Carousel Theatre for Young People (“CYTP”) opens its 2022/23 season with the West Coast premiere of Manitoba Theatre for Young People’s award-winning play Frozen River (nîkwatin sîpiy).
A poignant and powerful play about reconciliation, environmentalism, and interconnectedness, Frozen River (nîkwatin sîpiy) tackles meaningful issues through engaging storytelling, whimsical puppetry, and an age-appropriate narrative – suitable for children and youth of all ages (5+) – about the generational impact of our actions on the environment and our communities.
Krystle Pederson and Kathleen MacLean in Frozen River (nîkwatin sîpiy). Set and props design by Andrew Moro, costume design by Jay Havens, and lighting design by Dean Cowieson. Photo: Leif Norman, courtesy of Manitoba Theatre for Young People.
Frozen River (nîkwatin sîpiy)
When: September 28 to October 16, 2022
Public performances Fridays at 7:00pm; Saturdays & Sundays, 11:00am & 2:00pm (no performances Sunday, October 9)
Where: Waterfront Theatre, 1412 Cartwright St (Granville Island, Vancouver)
Set in a forest destined to become modern-day Manitoba, a compassionate narrator, Grandmother Moon, guides audiences through the story of two 11-year-olds, Wâpam, who is Cree, and Eilidh, who is Scottish. Born under the same blood moon, they form an instant kinship, despite their differences and lack of shared language. As Grandmother Moon shares their story, introducing terms from the maskeko-Ininiwak (Swampy Cree) language, we learn of a broken promise that leaves a lasting impact for generations. Jumping forward to present day, we meet two youth, descendants of Wâpam and Eilidh. Past wrongdoings are made right through an openness and curiosity to learn from those who have stewarded the waterways for centuries.
Hailed by Winnipeg Free Press as “timely” and full of “warmth and kindness,” Frozen River offers audiences a vulnerable and impactful look at what connects us to others, and how we can learn important life lessons from our ancestors. With moments of lighthearted whimsy, creatively enhanced through shadow and rod puppetry, and devastating heartbreak, Frozen River tackles mature concepts with gentleness and grace.
The play received its world premiere on Treaty 1 Territory (colonially known as Manitoba) in February 2022. Co-written by Michaela Washburn, Joelle Peters and Carrie Costello, the trio received the Playwrights Guild of Canada’s 2021 Sharon Enkin Plays for Young People Award.
Directed by Katie German, the play stars Krystle Pederson as Grandmother Moon, Keely McPeek as Wâpam and their descendant, and Mallory James as Eilidh and her descendant.
Language Keeper is Cameron Robertson, Sets and Props Designer is Andrew Moro, Costume Designer is Jay Havens, Lighting Designer is Dean Cowieson and Composer and Sound Designer is MJ Dandeneau.
Frozen River’s opening performance, which falls on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (September 30), will kick off a series of community events, in partnership with CMHC Granville Island, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival, the Vancouver Writers Fest, the Vancouver Fringe Festival, and 3 Crows Productions.
CiTR 101.9FM, Discorder Magazine, Music Waste Festival, and CJSF 90.1FM present the Victory Square Block Party! It’s a full day of free music programming at Victory Square Park this Labour Day Weekend.
Celebrating 18 years, this annual event highlights local, independent music in a free end-of-summer celebration that also supports local non-profit and independent media organizations.
Victory Square Block Party
When: Sunday, September 4, 2022 from 2:00pm to 9:00pm
Where: Victory Square Park (Cambie and W Hastings, Vancouver)
Admission: Free!
This year’s lineup features the psychedelic industrial stylings of x/o, art-rock darlings Kamikaze Nurse, jagged, raucous, and a little gooey post-punk from Pudding, the earnest buoyancy of Haleluya Hailu, flighty electropop from Cherry Blu, the 90s meets 3008 in Big City, Felisha & the Jazz Rejects’ decidedly not jazzy rock, and the forever cheeky Megamall.
There will also be a raffle with prizes from local organizations and businesses. The Yarrow Society, Vancouver Black Library, and Vancouver Tenants Union will have tables at the event. Partial sponsorship and raffle proceeds will be donated to Megaphone Magazine, a street publication sold by homeless and low-income vendors in Vancouver and Victoria.
After the main event, head to the after party at Red Gate Arts Society (1965 Main St, Vancouver) for DJs and karaoke from 9:00pm until late.
Can’t make it in person? Tune in to CiTR 101.9FM or watch a live stream.
shameless hussy productions, in association with Surrey Civic Theatres, presents the world premiere of To Perfection written by Meghan Gardiner. Tackling the issues of modern life and family conflict in relatable and hilarious way, the play ensures audiences of all ages will enjoy the perfect food-for-thought theatre outing.
To Perfection – Photo by Sarah Race
Meghan Gardiner’s To Perfection
When: September 14 to 17, 2022
Where: Studio Theatre Surrey Arts Centre (13750 88 Ave, Surrey)
Tickets: $22–$29 Buy tickets online or call the box office at (604) 501-5566
$15 Student/Senior matinee on September 15
‘Gloria’, a former celebrity TV chef, played by the inimitable Patti Allan, is finally reuniting with her estranged grandchild ‘Alex’. However, the temperature heats up when Alex, played by Rae Takei, comes out as non-binary and opens a ‘genderational’ divide. Can ‘Gloria’ and ‘Alex’ find the perfect mix for their family recipe? Or will it all bubble up and explode?
