Brrr! I hope everyone was warm and safe during the snowfall we had earlier this month. Hopefully, the weather will be warmer as we celebrate the Lunar New Year, happening on Jan. 25. Usher in the Year of the Rat by attending some of the many events and festivals happening around Metro Vancouver! Other than the many Lunar New Year events happening around town, there are theatrical performances, roundtable discussions, musical and dance performances and more to check out!
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Always a Bridesmaid
Jan. 17–Feb. 1
Metro Theatre Centre, Vancouver
Metro Theatre Centre will be presenting a Jones Hope Wooten comedy, Always a Bridesmaid, on their stage from Jan. 17–Feb. 1. Committed to the notion that careers, waistlines and even marriages may disappear, but real friendships last a lifetime, four high school girlfriends honour the vow they made to each other at their dateless prom: no matter where, no matter when, they would all show up to stand as bridesmaids when one of them got married. Forsaking all others, in sickness and in health, they repeatedly struggle to stage the perfect wedding in spite of fistfights at the altar, runaway brides or the mistaken and unfortunate, release of a flock of white doves. For tickets and showtimes, please visit the theatre’s website.
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PuSh Festival
Jan. 21–Feb. 9
Various venues throughout Metro Vancouver
The PuSh Festival returns to Vancouver for the sixteenth time to showcase innovative and transformative art. There will be 111 performances spread over three weeks, featuring staggering spectacles, immersive encounters, theatrical adaptations and more. Catch a theatrical drama about Jewish refugees from Romania, a tragicomic cabaret concert, an immersive sound installation about modern day Syria, a confessional narrative about living in the aftermath of economic disaster in South Korea and more at PuSh. For more shows and event details, please visit their website.
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Islam and / with Psychoanalysis: A Provocative Encounter
Jan. 22, 7 p.m.
SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, Vancouver
www.sfu.ca/sfu-community/events.html#!view/event/event_id/8856
In recent years the contours of a hitherto unexpected theoretical interface has emerged: Islam and/with psychoanalysis. Why bring this seemingly odd couple together? What kinds of theoretical insights could be gained in this crossing of wires? This roundtable panel discussion hopes to stage a provocative yet mutually productive encounter between facets of Islam and psychoanalytic theory, whereby both can mutually illuminate and enrich each other – in a short-circuiting way. There will be a short Q&A after the roundtable and refreshments will be offered. Check out the SFU website for speaker information and more details.
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Investigation of Things
Jan. 22–Mar. 21
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Vancouver
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden will be hosting Investigation of Things, the first edition of the Canada-China Art Exchange for Young Emerging Artists, and second art exhibition by Artist-in-Residence, Lam Wong. This multimedia art exhibit will showcase the artwork of ten young, emerging artists from China and Canada. Nominated by an esteemed group of experts in the art industry, the artists’ work explores how we understand the world around us, and aims to open cultural dialogues between the East and the West through the evocative language of contemporary visual art. There will be an opening reception from 5–7 p.m. on Jan. 22. Check out the Garden’s website for more information.
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Cosmic Nights: Space Debris
Jan. 23, 6:30–10 p.m.
H. R. MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver
www.spacecentre.ca/cosmic-nights-space-debris
Grab a friend and pay a visit to the H. R. MacMillan Space Centre for Cosmic Nights: Space Debris. There are tens of thousands of pieces of man-made debris, or “space junk,” orbiting Earth that threaten satellites and other spacecraft. With the increase of space exploration and no debris removal processes in place that number is sure to increase. Learn more about the impact space debris will have on current and future missions, space law and the impact human activity, both scientific and commercial are having on space. There will be a custom planetarium show, guest lecturers, drinks, science demonstrations and trivia at this 19+ event. Check-in is at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please check out the centre’s website.
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Noises Off
Jan. 23–Feb. 23
Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, Vancouver
Noises Off, hailed as the funniest farce ever written, treats audiences to a hilarious peek at a second-tier acting troupe performing a show, and will be presented by the Arts Club from Jan. 23 to Feb. 23. With egos, insecurities and tempers flaring backstage – and forgotten lines, missed cues and misplaced sardines onstage –
this cast threatens to strike the old adage “the show must go on.” Novelist and playwright Michael Frayn’s dizzying play-within-a-play classic is sure to leave you doubled over with laughter. Check out the Arts Club’s website for cast information, tickets and more details.
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Vancouver Short Film Festival 2020
Jan. 24–26
Vancity Theatre, Vancouver
The Eighth Annual Vancouver Short Film Festival is coming to Vancity Theatre on Jan. 24–26. Since 2005, the festival has been committed to celebrating the vibrant community of short film, video and animation artists on the Canadian West Coast, building ties between emerging and established professionals and providing an arena where all short filmmakers, including students, can screen their films in public and support their fellow colleagues. For a list of films on display, check out the festival’s website.
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The 47th Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade
Jan. 26, 11 a.m.
Chinatown, Vancouver
The Chinese New Year Parade will return for the 47th time at 11 a.m. on Jan. 26. This signature event of Vancouver’s Chinatown will feature lion dances, cultural dance troupes, marching bands, martial arts performances and much more. This is an annual cultural extravaganza not to be missed. The Year of the Rat in the Chinese Lunar calendar will begin on Saturday, Jan. 25 in 2020. Come see the sights and hear the sounds of the festivities! Check out the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver’s website for more information.
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The Believers Are But Brothers
Jan. 29–Feb. 1
Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Burnaby
The Shadbolt Theatre will be presenting playwright Javaad Alipoor’s The Believers Are But Brothers, a Fringe First award winning and Total Theatre Nominated (Experimentation & Innovation) multi-media show from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1. We live in a time where old orders are collapsing. From the post colonial nation states of the Middle East, to the EU and the American election. Amidst this, a generation of young men find themselves burning with resentment; without the money, power and sex they think they deserve. This crisis of masculinity leads them on a journey into an online world of fantasy, violence and reality. Check out the Shadbolt’s website for tickets and more information.
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Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (Trocks)
Feb. 1, 8 p.m.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver
Show One Productions will present the anticipated return of the world famous, all-male ballet company Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (Trocks), onstage Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. This sensational performance will showcase the Trocks’ wickedly absurd antics and serious dancing chops – featuring sly send-ups of beloved ballet classics and contemporary works. Infused with a heavy dose of highbrow hilarity, this antic-laden evening will offer audiences a chance to experience high-powered diva energy as the men strut their stuff in size 11 pointe shoes. Check out the troupe’s website for more information.
