New Langham Court Theatre play shows a chorus of complicated disapprovalDirector Wendy Merk admits that Langham Court Theatre’s A Chorus of Disapproval has provided many unique challenges for the amateur theatre company, not the least of which is figuring out how to define the play. “This play is kind of what you’d call a semi-musical,” says Merk. “It’s mostly a comedy. There are musical numbers […] Continue Reading |
Tofino author Joanna Streetly shows eye for nature in Wild Fierce LifeAs someone who grew up fishing on the west coast of Vancouver Island, I often felt like I was reading about my own childhood in Tofino-based author Joanna Streetly’s Wild Fierce Life: Dangerous Moments on the Outer Coast (Caitlin Press). But the book isn’t about fishing. Streetly writes about the antagonist—nature—in this collection of short […] Continue Reading |
Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival presents The Tempest through a modern feminist lensGreater Victoria Shakespeare Festival attendees may notice something different in an old classic this year as director Chelsea Haberlin takes The Tempest in a new direction, looking at the play through a modern feminist lens. “The treatment of women, our perspective on colonialism, and our perspective on race are different,” says Haberlin. “I definitely bring […] Continue Reading |
Ancient Egypt visits Victoria with new museum exhibitFor centuries, ancient Egypt has been a mystery and a source of inspiration for the West. Reproductions of obelisks, sphinxes, and pyramids were mounted in public squares, halls, cemeteries, and other urban spaces. Ancient Egyptian culture inspired literature, film, dance, music, fashion, and design. Egyptian artifacts in Western museums appeal to audiences to this day. […] Continue Reading |
Vancouver’s Frog Eyes come full circle as they prepare for farewell tourAll things must come to an end. After 17 years, Vancouver indie-rock band Frog Eyes—who started out in Victoria—are calling it quits. Their new album, Violet Psalms, will be the band’s last; guitarist/vocalist Carey Mercer says the circle is complete. “When we were making it, it felt very much like we were making our first […] Continue Reading |
Burlesque fundraiser focuses on empowerment and broadening the idea of beautyThe Cheesecake Burlesque Revue might appear to be all sparkles and dazzling seductiveness from afar, but performer Champagne Sparkles says their upcoming HOT PINK! fundraiser event—which contains music, comedy, and dancing—conveys much more powerful messages around body image than what people are used to seeing. “People are certainly more aware of the mainstream ideals of […] Continue Reading |
New Music Revue: Greg Keelor explores his dark side on Last WinterGreg Keelor Last Winter (Warner Music Canada) 4/5 Last Winter, the fifth solo release from Blue Rodeo founding member Greg Keelor, has flown in a bit under the radar. The four-song EP combines a new and different sound with the haunting and familiar vocals that helped weave Blue Rodeo into our collective memories. Melodic, ambient, […] Continue Reading |
What’s Going On: May 16 to June 12, 2018Until Saturday, May 19 From Israel to Victoria Theatre Inconnu presents Tenant Haymovitch, a play about a young writer struggling with his past, from May 1 to 19. Set in a derelict apartment in the slums of Tel Aviv, Tenant Haymovitch brings the complexities of Israel to a theatre in Fernwood. Ticket prices vary from […] Continue Reading |
New Music Revue: Felix Cartal gives what fans expect, and a bit moreFelix Cartal Next Season (Physical Presents) 3/5 Vancouver DJ and producer Felix Cartal fills soundwaves with clapping high-hat noises and snappy-squirrel electro-beats for just over an hour on his third album, Next Season. Several of the tracks feature guest musicians, and Cartal also includes his cover of the 1998 New Radicals song “You Get What […] Continue Reading |
New book details Gulf Islands trails with passionCharles Kahn’s Hiking the Gulf Islands of British Columbia (Harbour Publishing) was written with the goal of being an informative guide to hiking the many trails located in the Gulf Islands, and Kahn succeeded. The book is quite simple to use: it’s divided into chapters, each one covering a different island, providing information on how […] Continue Reading |
