LOTD: IGNITE! Sets The Cultch On Fire

IGNITE! Sets The Cultch On Fire

Every year, for one week, The Cultch is taken over and transformed by young people. Hundreds of youth are involved in what has grown to be Vancouver’s largest youth-driven arts festival. The festival includes showcases in music, dance, and spoken word, the world premiere of three one-act plays, a visual arts exhibit, variety shows featuring diverse forms of entertainment, and much more. All of this is created by local artists between the ages of 13-24. During the festival, IGNITE! events happen all over The Cultch’s facilities such as the Historic Theatre, the Vancity Cultre Lab, the main lobby and the café galleries.

Literally every aspect of the festival is youth-driven, produced by the Cultch’s Youth Panel. From media relations and promotion, to stage managing and running the lighting and sound boards, there are countless ways to become involved, whether on stage or behind the scenes. This year’s festival is taking place from May 14th to May 19th. Contact Youth Program Manager, Robert Leveroos, at robert@thecultch.com to learn more.

We sat down with talented 16 year old Lili Robinson, who not only spoke about the festival but gave us a taste of her work. She's performing in the festival's Tuesday night spoken word event.


http://www.igniteyouthfest.ca/

Theatre: Wired @ the Culch Feb 5 - 8

Damien is unnoticed in his cliquish grade, and that’s just the way this shy, self-proclaimed “goof” prefers it. Damien is jacked into a cooler version of himself through online role-playing games, social networking sites, and a multitude of virtual friends. But when he has a seemingly innocent run-in with a girl at school, Damien finds himself in the cross-hairs of a humiliating cyberbullying campaign. Just because it’s virtual makes it no less real. The online, alternate world he created to escape to is now something he needs to escape from.

LOTD: D'bi.young.anitafrika

We caught up with D'bi when she was in town last month at the Cultch. She's performing as part of the Magnetic North Festival at the Firehall from June 4-9th.

Buy tickets here>>> http://tickets.ticketstonight.ca/eventperformances.asp?evt=624

Theatre: Frankenstein @ the Cultch

The Vancouver East Cultural Centre in association with

the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival present
Catalyst Theatre's production of
FRANKENSTEIN

An original adaptation by Jonathan Christenson; Designed by Bretta Gerecke
Choreographed by Laura Krewski; Originally produced in collaboration with Keyano Theatre,
Fort McMurray

"It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the must-see of the year. It's a gorgeous adaptation of Mary Shelley's gothic classic by Jonathan Christenson...and like other Catalyst works before it, Frankenstein is a seamless combination of story, song, movement and visual arts that transcends genre." - Mari Sasano, The Edmonton Journal

January 15 - 19 + January 22 - 26, 2008, 7 PM
January 20, 2008, 4 PM Matinee Performance; No performance January 21
January 22, 2008 performance is a benefit for the Last Door Youth Program.
For tickets, please contact Last Door at 604-525-9771

WINNER OF 8 STERLING AWARDS, INCLUDING OUTSTANDING MUSICAL!

The newest work by Edmonton's internationally acclaimed Catalyst Theatre, Frankenstein is a soulful adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic gothic novel (first published in 1818). The cautionary tale of Dr. Victor Frankenstein and the Creature he constructs and then abandons is an enduring story that has inspired many adaptations. This Frankenstein focuses on the human qualities of the characters and on our common need to feel that we can make a difference, be accepted, and to love and be loved.

Visually stunning and aesthetically original, Frankenstein has been noted for the remarkable ensemble of eight actors who play some forty characters, for its haunting original melodies, and its quirky and often ghoulishly humorous take on a familiar and consistently relevant story. During its inaugural 2007 run, Frankenstein played to sold-out audiences and garnered eight Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Awards for excellence.