Written by Meghan Gardiner during the height of the pandemic, this new work tackles issues dear to Gardiner’s own heart. She said, “Although this is a fictional story with fictional characters, I drew inspiration from my own family’s journey. Every child comes with their own personality—their own everything. They’re born who they are, and we can’t change that, we just have to adapt and love them. My philosophy is love first and let them be the guide.”
Although To Perfection is an issue-based play with hefty themes, it is a comedy, and Gardiner said that is in part because she wanted the play to reach and be relatable to people from all walks of life.
The play went through several drafts and a workshop process and both actors, Patti Allan and Rae Takei have been involved since the start. Gardiner said: “The performers in the roles – we truly have the best of the best. The fact that both actors worked with us in the workshop process and then wanted to be the actors in the actual performances means so much because they really believe in the work and that means the world to me.”
Gardiner would like the play to reach a wide audience of people and hopes that the play strikes a chord with families going through their own similar journeys. “If I were to give advice to any parent whose children are showing gender creativity, I would say let them lead. Support. Support. Support. Don’t fight it. Parents are not the experts. Our children will let us know what they need. Our family mantra is ‘one day at a time’ and right now, every day is really great because our daughter is living who she wants to be.”
Light Up Chinatown is back September 10 to 11, 2022! The whole community is invited to experience a full slate of new programming, food experiences, and colourful lights and lantern decorations around Vancouver’s historic Chinatown during Mid-Autumn Festival.
Light Up Chinatown – Photo Submitted
Light Up Chinatown 2022
The two-day festival kick-offs off on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 11:00am with a special opening ceremony at the main stage on Columbia Street and Keefer Street, featuring speeches and a lion dance by Hon Hsing Athletic Club of Vancouver.
This year the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation is partnering with the Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Area Society (VCBIA), Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association, Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver, and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden to celebrate the city’s iconic neighbourhood.
“We were overwhelmed by the incredible support last year, where more than 7,000 visitors visited Chinatown over the two-day festival,” says Carol Lee, co-founder and chair of Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. “This year, we want to continue the momentum and encourage even more people to return to this historic neighbourhood and celebrate the amazing and talented merchants, restaurateurs, and resilient people of Chinatown.”
On Saturday, enjoy performances from Goh Ballet, Marie Hui, the Madison Reunion Band, and Maestro Ken Hsieh with violinist Ken Lin. In the evening, DJ Kubanito will help light up the streets with a salsa dance party – one of the most popular events from 2021.
Eat your way through a variety of food trucks, including Takenaka, Salty’s Lobster Shack, and Tornado Potato. Marking a return this year isBeaucoup Bakery and Chinatown BBQ’s fan-favourite Peking Duck Croissant, available on both days.
In addition, the team behind The Chinese Restaurant Awards has updated its successful Taste of Chinatown, featuring an exciting self-guided culinary walking tour of Chinatown. Diners can explore must-try items and shop for unique, specialty offerings from local merchants and restaurants. Taste of Chinatown is part of Light Up Chinatown!’s souvenir passport, where the community can go around the neighbourhood to collect stamps and win prizes.
Other notable activities include strolling through Chinatown to see even more lights and lanterns dotted throughout the streets, and a brand new Kids’ Zone with balloon twisting, arts and crafts.
The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC, in collaboration with Musqueam, has announced a new festival: ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl (Come Toward the Fire). This will be an Indigenous-led celebration of creativity, brilliance, culture and community. The gathering will showcase the voices of Indigenous artists, performers, musicians, speakers, and dance groups from Musqueam and from Indigenous nations across Turtle Island (North America).
The main image artwork for the festival was created by non-binary Musqueam (Vancouver)-based queer xʷməθkʷəy̓əm and Tsimshian artist Chase Gray.
ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl Come Toward the Fire
When: September 17 – 18, 2022
Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (UBC, 6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver)
The hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ name for this event was provided by Musqueam and elder Larry Grant with special thanks to Musqueam artist Miss Christie Lee Charles for suggesting the name “move toward the fire.” This phrase supports a movement to return Indigenous voices to the forefront and bring them back to the centre, the fire, and the heart of the community, following generations of removal due to Residential Schools.
“This festival is a beautiful opportunity to showcase the joys of Indigeneity,” says Pat Carrabré, Director of the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts and member of the Manitoba Métis Federation. “So often, Indigenous depictions are mired in tragedy. While we recognize the history and continued oppression of Indigenous peoples, we wanted to expand the narrative. The story of Indigenous peoples is not monolithic, neither is our cultures. With the various creatives we have invited for this festival, we are highlighting the incredible diversity of Indigenous talent, whether it’s through food, dance, song, or otherwise. Of course, we are especially pleased to present this festival in collaboration with Musqueam.”
Free Daytime Event on September 17th
The weekend will begin with free, public activities on Saturday, September 17th. Accessible outdoor programming will include music and dance performances, Indigenous vendors, food trucks, community presentations, film screenings, and cultural workshops. Hosted by Two-Spirit Cree musician and drag performer Quanah Style, daytime activities will also include a dedicated memory space to provide an opportunity for Indigenous community members to share a memory to remember loved ones.
Food vendors on Saturday September 17th include: Mr. Bannock, Bannock Busters, Na Mi Vietnamese, Rain or Shine, Upriver Bakery. Artisan vendors include: Pattern Nation, Decolonial Clothing Co, Rbrth, Sisters Sage, Native by Nature, Iron Dog Books, Massy Books.
