Theatre Festival 2015
August 13 – 16
Welcome…
to the 7th Annual Gabriola Theatre Festival. Storybook is the theme for 2015. nce upon a time … one wise Gabriolan gentleman had a great idea! His idea was to bring professional theatre to Gabriola. And what came of this great idea? A grand old summer festival, of course! Every year, this festival grew and grew and grew until one day, in its seventh year, it exploded into a magical storybook land, filled with professional theatre, art, music, pancakes, crafts, performances, magic and so much more!
There’s no place like…
Gabriola Island—the Isle of the Arts! And they call us that for good reason! This past year has been jam-packed with arts events organized and offered by Gabriola’s amazing artists and supporters! From the successful Gabriola Arts Council fundraiser of the year (The Chair Affair), to a whole season of professional theatre productions, to the bigger-than-ever Isle of the Arts Festival! And amidst the sunshine and blackberry bushes this summer, comes the Seventh Annual Gabriola Theatre Festival! One big weekend filled to the brim with more kinds of art than you could ever imagine! Eight professional mainstage productions on the Antony Holland Stage! The beloved Kids Corner and Lions Pancake Breakfast! Fabulous art from Gabriola artists and artisans, and information from the numerous nonprofit and community organizations! And many new events this year: roving performers to entertain you while you wait in line or hang out in the Hub! Opening Ceremonies featuring an event to honour Village Food Market! A fashion show presented by The GABE Shop! The Rabbit Hole: a place for sips before, between and after the shows! A three-draw raffle! A White Rabbit Launch Cabaret! Theatre-related workshops! And so much more… oh frabjous day! Callooh! Callay! What’s the theme for this grand weekend? Well, Storybook, of course! You heard that right. As Dr. Seuss says, You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose! So head on over to the Gabriola Theatre Festival to immerse yourself in island culture. Join us in a magical celebration of the arts on Gabriola this August! —Alina Cerminara, Festival Coordinator
“The greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.” — Roald Dahl, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
Getting to Gabriola Island Gabriola is a 25-minute ferry ride from Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. You can also get here by floatplane into Nanaimo Harbour or directly to Silva Bay on Gabriola. If you’re planning to visit for the Theatre Festival, why not make a weekend of it? Take time to explore all the treasures this island has to offer, including spectacular beaches, sublime forest trails, exciting artists’ studios, a bustling Farmers Market and interesting shopping (featuring locally made products and much more). FRONT COVER: Leathercraft wolf mask by Oak Myth Masks | www.oakmyth.com Photo used with expressed permission of artist.
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Check out www.gabriolaisland.org to discover more.
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P = Festival Parking Zones
Please: NO PARKING IN BUSINESS PARKING LOTS, including at Folklife Village and the Professional Centre. Parking is available at the Gabriola Elementary School, in the overflow area at The Commons and on Lockinvar Lane between South Road and the rear entrance to Folklife Village. Please respect our business supporters and their patrons, and park along the road, not in the parking lots.
Tickets & Theatre Passes Tickets and passes are available online at www.artsgabriola.ca as of June 15th and from the Festival Ticket Kiosk in Folklife Village, the Hive Emporium and the Women’s Institute Hall after July 3rd. Tickets, adult: Tickets, youth: 3-Show Pass: 5-Show Pass:
$20 $10 * under 16 years $50 * for any 3 shows — save $10! $80 * for any 5 shows — save $20!
Note: passes must be used for separate shows. Special pricing applies to 10+ ticket purchases: email tickets@artsgabriola.ca for more information.
Inclusivity Campaign The Gabriola Arts Council wants all Gabriolans to be able to attend the Gabriola Theatre Festival mainstage shows. Consider being a part of our Inclusivity Campaign, in partnership with other organizations, to ensure that everyone has access to the ticketed events. The campaign is simple: just let us know how many tickets you would like to purchase for a donation. We’ll make sure those tickets get into the hands of people who would not have otherwise been able to attend a mainstage show. Find out more at www.artsgabriola.ca
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”— Aesop, Aesop’s Fables 4
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More Art on Gabriola!