"Catalyst's marvelous, much-awaited new take on Frankenstein arrives on stage as a startling storybook come to life... it's a hugely imaginative production...Catalyst's most dazzling creation yet." - Liz Nicholls, The Edmonton Journal

Frankenstein runs January 15 - 26, 2008 at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre, located at 1895 Venables Street (at Victoria Drive). Tickets are $25 general, $21 for students and seniors (PLUS SERVICE CHARGES) and are available through Ticketmaster at 604-280-3311 or visit www.ticketmaster.ca.

Theatre: Give the Gift of CULTCH-ure for Christmas

Only four days left to give the gift of a subscription and get a free ticket for yourself!

CREATIVE HOLIDAY GIFTS

Phone us at 604-251-1363 to book your gift subscritpion and receive a free ticket to any show from The Cultch's 07/08 Season (subject to availability).
All gift subscriptions must be ordered by Thursday, December 20, 2007 by 5 p.m. to ensure processing.

$27/$38
Kids Series Subscription
(3 shows for family audiences, ages 4 - 10)
Kids - $27/package
Adult - $38/package
Experience the satisfaction of providing treasured memories at an affordable price. This package includes tickets to 3 shows, including: The General, Rough House, and Airplay (with pizza parties to boot!).

$42/$95
Family Series Subscription
(5 shows for family audiences, agest 10 and up)
Kids - $42/package
Adult - $95/package
New this season! Quality time and interaction with your family is guaranteed with this subscription package. See 5 great shows and save: Frankenstein, The General, Rough House, Elastic Perspective and Luminous Edge.

$23/TICKET
Build Your Own Subscription
(BYO): $23/show (min of 3 shows)
BYO offers the most freedom - choose any 3 or more shows from our season and save $6 on your ticket price!

$85
5 Wednesdays Subscription
$85/5 show package
Our most popular package is back again! Come on a Wednesday night and save even more. This package includes tickets to Frankenstein, Instructions for Modern Living, The Satchmo' Suite, Rough House, and Elastic Perspective.

Vancouver East Cultural Centre | 1895 Venables Street | Vancouver, BC | V5L 2H6
Phone: 604-251-1363 | Fax: 604-251-1730 | info@vecc.bc.ca | www.thecultch.com
Looking for great theatre over the holidays?

Blackbird Theatre presents Euripede's Hecuba, adapted by George McWhirter... a compelling new production from the team that broughtyou the Jessie Award-winning staging of Ibsen's Peer Gynt...

December 28, 2007 - January 12, 2008 at The Cultch
Tickets through Ticketmaster - 604-280-3311 or www.ticketmaster.ca
www.blackbirdtheatre.ca

Music: The Artist Formerly Known As Jane Siberry at the Cultch

REGULAR ADVANCE TICKET PRICE: $36 PLUS S/C

More than twenty years after her first musical release, Canadian songstress Issa (formerly known as Jane Siberry) has become renowned both for her hauntingly beautiful music and for her compelling performances. With eleven major recordings, three books of poetry, her own independent label and the acclaim of her peers and fans alike, Issa continues to redefine herself as one of Canada’s most creative singer-songwriters.

Her lyrical, thought-provoking songs have appeared in films and television; her now classic Calling All Angels duet with k.d. lang appeared in Wim Wenders’ Until the End of the World, and more recently her work was heard on the soundtrack for television’s Six Feet Under. Issa has recorded with Bryan Ferry, k.d. lang, Indigo Girls and Peter Gabriel. This is the first time she will perform in Vancouver as Issa.

(Be)longing at the Cultch

Adult $25,
Student/Senior $21
(plus applicable service charges)

longing: A strong persistent yearning or desire, especially one that cannot be fulfilled
belonging: the state of being comfortable and accepted in a place or community

Helen Paris and Leslie Hill are known for their edgy, humorous interrogations of contemporary culture and politics, work that has been called “as smart as it is seductive” (Irish Times). In this production, Hill and Paris share personal stories of longing and belonging against two contrasting backdrops: the searing landscape of the desert with its seemingly limitless curve of sky mirroring the infinite unfulfilled nature of longing; and a landscape you can hold in the palm of your hand – discreet, hidden, private. The 10oz site of longing itself, the heart.

