Register here for your free ticket! 

"Mirrors presents a series of watercolour nudes created by Michael Morris during his Berlin residency in the 1980s. Unique in Morris’ predominantly abstract oeuvre, these paintings depict hustlers, artists, and friends, many of them posing in front of a mirror, so that their form could be captured from different angles. Some three dozen nudes, none of which have ever been exhibited publicly, are presented alongside six newly commissioned paintings — “reflections” on Morris’ work — by West Moberly First Nations artist Dion Smith-Dokkie."

Mirrors is on until April 4 at the Sum Gallery. 

A Case for the Existence of good theatre in Vancouver

At 80 minutes with no intermission, is a wonderful production happening right now at the Pacific Theatre. "A Case for the Existence of God" is a two-hander performance, previously shown on Broadway and now how lucky are we to have the chance to see it here in Vancouver? 

 Keith a mortgage broker and Ryan is a down on his luck guy looking for a break. The two are single fathers, one a White heterosexual recently left by the mother of his child, and the other a Queer Black man who is trying to adopt the child he has been fostering. 

Actors Kwesi Ameyaw and Rob Salvador are spellbinding in this as we witness their interactions, whether it's rediscovering past trauma, revealing secrets, or a night of drunkenness. The two are just hypnotic and the audience is on the edge of their seats waiting to see what will happen next. 

 A Case for the Existence of God is on now at the Pacific Theatre until June 9!

The Papa Penguin Play

 Looking for fun for the whole family? Check out the world premiere of The Papa Penguin Play, co-presented by Carousel Theatre for Young People, Vancouver International Children's Theatre, and Zee Zee Theatre. 

Designed for children ages 3-8 and their families, this visually spectacular show is a celebration of queer families through a lovable penguin family – and their friendly Zoo Keeper – celebrating their penguin chick Hedgie's first birthday.

The Papa Penguin Play runs May 15 - June 2 at the Waterfront Theatre. 

Dirty Laundry

Up from down under is the theatre / circus / drag troupe Briefs Factory International with a show that's been six years in the making! Landing at the York Theatre is their piece, Dirty Laundry. 

Instead of clowns, you've got hilarious drag queens. You've also got some spectacular circus acts to witness as well, from a cheeky Aussie juggler to a literal sword swallower. 

Honestly, I could not stop smiling for the entire show! I was wowed and delighted and at times, terrified. I screamed and kicked my feet in pure enjoyment as well as disbelief! 

Tell all your friends, cause I've already told mine! Go see DIRTY LAUNDRY now! It's on at the York Theatre until June 25. What better way to celebrate Pride month!? 

Unexpecting

Touted as being a play about modern motherhood, I wasn't quite sure I was keen to go see Unexpecting, on now from Zee Zee Theatre. As someone who is not a parent, let alone a mother, would I be able to relate to this show? 

Turns out, the plot revolves around that time in your life when you're about to make big life-changing decisions such as, "Should I take a risk and follow my dreams or go for stability?" Now that I could relate to! 

We are introduced to a lesbian couple who are in the midst of a pending adoption. One woman is up for a big life altering job promotion, while her wife is torn between being a successful sellout commercial artist and staying true to her artistic visions. Throw in a young pregnant lawyer who is uncertain about whether or not to give up her child for adoption, and a scene-stealing best friend (played by Melissa Oei), and you have a recipe for some good old fashioned lesbian drama with top notes of slapstick comedy! 

And the set is intricately designed, transporting you from a Vancouver loft to a night out at a trendy restaurant. All in all, Unexpecting was an unexpected fun night out!  A perfect treat for Mother's Day!! 

Unexpecting is on now at Studio 16 (1551 West 7th Avenue) until May 21st.

My Little Tomato

 

Presently on at the Cultch is a smart little rom-com that takes on grief and loneliness with a twist of drag thrown in. We meet Keaton Chu, played by Nelson Wong (you'll recognize him from local commercials and bus stop ads, as well as countless Hallmark movies to name a few of his credentials), who is grieving the loss of his parents and having to deal with taking over their produce farm. 