Thanksgiving Studio Tour
October 10-12, 2015 Don’t miss the 19th annual Thanksgiving Studio Tour! Enjoy a gorgeous fall weekend on Gabriola while perusing 60 wonderful studios featuring every form of art you can imagine! This tour brings art lovers from all over to this beautiful island that enjoys the sixth highest concentration of artists in the workforce in Canada. If you’ve been before that doesn’t mean you’ve seen it all! Watch for 15 new artists on the map, and stop by the new Tour Central. Get ready to be entertained, inspired and educated—these artists have something amazing to show you! Check www.artsgabriola.ca for a map and a complete list of participating artists (including studios that are open year-round)
Isle of the Arts Festival
Every April! Over 40 Workshops… Readings… Markets… Professional Development… Music… Parties… and MORE! Enjoy and participate in 50 incredible workshops over ten days, each one crafted to bring out your artist within! You’ve seen what these artists can do—now learn how they do it! This Festival embodies the Gabriola Arts Council’s mission to ACTIVATE, ENHANCE and INSPIRE our community’s cultural vitality through collaboration, leadership and service. Come learn, share, experiment and invigorate the Isle of the Arts!
Kitty J. Heller Healing Power of Art Program This innovative and inspired program engages professional art and drama therapists working directly with community social service organizations, medical practitioners and individuals to address a variety of health-related issues and concerns. This initiative is not about creating artists, but rather its goal is to help people to understand and cope with physical or mental health concerns through the healing powers of artistic expression. Gabriola Island, where ART is the heART of the community!
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Let the Wild Rumpus Start in the Hub!
“Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.” — Shel Silverstein
Opening Ceremonies: And the Community Spirit Award Goes to…! Join us in the Gabriola Theatre Festival Hub to honour Village Food Market. The owners and staff at Village Foods have been serving our community for over 22 years, offering generous financial and in-kind support to numerous organizations and events (not to mention keeping their shelves filled to satisfy every Gabriolan’s grocery needs)! Don’t miss this heartfelt honouring and celebration of Village Foods. Join your fellow community members, the Ken Capon Memorial Marching Band and representatives of other organizations to really thank Village Foods Market for everything they do. And then head into the first of the eight mainstage shows!
Friday | 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm | @ the Festival Hub | Free!
“That, in itself, is a tremendous thing.”— EB White, Charlotte’s Web
A Fashionable Tale!
White Rabbit Launch Cabaret Fall into a magical world where your senses will be delighted and transformed amidst a world all in white! Music for dancing, acts for watching, food for tasting (be careful what you eat!), “cordial” for drinking, a paparazzi photoshoot and a fantastic door prize! Vancouver’s new energetic band, Lovecoast will be headlining the event. Come along and land at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party for a fun-poking Gabriolan roast! Everyone in … Wonderland … is mad! Don’t be late! All your favourite characters will be there! White attire mandatory!
THURSday | 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm | @ the Festival Hub | Tickets $20 Headliners: Lovecoast
“Live like there’s no midnight.” — Cinderella
The GABE Shop, a boutique thrift store on Gabriola, presents a fashion show woven with flair and fantasy. Glamorous models from the far corners of the island will shed their gumboots—or wear their very best ones!—as they grace the catwalk with poise and style. Together they will tell “A Fashionable Tale” that promises to make you laugh, cry and stand up cheering in your seat! Fashions from the catwalk will be available for sale at The GABE Shop, which is owned by the Gabriola Auxiliary for Island Health Care Society. All proceeds from the shop go towards health care services and programs on Gabriola. See you at the show!
Friday | 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm | @ the Festival Hub | Free!