Proceeds from the October 31 performance will go to the WISH Drop-In Centre. This performance is not available on subscription.

(be)longing is an Artsadmin project commissioned by The Women’s Library, London Metropolitan University and the Vancouver East Cultural Centre, Canada with support from Arts Council England, Brunel University and SMARTLab Digital Media Institute, University of East London.

Literary: Shane Koyczan at the Cultch

SHANE KOYCZAN

AND

THE SHORT STORY LONG WILL BE KICKING IT IN REAL TIME

@

THE VANCOUVER EAST CULTURAL CENTRE

FOR TWO PERFORMANCES

FRIDAY OCT 26TH

AND

SATURDAY OCTOBER 27TH

WITH SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMANCES

BY

THE ROCKSTACKULAR

CR AVERY

AND THE SWEET SOUL SOUNDS

OF DAN MANGAN

TICKETS AT TICKETMASTER

DISCOUNT TICKETS FOR YOUTH FOR THE FRIDAY SHOW

ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CULTCH BOX OFFICE

Music: Christi Grace at the Van East

Special Event: An Evening with Carole Pope

July 7th, 2007 at 8:00pm

Fresh from her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Toronto, catch Carole Pope the transgressive iconic Canadian songwriter, performer and writer, as she connects, conspires and slips out from under her celebrity skin. Pope will perform songs from her recent gem of a recording, "Transcend" as well as songs from her years with Rough Trade. She will also preview material from her new album. Join Pope for an evening of music and spoken word, accompanied by some of Vancouver's most cutting edge musicians.

Tickets: Adults $23 (plus applicable service charges)

Vancouver East Cultural Centre

Literary: Youth Slam at the Cultch

Come out and support some of Vancouvers most talented young spielers while they spit it out for the title!

On Friday May 4th, as part of youth week at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre,

YOU can be a part of the WhipperSnapper Slam

Vancouver's first youth slam finals to determine a Vancouver youth poetry slam team for 2007.

With our feature Nora Smithhisler!
Magpie Ulysses will be your slam emcee for the night.

If you are a youth (13-24), or you know youth who write/perform and you are interested in getting in on the action we still have some spots open for the competition. Email Lily Han at youth@vecc.bc.ca for more info.

7:30pm, Vancouver East Cultural Centre (1895 Venables St).
Tickets: $2 Youth (19 & Under), $5 Students (over 19), and $10 Adults.

check www.vecc.bc.ca for more info about Youth week and tickets.

Literary: WhipperSnapper Slam Finals

Come out and support some of Vancouvers most talented young spielers while they spit it out for the title!

On Friday May 4th, as part of youth week at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre,

YOU can be a part of the WhipperSnapper Slam

Vancouver's first youth slam finals to determine a Vancouver youth poetry slam team for 2007.

Magpie Ulysses will be your slam emcee for the night. Feature TBA.

If you are a youth (13-24), or you know youth who write/perform and you are interested in getting in on the action we still have some spots open for the competition. Email Lily Han at youth@vecc.bc.ca for more info.

7:30pm, Vancouver East Cultural Centre (1895 Venables St).
Tickets: $2 Youth (19 & Under), $5 Students (over 19), and $10 Adults.

check www.vecc.bc.ca for more info about Youth week and tickets.

Literary: Youth Slam

Theatre: Review of Bigger than Jesus

Created by Rick Miller and Daniel Brooks. Directed by Daniel Brooks. A WYRD and Necessary Angel production. A Vancouver East Cultural Centre presentation. At the VECC on Thursday, March 29. Continues until April 7

"In the beginning, there was nothing, and before you know it, there's a pope." In Bigger Than Jesus, Rick Miller simultaneously celebrates the spirit of Christ and thumbs his nose at the religious institutions that have perverted that spirit. His virtuosic solo performance is an irresistible mixture of faith and cheekiness.

See the full review here...