Enter one Joe McKinlay, played by Taylor Kare, who shakes up Keaton's world in more ways than one. Throw in a dancing tomato and your evening is made. Written by Rick Tae, My Little Tomato is a fun foray into the world of two men trying to find themselves and wind up finding each other. Directed by Cameron Mackenzie, of Zee Zee Theatre, the energy in the show is palpable. This is also a partnership with the Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre as well as Rice & Beans Theatre, making it a true community affair! 

This is a fun, smart, and hilarious night out at the theatre! Don't miss it! 

My Little Tomato is on now at The Cultch until March 19.  

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. 

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! 

Perry Mason in our own backyard!

I recently read the book Hiding In Plain Sight, a biography of closeted gay Hollywood icon Raymond Burr, known famously for his role as Perry Mason.

Who knew that this legend was not only born in New Westminster, BC, but he is also buried in the Fraser Cemetery located in New West too!?

I had to make a pilgrimage to pay my respects to him. His grave is with his family (parents and sister) and is located footsteps from the main office of the cemetery.

It was an absolute honour to go and pay my respects to this icon.

David Wojnarowicz

I am so excited that the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery up at UBC is currently showing an exhibit on aritst David Wojnarowicz with a focus on his photography and film. For those who don't know him, he was a contemporary of Keith Haring and was also a prominent AIDS activist and artist in New York City during the 80s. He eventually died of AIDS in 1992.

I did manage to pop into the Belkin for a quick walkabout, but I knew I needed to go back and really immerse myself into the works. Fortunately, we have until April 5 to check it out!

The David Wojnarowicz : Photography and Film 1978-1992 is on now at the Belkin Gallery at UBC until April 5.

A Queer Century, 1869-1969

On now until September 11 at the UBC Rare Books and Special Collections is a wonderful little exhibit featuring LGBTQ literature and art to celebrate several milestones including the 50th anniversary of the gay rights movement and the de-criminalization of homosexuality in Canada.

Fringe: Jasper in Deadland

YES. So much YES for this Fringe show. Presented by Awkward Stage Productions, we get a STELLAR production of this off-Broadway musical about "love, death and never letting go."

Jasper In Deadland is the tale of Jasper who is trying to rescue the love of her life, Agnes, from the underworld. Originally written as a hetero relationship, the roles are switched up for this Fringe production.

The music is wonderful, the singing is great, and the acting is good. This is a definite must-see at this year's Fringe, especially if you're into musicals. The simple set convincingly transports you to the world of Deadland, where souls roam aimlessly while forgetting the lives they left behind. Will Jasper be able to save Agnes and bring her back to the real world?

You have FIVE more chances to find out! Buy your tickets now!

Ga Ting

I managed to get tickets to the sold out run of Frank Theatre's Ga Ting, written by Minh Ly, at the Cultch.

This family drama is set around the death of a young gay Asian man, whose boyfriend comes to visit the home of his deceased lover's parents. Intense and heavy, this play is a welcome addition to the Canadian stage, most notably in the LGTBQ canon. It's not often we get to see a story about gay Asians (even though the gay Asian character in this story never really appears). Still, it's a different perspective and a voice from outside of the mainstream gay community, which is really refreshing.

I know the run of this show is now done at The Cultch, but I had to do a write-up in case Ga Ting comes to your town and I wouldn't want you to miss out! Look for it at your local live theatre venues!

And check out the Frank Theatre Company for more!

The Gay Heritage Project

Toronto's famous Buddies in Bad Times Theatre brings The Gay Heritage Project to town this month at the Cultch. I was excited to see it but was also a bit weary, wondering what I was in for. To watch 3 gay white males talk about gay heritage? I wasn't sure how on-board I was.

What was pleasantly surprising however, was the discourse that was brought up about just that issue! They recognized their own privilege as being white males and that there were other stories out there yet to be told.

The show is more an exploration of what gay heritage is and means to these performers, told through mini vignettes that are equal parts entertaining as they are touching. From a genuinely Canadian perspective, the audience is schooled on the history of queer heroes in our communities. There is discussion about how gay heritage is something that is "chosen" rather than something that we are born into. The HIV virus gets put on trial for murder and theft. There is acknowledgement that violence is a big part of gay heritage. They even question if the concept of gay heritage is even necessary? There are so many other factors out there that inform our identities: class, race, religion, gender, etc.