Melinda Wilde Art
www.melindawilde.com
250.247.8852
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“Sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” — Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland Lions Pancake Breakfast
GABRIOLA
LIONS CLUB Start your festival day with a tasty pancake breakfast served by our beloved Gabriola Lions Club, and enjoyed with friends and neighbours. Pancakes, eggs, sausages, orange juice and coffee—all for only $5.00! All proceeds support worthy programs on Gabriola.
Saturday + Sunday | 9:00 am - 11:00 am | @ the Festival Hub
Never Never Land Kids Corner Come and play! Easel painting; magnetic pine cone crafts; costumes from a magical wardrobe chest; reading corner with loads of picture books; face painting; and a whole lot more. Kids being kids, and grown ups being kids all together!
“So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land!” — J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan Saturday + Sunday | 10:00 am - 12 noon | @ the Festival Hub
caf e www.oldcrowcafe.ca
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Art: see it! Love it! Take it home! On Saturday at Street Art, Gabriola artists and artisans will delight your senses, tickle your fancies and soothe your soul with their fantastic creations at this favourite summer art and craft event. More than 50 artists will be on hand at this lively artisan avenue, featuring an eclectic selection of quality one-of-a-kind treasures. On Sunday, meet the Whos of Gabeville at Street Fair. Many of the artists will be back, alongside Gabriola community and nonprofit organizations—you’ll find all types of made/grown-onGabriola products. Watch for group demonstrations throughout the day! It’s as much fun as you’ll ever have on the street!
Saturday + Sunday | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | @ Lockinvar Lane
Tickle Your Funny Bone Storytime at the Gabriola Library Join other families with youngsters for a special storytime celebrating our favourite funny storybooks! Interactive songs, rhymes and stories designed especially for playful and active children. Stay after Storytime for crafts and activities that connect kids to the stories they’ve just heard!
Saturday | 11:00 am - 12 noon | @ the Gabriola Public Library | Free!
Puppetry Workshop Join the critically-acclaimed SNAFU theatre company after their show Little Orange Man for a fun 30-minute puppetry workshop! All ages welcome.
Saturday | 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm | @ Antony Holland Mainstage | Free!
fresh food.
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great drinks. local culture .
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Roving Performers Musicians, jugglers, dancers, stilt walkers, acrobats and more! All manner of performers will be on hand in the Hub, ready to entertain you while you linger in line, hang out in the Hub or sip a drink at The Rabbit Hole. This year, the Outdoor Stage has been made mobile, with enchanting and mesmerizing Roving Performers on hand to keep things lively.
BEGGAR’S DRUM ★ ARLENE CARSON ★ ★ FRASER GABBOT ★ JAKE GALBRAITH ★ PAUL GELLMAN ★ ★ GROWLS WILDLIFE PUPPET SHOW ★ TIM HARRISON ★ ★ EMMA HOOTON ★ ALISON HUMPHRIES ★ ★ THE KEN CAPON MEMORIAL MARCHING BAND ★ THE LUNATICS ★ ★ HEATHER MACLEOD ★ ESTHER MONCREIFF ★ ★ DRUMBEGGAR BORDER MORRIS ★ NOW CLOWNS ★ BARRY PERRIN ★ ★ EDEN POTHIER ★ GWEN SPINKS ★ MARG SUTTON ★ ★ VESTA ENTERTAINMENT ★ VOODOO DAVE ★ ...and so many more! ★
The Rabbit Hole Disappear down The Rabbit Hole in the Festival Hub and enjoy a refreshment—before the show, after the show, or in between shows. But beware! The Rabbit Hole will be closed during performances. Make sure you get out on time — or you might never leave…
Open evenings, before and after mainstage shows | @ the Festival Hub
HOME BUILDING CENTRE
Introduction to Memoir from Bestselling Author Alison Wearing This two-hour workshop will explore the tasks and challenges inherent in transforming personal stories into a literary work. Participants can expect lively discussions, take-home writing exercises, reading recommendations, plenty of good humour and the inspiration to run home and get writing. Email tickets@artsgabriola.ca to register. Alison Wearing’s first book was the internationally acclaimed travel memoir Honeymoon in Purdah: an Iranian journey. Her most recent work, Confessions of a Fairy’s Daughter, was shortlisted for the Edna Staebler Award for Creative Nonfiction, nominated for the RBC Taylor Prize for Non-Fiction, and was selected as one of Indigo’s Top 50 Books of 2013. Don’t miss Alison’s show, Confessions of a Fairy’s Daughter Saturday night!