Special Event: Poet's Life Explored Through Multi-Media

Vancouver New Music and VECC present
Theatre Cryptic’s production of
EACH… AND EVERY INCH
A site-specific multi-media journey through the life of Canadian poet Elizabeth Smart, author of By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept

The Cultch is at it again: installation theatre, that is.
Following up on its wildly successful British Installation Theatre Week last season, the Vancouver East Cultural Centre (VECC) together with Vancouver New Music will present Each…And Every Inch April 18 to 29.

This multi-sensory installation combines music, text, visuals, a live cello duet, 3D video and ambient sound to explore the passions and secrets of Canadian poet and novelist Elizabeth Smart. Written by Cathie Boyd, artistic director of Scotland’s Theatre Cryptic, Each…And Every Inch was previously presented in Montreal and at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland.

The work uses as a story line Smart’s best known work “By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept,” about her all-consuming love affair with married poet George Barker. As audience members move through various spaces around the theatre, they experience slices of Elizabeth Smart’s life: her love for Barker, her hatred for that love, her jealousy, her mother, her children, her garden and more.

Following the tour, visitors can explore the installation independently. Viewing time takes 70 minutes to two hours.

About the music
Music for Each and Every Inch was created by Canadian composer Diane Labrosse together with Anthea Haddow of Scotland. Vancouver New Music cellists, Joel Stobbe, formerly with the Borealis String Quartet, and Laura Kramer, formerly with the Pacific Baroque Orchestra, will play a duet in the Love Affair Room.

To complement other rooms, Labrosse will execute a soundscape of electronic music, pre-recorded excerpts from Smart’s letters and poems, and ambient noise such as shattering glass — a metaphor for shattering hearts.

“It’s a fluid definition of space that involves listening, watching, reading,” said Vancouver New Music artistic director Giorgio Magnanensi. VNM is a major presenter of contemporary music in Western Canada.

Theatre: Bigger Than Jesus

MARCH 28–APRIL 7, 2007, 8 PM

March 31 & April 7, 4 pm matinee performances. No performance April 2

Vancouver East Cultural Centre

Created by Rick Miller and Daniel Brooks

Performed by Rick Miller

Directed by Daniel Brooks

Designed by Beth Kates and Ben Chaisson

Who was Jesus? Was he the Son of God or just another prophet? Bigger than Jesus begins with a 33-year-old man coming face to face with the Roman Catholicism ingrained in his youth. He leads us on a quest to understand the tremendous impact that a Jewish peasant from Galilee has had on the world. Through twelve interlocking character portraits (mirroring the 12 stages of the Passion), we confront varying interpretations of Christ and Christianity, and the often cavernous gulf between them.

This challenging new one-man show features the trademark humour and intelligence of actor/playwright Rick Miller. Live video projections show off Miller’s facial expressions, Daniel Brooks’ clever staging, and the play’s innovative design. Bigger than Jesus has wowed audiences across Canada, the US, Germany and Italy. Christians and non-Christians alike will find plenty of philosophical points to chew over, as well as virtuoso performing and staging to enjoy. Visit www.BiggerThanJ.com to learn more.

Music: Galitcha

Experience a unique blend of Indian and Quebecois folk! Galitcha means ‘tapestry’. Witness a musical weave you won’t believe, March 31^st at the WISE Hall.

Since 1996 Kuljit Sodhi, Galitcha's lead singer, composer and percussionist has been building an ensemble which integrates music with a strong North Indian footprint overlaid with influences from western folk and jazz and instrumentation from around the world.
From heartfelt devotional and love songs, to compelling lively dance tunes, Galitcha (meaning tapestry) takes audiences on a musical journey from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other. The songs are mainly sung in Punjabi, Urdu and Hindi with explanations in English and/or French. Vocalists Kuljit Sodhi also on East Indian dholki drum and Chris MacLean also on guitar, the accordion-like harmonium, Appalachian dulcimer and a one-stringed banjo called gopichand; Linsey Wellman on saxophones and flutes; and Shawn Mativetsky on East Indian tabla drum, dhol (barrel drum) and percussion; create a culturally diverse Canadian sound. But Galitcha's performances are not just about the music. There is an inspiring sense of devotion - to the muse, to each other, to the audience - which is consistently part of their presence on and off stage.

