Buddhism, bamboo and Einstein are inspiring this year’s Biennial Dance In Vancouver.| Photo courtesy of The Dance Centre
It’s cold out there, so warm yourself up at the many indoor activities happening these days. There are film festivals, dances, live performances, inspiring evenings, holiday markets and many other events and festivals going on around town. Here are few to check out and add to your calendar!
* * *
Eleventh Biennial Dance In Vancouver
Nov. 22–25
Scotiabank Dance Centre, Vancouver
The 11th Biennial Dance In Vancouver celebrates the energy and innovation of B.C.’s contemporary dance scene. Join the Dance Centre for four days of performances, inspired by Buddhism, bamboo and Einstein, showcasing some of British Columbia’s most exciting companies and artists. For tickets and showtimes, please check out the Dance Centre’s website.
* * *
Jodi Proznick Sun Songs CD Release
Nov. 23, 8 p.m.
Frankie’s Jazz Club, Vancouver
Be among the first to hear live JUNO-nominated jazz bassist Jodi Proznick’s latest creations from her album Sun Songs, a deeply personal and uplifting collection of works embracing the pendulum of life. Spend the evening with Proznick and her stellar quartet – Tilden Webb (piano), Jesse Cahill (drums), and Steve Kaldestad (tenor saxophone) – alongside special guest, award-winning vocalist, Laila Biali. Together, these artists deliver their polished pop and jazz sound with lush harmonies and fresh rhythms from their latest record eight years in the making.
* * *
Where the Wind Blew
Nov. 24, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
SFU Harbour Centre
www.sfu.ca/humanities-
The SFU Institute for the Humanities will be co-hosting a documentary screening and panel of the feature documentary film, Where the Wind Blew, on Nov. 24. Between 1949 and 1989, the Soviet Union carried out many nuclear tests in the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic. The villagers who faced the daily reality of living in fallout zones continue to be victims of a war that was not their own. This feature-length documentary follows the former Soviet republic’s fight to be rid of its nuclear legacy and its call for a peaceful world free from the threat of nuclear weapons. A panel will follow the film discussing the state of nuclearization today.
* * *
European Union Film Festival
Nov. 24–Dec. 4
The Cinematheque, Vancouver
www.thecinematheque.ca/
Come on down to the Cinematheque Theatre to experience the cinematic offerings from 25 European Union countries during the 20th Annual EU Film Festival. Catch an Estonian comedy about three dissidents who flee the Soviet Union in search of the “free world,” a Polish film chronicling the life of physicist, chemist and Nobel-Prize winner Marie Curie, and a Latvian drama obsessing about adolescent angst. From documentary to drama, comedy to historical, there’s plenty to see. For showtimes and movie information, check out their website.
* * *
Jewish Book Festival
Nov. 25–30
Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver
Join some of the Jewish community’s prominent and emerging writers at the Jewish Book Festival as they read from their latest works. Events include literary presentations, readings, lectures and workshops for audiences of all ages. Be sure to catch the opening night gala with award-winning novelist Alison Pick as she presents her latest book Strangers With the Same Dream.
* * *
C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
Nov. 25–Dec. 31
Waterfront Theatre at Granville Island, Vancouver
Acclaimed British theologian C.S. Lewis’ first installment of the epic Chronicles of Narnia series bounds onto the Carousel Theatre stage in Vancouver this holiday season. Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy discover an old wardrobe that leads to an enchanted land, Narnia, full of mythical creatures, talking animals, quests and secrets. In one of the greatest battles between Good and Evil in children’s literature, the fate of the four children unfolds in a grand, otherworldly adventure. Please check out their website for tickets and showtimes.
* * *
Building a Better Canada
Nov. 29, 7 p.m.
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, University of British Columbia
Join UBC President Santa J. Ono at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts for a dynamic and forward-looking evening featuring Order of Canada recipients David Suzuki, Shelagh Rogers, Sophie Pierre, Trevor Linden, Wade Davis and Robert Silverman. They will be discussing “What’s Next for Canada,” sharing their unique vision for building a better Canada. Check out the UBC website for tickets and more information.
* * *
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
Nov. 29, 2017–Jan. 6, 2018
York Theatre, Vancouver
The Cultch will present a unique Vancouver retelling of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves at the York Theatre until Jan. 6, 2018. In this East Van telling, the hero flees the Queen of North Vancouver across the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge and straight into the madness of the PNE, where she dances with Superdogs, takes a ride on the Coaster and befriends washed-up 80s rock stars “The Seven Dwarves.” Hilarity ensues as they do everything they can to escape the Queen’s wicked clutches. Please check out their website for tickets and showtimes.
* * *
Caravans: International Indigenous Arts Fair
Nov. 30–Dec. 3
Chinese Cultural Centre, Vancouver
The Downtown Eastside Centre for the Arts is a grassroots arts organization that provides accessible arts programming to the most vulnerable residents of the Vancouver community. On Nov. 30, the organization will open Caravans, their first International Indigenous Arts Fair, offering artists an opportunity to exhibit and sell their cultural wares and international arts and crafts. The intention of the fair is to provide artists and their patrons the opportunity to experience art in a safe and supportive setting to enhance their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Please check out their website for more information.
* * *
Fifth Annual Vancouver Golden Panda International Film Festival
Dec. 4–7
Vancity Theatre, Vancouver
The Vancouver Golden Panda International Film Festival is a recent addition to Vancouver’s burgeoning cultural landscape. The festival is bringing a lineup of visually-compelling, heart-touching and thought-provoking films created by young-generation filmmakers to Vancouver’s big screen. Held at Vancity Theatre, the four-day public screening aims to shine a light on the world’s up-and-coming filmmakers to Vancouver’s film lovers. For more information, please check out their website.
