The Talking Stick Festival (“TSF”) runs February 18-29, 2020, featuring theatrical performances, music, dance, film, and a visual art exhibit. It’s a vibrant celebration of Indigenous artistry, expertise, talent and knowledge from around the world.
2020 Talking Stick Festival
When: February 18-29, 2020 Where: Various venues throughout Vancouver Tickets: Available Here
The 2020 festival theme is Chén̓chenstway, a Squamish word that translates as “upholding each other, lifting each other up”.
The festival opens with Wa× hoks en Shqalawin (Open Your Hearts) Opening Gala, featuring a range of exciting festival performers. RISING —Chén̓chenstway Visual Arts Exhibit showcases the work of gifted Indigenous artists working in a variety of mediums.
Theatre and Dance
Tlakentli Dance-Theatre from Québec’s Productions Ondinnok (February 21-23, Roundhouse) tells of two Indigenous artists from Mexico, of Nahua and Mixteco descent, as they share their quest for identity by drawing on their cultures and the history of their ancestors; Matriarchs Uprising 1 & 2,curated by Olivia Davies, O.Dela Arts is a powerhouse presentation of contemporary dance and visual artistry from Australia, Canada and New Zealand in two not-to-be-missed evening programs (February 21, 22, Cultch); Isitwendam (An Understanding) from Ontario examines the collateral damage of the Residential School system through a one-person multidisciplinary theatrical exploration (February 26-29, Roundhouse).
For the all-ages theatre audiences, Axis Theatre’s Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish is Joseph Dandurand’s engaging tale from the Kwantlen First Nations Village of Squa’lets about Th’owxiya, an old and powerful spirit (February 18-21, Cultch & Musqueam). The festival also welcomes dance presentations Bloom from Mascall Dance (February 25), Raven Spirit Dance’s Confluence (February 26), and Virago Nation’s Royaltease (February 28) at various venues.
Music
In a stellar double bill, the JUNO-winning global blues of Digging Roots shares the stage with singer-songwriter Logan Staats, winner of CBC’s The Launch. The festival is thrilled to present folk and women’s music icon, Ferron, who performs for two nights at the York Theatre w/ Ms. Pan!k and w/ M’Girl.
The Pop Up Musical Bistro offers an entertainment-filled evening of story, music and word featuring Ostwelve and others, and The Stew Jams AfterParty is a feel-good night of good vibes and Coast Salish hip hop.
Shows for Young Audiences and Families
Sing, Dance, Tell Me A Story! (Family Fun Day) at the Cultch is a full afternoon of fun times with TeePee Theatre, Hoop dance storyteller Jessica McMann, Fancy dancer Nyla Carpentier, and Our Creation Story from Mortal Coil and Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack); UNYA’s #Indigenuity: Concrete Smudge showcases the work of emerging artists from the young urban Indigenous community . Every age can enjoy the popular Celebration of Powwow Culture event with the Indigenous Artisan Fair, and the music and dance-filled Métis Fair, curated by Marion Gonneville.
Film
A Day in the Life of Noah Piugattuk is Zacharias Kunuk’s (Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner) latest film about the effects of the forcing of nomadic Inuit families into permanent housing. The Coyote Way: (Going) Back Home is a short sci‐fi/docu-narrative film about a young boy’s hard choices, from Director Missy Whiteman, and FUKRY tells the story of Ching Yazzie and friends’ ups and downs, from Director Blackhorse Lowe. The Incredible 25th Year of Mitzi Bearclaw is about dreams, choices, realities and family, with a few laughs along the way. Director: Shelley Niro.
There’s also Slam poetry + Indigenous drag + evocative theatrical readings + traditional drum groups = something for everyone!
There’s a long weekend coming up and what better way to take some time with loved ones than to enjoy an affordable and fun activity. I’ve scoured my giant event list and picked out 5 free Family Day events in Vancouver that you could consider checking out:
5 Free Family Day Events in Vancouver
BC Sports Hall of Fame Where: Gate “A” at BC Place When: Monday, February 17, 2020 from 11:00am and 3:00pm What: 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games displays and interactive Olympic themed exhibits, crafts for kids, photo ops and more.