www.galitcha.com

Music: The Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble

The Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble will perform a special concert for spring at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre, March 2^nd & 3rd. Featured will be a new work by Vancouver trumpeter and composer, John Korsrud. 604.683.8240

Music/Spoken Word: The Fugitives Release CD @ the Wise Hall March 9

Vancouverites Barbara Adler, Mark Berube, and Brendan McLeod are singer-songwriters, multi-instrumentalists, and award winning performance poets who have merged their diverse styles into one distinct mixture of poetry and song, backed by accordion, guitar, piano, banjo, and melodica. A group of road dogs, they have toured their unique combination of three part harmony, athletic performance poetry, and skillful musicianship, four times through Europe and twice through Canada since the group's inception two years ago.

Their recent performances include the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word (Vancouver, BC), the German National SLAM championship (Leipzig, Germany), Festival Voix D'Ameriques (Montreal, Quebec), the Dylan Thomas Festival (Swansea, Wales), the London High Commission (London, England), and the Isle of Barra Poetry and Song Festival (Scotland).

They have two new albums due this year. One, a music/spoken word album engineered by John Raham and featuring members of the Be Good Tanyas, Po' Girl, TOFU, and the Breakmen. Their second album is a full length spoken word piece funded by the Canadian Council of the Arts Storytelling Project.

"I can see why they're jumping off the tables for you!" Sheryl McKay, North by Northwest CBC.

"The Fugitives are one of the most innovative, exciting, and accomplished groups of musicians and poets I have ever seen…the best show in fifteen years of the festival" - Off the Shelf Festival, Sheffield (UK)

"With superior instrumentation and creative lyrics, they are a band that demands your attention and leaves you begging for more" - Meredith Hambrock, Ubyssey, Vancouver

"Welcome to the land where lyrics and instruments are equals…you will absolutely love this band" - Satellite, Vancouver

"Poetry doesn't get much further from the library shelf than this" - Georgia Straight, Vancouver

"An experience certain to please both literary and musical audiences" - Vienna Literature Festival, Austria

"They are a show you absolutely cannot afford to miss!" - Drek Daa, Founder & Chair, Spoken Word Canada

"The Fugitives are a Sasquatch Marching band walking high wire across the Grand Canyon. At first glance, you expect it to all come crashing down, but upon closer inspection you notice they're flying, and scrutinizing even further, you realize you're floating too." - Randy Jacobs, Artistic Director, 2005 Canadian Festival of Spoken Word

To get tickets to their CD Release Party (happening Friday, March 9th, at the Wise Hall, with the Breakmen) and ensure entry to the show (in case of a sell out) there are a few options:

a) Tickets are currently onsale at Zulu (1972 W 4th Ave.), Highlife (1317 Commercial Drive), and Scratch (726 Richards). They are a mere 12 bucks!

b) For even cheaper (10 bucks) you can send an email to Brendan at: eightmillionbrendans@yahoo.ca and he will bill you through paypal and reserve you a ticket at the door.

c) Or, you can catch them at Rime on Feb.24th or the Chutzpah! Festival (Feb.22-25) and buy a ticket from them in person. This is also only 10 bucks.

Check out their myspace page (http://www.myspace.com/canadianfugitives) for their new music video for 'Haunted'. It looks fantastic! It will be playing at Festival Cinemas in the month of February to promote the CD release. Thanks to Randall Okita and Anthony Bocquentin, who had the vision for it.

Upcoming: Veda Hille

The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival has commissioned Veda Hille to write a new set of songs called This Riot Life that are destined for an album release later this year. She will also be presenting a special version of her song cycle Field Study, a collection of songs about the natural world.

January 28 8pm

Vancouver East Cultural Centre