VANCOUVER, BC — The Firehall Arts Centre’s BC Buds Spring Arts Festival returns with an explosion of distinctly Canadian new works by BC performance artists that explore the theme of Myth, Magic & Mystery. From May 7 – 11, over 30 different music, theatre, dance & interdisciplinary artists will take over the every conceivable nook and cranny of the Firehall, turning it into a giant arts factory for three days of inventive and innovative site-specific performance. The festival is free-to-the-public and runs May 7, 8-10pm | May 8, 7-9pm | May 9, 7-10pm | May 11, 1–6pm.
NEW PLAY READINGS
The festival has been expanded this year to include two additional days of staged readings. These include a Travelling Lighta new scientific thriller by award-winning playwright Jordan Hall (Kayak); Marathon a new solo work by TJ Dawe (Medicine, Lucky #9); Fritters in Kandahar by Peter Boychuk (Shelter From the Storm); a reworked version of Sally Stubbs’ Kid Gloves (now named And Bella Sang With Us); Wet Ink Collective member Susinn McFarlen’s new play Nine Modern Muses; and Chelsea Hotel creator Tracey Power’s play inspired by the early stories of Women’s Hockey in Canada, Glory.
DANCE & MUSIC
The 10th annual festival features standout music performances such as interdisciplinary new music, voice & dance collaboration Red Moon led by harp player Elise Thorn. There are also no less than 12 dance shows in BC Buds this year, including returning artist Meredith Kalaman’s inquiry into the sacred feminine in Femme Fatales; and contemporary Aboriginal dance and theatre artist Olivia Davies’ exploration of her mixed heritage and identity with Conversation.
Sunday afternoon features kid-friendly programming including two puppet shows.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
BC Buds celebrates the talent and creativity of established and emerging BC artists and gives Vancouver audiences a chance to experience new, experimental performances in an unorthodox setting. Now in its 10th year, it is Vancouver’s longest running showcase of budding artists and budding theatre, dance, music and interdisciplinary works.
LISTINGS INFORMATION
BC Buds Spring Arts Festival
May 7-11, 2014 [various times]
FREE
Showtimes & details: firehallartscentre.ca / 604-689-0926