Museum of Vancouver Where: 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver When: Monday, February 17, 2020 from 10:00am to 5:00pm What: Witness the power of environmental activism and art, visit the Acts of Resistance exhibition and experience the power of indigenous art and activism up close and personal. Explore the Haida Now exhibition and discover the wily ways of Wasgo the Sea Wolf and many other captivating Haida stories, including the Bear Mother. Bask in the glow of Vancouver’s Neon past in Neon Vancouver Ugly Vancouver. Learn about Vancouver’s past from 1900 to 1970 by visiting MOV’s History Galleries. Take a selfie with one of the Official 2010 Olympic Mascots, while remembering the #powerofsport2010.
Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site Where: 5180 Westwater Dr, Richmond When: Saturday, February 15 to Monday, February 17, 2020 12:00pm to 5:00pm What: Discover Richmond’s storied past over Family Day at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site. Watch net mending and then try your hand at loading net needles in the Seine Net Loft, playing mah jong in the Chinese Bunkhouse, and embroidery in the Murakami House. Participate in an exhibit scavenger hunt at the Seine Net Loft and learn how people lived and worked at Britannia Shipyards. Don’t miss a visit to the Innovation Station inside the Seine Net Loft to try marine-themed children’s activities.
Historic Stewart Farm Where: 13723 Crescent Rd, Surrey When: Monday, February 17, 2020 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm What: A picturesque site telling the story of a Surrey family circa 1900, the family friendly site is open to visitors to experience Surrey long ago. Expect costumed staff, fresh baking and inviting grounds.
Family Day in New Westminster Where: City of New Westminster Parks and Recreation locations along with the Anvil Centre, River Market and the Fraser River Discovery Centre When: Monday, February 17, 2020 What: Anvil Centre’s Family Fun Zone will feature Science World on the Road, Magician Peter Rooke, Nintendo games, photo booth fun, crafts and much more. The City’s Parks and Recreation department will be offering a variety of activities including swimming, fitness classes, skating, arts and crafts and entertainment.
On February 12, 2020 join dignitaries and athletes at the lighting of the Vancouver Olympic cauldron for the 10th anniversary of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
My photo from 2010, looking above Jack Poole Plaza
Lighting of the Vancouver Olympic Cauldron
Sing the national anthem and wear red and white to honour the athletes, staff and volunteers who represented Canada in 2010 as well as those who continue to represent our country on the world’s biggest sports stage. Special guests include Mercedes Nicoll (4x Olympian, Snowboard) and Jennifer Heil (3x Olympian, Freestyle Skiing).
The cauldron wasn’t the most accessible during the actual 2010 Games when I took this photo.
The event will begin at 8:45am and the cauldron will be lit from 9:00am to 11:00am (sponsored by FortisBC). CBC Vancouver will be live on site.
Elsewhere around town, you can join in #2010memories celebrations at the BC Sports Hall of Fame on Family Day (Monday, February 17, 2020 from 11:00am to 3:00pm) when admission will be FREE.
#2010Memories at the BC Sports Hall of Fame
Visitors will have the opportunity to see and interact with the newly refreshed Vancouver 2010 Gallery featuring the largest collection of 2010 Olympic artifacts in Vancouver. Attendees will also be able stand on an official podium from the games, specifically the one that supported Canadian speed skaters Denny Morrison, Mathieu Giroux, and Lucas Makowsky as they received their Team Pursuit gold medals at BC place.
Special athletic equipment will also be showcased. Canadian skeleton athlete Amy Gough’s pair of skeleton/luge/bobsleigh race spikes will be present, giving visitors an up-close view of their unique design that features over 400 needle spikes.
Children will be able to make their very own medal and torch in the arts and crafts corner and can even hold a real Olympic worn medal from the 2010 games. It’s going to be a highly energetic and interactive program that will inspire kids of all ages to explore and learn about the legacy of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
Variety – the Children’s Charity and Global BC are thrilled to announce that this year’s Variety Show of Hearts Telethon raised $5,515,238 to benefit children with special needs.
54th Annual Show of Hearts Telethon. Photo by John Biehler.