This was an extremely thoughtful, well-rounded show.  In the end, yes gay heritage is something important and that needs to be documented and taught and learned and discussed. It may not be a big part of someone's identity but it definitely shapes and transforms it in sometimes big and sometimes small ways.

If all the banter is a bit too serious for you, the show balances that all out with fun and energetic points, complete with songs! All members of the LGTBQ community and beyond should go see The Gay Heritage Project - if only for the amazing mash-up of show tunes and disco songs.

The Gay Heritage Project is on now at the Cultch until March 19th.

SHOWTUNES

Hey it's that time of month again! SHOWTUNES NIGHT at 1181 Davie St!  Come on by for some festive Broadway tunes to help get you into the holiday spirit!

Follow us on Facebook for more info and a big thank you to YELP Vancouver this month for helping spread the word! Check them out for the latest news in dining and entertainment in Vancouver!

SHOWTUNES - Fight Night

You mad, bruh? The gloves are off and the battle lines are drawn! So let's get ready to rumble at SHOWTUNES NIGHT! Got some pent up frustration? Nothing like a show tune to help you let off some steam! Put 'em up! Are you a Jet or a Shark? A Mary or a Rhoda? And the first rule of Fight Night is you DO talk about FIGHT NIGHT cause it's just a noisy hall where there's a nightly brawl and you know, all that jazz! Come belt it out at 1181 on Friday November 6 for SHOWTUNES FIGHT NIGHT! 

We've got great prizes to give out tonight, including tickets to The Wizard of Oz at Gateway Theatre, tickets to the off-Broadway crime musical Murder Ballad from Fighting Chance Productions, a pair of passes to see the Leonard Cohen musical Chelsea Hotel at the Firehall Arts Centre, a $100 gift card to 1181 Lounge, and a pair of tickets to see Bianca Del Rio (winner of Rupaul's Drag Race) on her comedy tour, Rolodex of Hate, which rolls into town on December 8th at the Vogue Theatre (tickets available here)! 

For further updates, be sure to check out the
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ShowtunesYVR

3... 2... 1...

Speakeasy Theatre explodes onto the Vancouver theatre scene with its inaugural show, 3...2...1.. written by Nathan Cuckow and Chris Craddock.  I have high hopes for this theatre company as many of them are graduates of Langara's esteemed Studio 58 Theatre School.

This first production that they've chosen to step forth with shows an interest in pushing the envelope and bringing thought-provoking theatre to the audience. At first, I wasn't too sure what to expect with "3...2...1..."  This is a story set in smalltown, Alberta (Wetaskiwin, to be exact) and revolves around two young men holed up in their garage just hanging out, shooting the shit. Throw in more than enough booze and drugs, and things get a bit more redneck. Did I really want to see a play where the word "fag" is used several times?

Then I thought okay, well these people exist in the world and maybe this is a slice of their lives. I didn't really need to go to the theatre to witness this, when I could just as easily head out to the suburbs and hold hands with another guy to see what reaction we would elicit. But there's more than meets the eye to "3...2...1..." as the layers unravel before you. We learn that the two boys are in fact going on a bender because it's the day of their best friend's funeral.

Tom Krushkowski saddles up in the role of Clinton, who is tormented by his friend's death and wants to escape through any means necessary. Meanwhile, Markian Tarasiuk does double duty as both Kyle, the weaker third-wheel wimp of the group, and as Danny, the deceased Alpha male that the other two boys aspire to but who struggled with his own inner demons.

The show is intense and the two actors wallop you with terrifically emotional performances. There are issues of race, homophobia, and classism brought up as the characters cope with loss and try to face life living in a small rural Canadian city. In the bright lights of Vancouver, the show is a scene from the other side. But I'd be curious to see what audience reactions would be like in an actual small town with people like these characters who struggle and identify with these very issues.

3...2...1.. is on now at Studio 1398 (Festival House on Granville Island) until November 8th.

Tickets are "pay what you decide" after the show is done, a different kind of model the company is exploring, in an effort to build up an audience and following. So go see the show and then decide how much you want to pay!! You can reserve your "tickets" online!

Photos by Ryan McDonald.