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. 

Rocky Horror Picture Show

 Wow it's been two years since I last posted on here. 

I mean, we all know why. The pandemic hit and everything shut down. I should've tried to keep this blog up to date with some FUN things that we could do during lockdown, but I think most people found their own way. 

I was very excited to attend my first live musical show in 2 years the other day. It was Langara's Studio 58's production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I didn't need to see this. I've seen this before. But it's slim pickings these days, and I know Studio 58 does great work. And wow, I'm so glad I went! 

Zac Bellward as Frank-N-Furter is an absolute REVELATION. When he appears on stage and starts to sing? It makes every penny I paid for my ticket worth it. The show is now over, and it was sold out by the end of it, so if you missed it, that's a shame. 

But, for those who did miss out, one thing is for certain. Studio 58 is back and better than ever! I can't wait to see what they've got planned for us next. 

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.