Variety Show of Hearts Telethon Raises Over $5.5 Million
Broadcast from Hard Rock Casino Vancouver’s Show Theatre, the iconic television event aired live on Global BC and via livestream on Global BC’s website on Sunday, February 9 from 9:30am to 5:30pm. The show featured an array of life-changing stories, the always popular magic moments and the unveiling of the 608th Sunshine Coach to the Tong Louie Family YMCA.
“I’m overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of BC as the needs for kids in the various communities throughout our province has never been so great,” said Cally Wesson, Variety BC CEO. “This over-the-top total shows how British Columbians are committed to making a difference in the lives of BC’s kids with special needs. It really is remarkable and we’re just so truly appreciative.”
“We are extremely grateful to our listeners and viewers for opening their hearts this weekend,” said Kenton Boston, VP National & Network News, Global News, Variety Chief Barker/Chair of the Board & Telethon Co-Chair. “Thank you British Columbia for once again proving that we’re more than a province. We’re a community. A community that continues to come together all with the same goal … to ensure that families and their children with special needs are able to thrive and achieve their dreams.”
In addition to the family stories and updates, viewers were also treated to musical performances by Said the Whale, Shawn Austin, Wide Mouth Mason, Todd Richard and special guests, The Tenors. Also making their Show of Hearts debut this year was actor Paul Greene and inspirational speaker Cara E. Yar Khan.
Donations to the Variety Show of Hearts Telethon can still be made by calling toll-free at 310-KIDS and also online at variety.bc.ca or by texting “KIDS” to 45678 to make an automatic $20 contribution.
The Arts Club Theatre Company has announced the lineup for the company’s 57th season, one Artistic Director Ashlie Corcoran calls “a vibrant combination of beloved classics and bold new productions, packed with incredible music and storytelling.” The 2020–2021 season will mark her third at the company’s helm, alongside Executive Director Peter Cathie White.
Arts Club Theatre
The Arts Club’s 2020-2021 Season
The new season will open at the Arts Club’s flagship venue, the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, with Sense and Sensibility, a playful adaptation of the classic Jane Austen novel. Four other shows are programmed for the Stanley: Elf: The Musical, the holiday comedy based on the beloved film; Network, the thrilling, Tony Award–winning media satire; The Legend of Georgia McBride, a musical romp about an Elvis-impersonator-turned-drag-queen; andELVIS The Musical, a new biographical sensation about the King of Rock ’N’ Roll.
Multiple shows will be produced for the first time in Canada, including Dance Nation, a cutthroat coming-of-age story about competitive dancers. Additionally, two plays will have their world premieres: ELVIS The Musical and The Cull, a tense drama by Michele Riml and Michael St. John Smith in which relationships unravel over the course of a dinner party. The Cull is also the latest Arts Club Silver Commission to be brought to life onstage.
The Arts Club announced its Silver Commissions for the 2020–2021 season as well: My Father Is the Greatest Man in the World, by Tai Amy Grauman, and a new adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac, by Christine Quintana.
The season will include partnerships with the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton and the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre in Winnipeg, as well as with a company in Eastern Canada that has yet to be announced. “By deepening relationships with organizations across Canada, the Arts Club not only expands its creative capacity, but also contributes to a nation-wide conversation about the importance of theatre,” said Corcoran. “These partnerships allow us to pool our resources to create productions that strive for the highest levels of artistic excellence.”
Sense and Sensibility September 10–October 11, 2020
Elf: The Musical November 5, 2020–January 3, 2021
Network January 21–February 21, 2021
The Legend of Georgia McBride March 18–April 18, 2021
Elvis The Musical May 13–July 4, 2021
The Cull September 24–October 25, 2020
Scrooge in Rouge November 26, 2020–January 3, 2021
Made in Italy February 4–March 7, 2021
Cambodian Rock Band April 22–May 23, 2021
A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline June 17–August 1, 2021
Dance Nation October 8–October 25, 2020
The Twelve Dates of Christmas December 3, 2020–January 3, 2021
Teenage Dick February 18–March 14, 2021
Every Brilliant Thing By Duncan Macmillan September 30–November 8, 2020
The Cull January 6–February 7, 2021
The Birds and The Bees February 17–April 4, 2021
Titles, performance dates, venues, and creative teams subject to change.
