We Are The Robots exhibit at Vancouver Art Gallery

I renewed my membership at the Vancouver Art Gallery just so I could go over and over again to Kevin Schmidt's We Are The Robots exhibit, which features an audiophile's dream listening room. In this sound-proofed space, visitors are invited to bring in their vinyl records to take a spin on the turntable and be listened to in this custom-made space that includes giant speakers designed for maximum sound detailing, and panelled walls made from reclaimed kitchen countertops to help with the acoustics.

Today I went in and put on some Kylie Minogue and Madonna. I thought I was early enough so that I could avoid having to explain my music taste to strangers, but no such luck. One woman came in with her family and heard the Madonna blasting and said to her husband, "This is my idea of Hell." We ended up chatting and I told her about the exhibit and then asked what vinyl record she would bring in if she could, and she said she would probably bring in The Cure.

This exhibit ends on October 28, so get to the art gallery to see it while you can! And bring your records!!

VIFF: Giant Little Ones

What a wonderful and beautiful achievement this film is! And it's Canadian!

Giant Little Ones is the story of two teen boys whose close friendship changes drastically after one drunken night. Full of emotion and heart, the actors do a phenomenal job. This film captures all the different mixed-up feelings that go along with adolescence. Definitely one of my favourites of the film fest already!

VIFF: M/M

I had to walk out of this film M/M, unfortunately. It felt tedious and slow-moving and that it was not going anywhere. As it was the third film of the day for me, I didn't feel the need to stick around and see where it went...

So, see it if you want, but consider yourself warned.

VIFF: Garry Winogrand: All Things Are Photographable

VIFF is on! It's my favourite time of year! The Vancouver International Film Festival!

My first film was a documentary - Garry Winogrand: All Things are Photographable. This was a documentary about a photographer from the 60s and 70s. It wasn't as intriguing as say the Vivien Maier documentary from a few years ago, but it was still great to see all the photographs shown on the big screen.

Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Last night I went to see the Arts Club Theatre's production of Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. I had already seen it on Broadway, which was amazing, so was curious to see how this local production would fare. And it was very well done!

The New York one had a lot of technology involved, with screens making up most of the stage. This one had several screens and animations and was able to use the actors and lighting to do the more challenging technical aspects.

The actors were fantastic in this, and that was the real strength of the show. They really helped deliver an emotional whallop that punches you deep in the gut. A beautiful show that will surely entertain!

Fringe: Dear Elizabeth

"Together but continents apart, Pulitzer Prize-winning poets Robert Lowell and Elizabeth Bishop exchanged more than 400 letters from 1947 to 1977, exploring poetry, romance, illness, grief, and the profound affection they had for one another."

A play told through letters? I was about to pass on this one but a friend told me no you HAVE to see it, because it's beautifully done. And wow was she right! Not only was the script intelligently woven, but the two actors in this are absolutely sublime. A sparse stage, but with enough to hold your attention and with minimal props to bring tears to your eyes, the direction, the lighting, everything about this production is top notch. 

You only have one more chance to see this before the Fringe comes to an end. Dear Elizabeth plays this afternoon, so get your tickets now!! 

Fringe: The Lady Show

The hilarious Lady Show has been selling out all over the place at the Fringe Festival this season. Have you seen it yet? It's four feminist comediennes who will bring you sketch comedy, stand-up, and more!

One of the hottest shows at the Fringe, not to be missed! You only have two more chances to see it and tickets are going fast!