Sunday | 10:00 am - 12 noon | WI Hall | $15
Raffle The raffle is here again! It’s your chance to win-win-win! That’s right, join the fun. Big prizes and more ways to support the arts on Gabriola. There will be three draws, one before each evening mainstage show. Your ticket will stay in the bucket, so make sure to buy one early to have more chances to win. Get your tickets at the ticket booth or from our roving volunteers!
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HOURS MON 7:30 - 5pm TUE 7:30 - 5pm WED 7:30 - 5pm THU 7:30 - 5pm FRI 7:30 - 5pm SAT 8:30 - 5pm SUN closed
Gabriola’s lumber yard, building supply and hardware store. Also serving Mudge and local Gulf Islands. Tool rentals and delivery available. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Family owned and operated since 1986.
785 ROSS WAY, GABRIOLA, BC V0R 1X0 TEL: (250) 247-8157 FAX: (250) 247-8158
info@arbutusbuildingsupplies.com artsgabriola.ca
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Friday, August 14 @ 2:30 pm
Giant Invisible Robot Russel is a terminally shy young man who’s had one imaginary friend all his life. Unfortunately, that imaginary friend is a Giant Invisible Robot programmed to destroy. Join Russel as he attempts to find love, bury the past and prevent his Giant Robot from destroying Earth’s cities one by one. “ McDonald is a manic chameleon capable of making us howl with laughter one second, and well up with tears the next … Believe the hype: This is one invisible robot that deserves to be seen.” —Winnipeg Sun “ ... thank God for shows like Giant Invisible Robot … I won’t give away the brilliant ending, but I found the emotional heart of McDonald’s entirely imaginary story more moving than the real tales I’d heard elsewhere.” —Seattle Weekly
Stars and Hearts | Directed by Scott Holden | Written and performed by Jayson McDonald (Vancouver, BC) Rated: PG (adult themes) | Length: 50 minutes, no intermission
“Simply put this is one of the best solo shows —hell it’s one of the best pieces of theatre— that I have seen in a long, long time. As close to a perfect show as one can get …” — Plank Magazine
“ Wow, Giant Invisible Robot. Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like this before … McDonald nails it, fully and completely. He leaps between characters, throws himself headfirst into every line he delivers, and fearlessly sells every preposterous scene. It’s a treat for the imagination.” —Edmonton Journal Winner of: The Georgia Straight Critics’ Choice Award (Vancouver Fringe 2011) * Edmonton Fringe Artists’ Choice Award (Edmonton Fringe 2011) * Edmonton Fringe Holdover (Edmonton Fringe 2011) * Best of Fest (Winnipeg Fringe 2011) * Best Male Performer, Innovation Award (Victoria Fringe 2007) * Best Original Work (Ottawa Fringe 2007) * Best Original Script (London Brickenden Awards 2006) Jayson McDonald is the creator of The Boneyard Man, a radio-noir parody. He is a three-time recipient of The Georgia Straight Critics Choice Award and a two-time recipient of The Edmonton Fringe’s Artists Choice Award. His work has been featured at The Cultch, The Tremors Festival, iDiom Theater, UNO Fest, Zoofest, Toronto Sketch Fest, New York’s Working Actors Theatre, Port Stanley Festival Theatre and Seattle’s Solo Performance Festival.
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Friday, August 14 @ 7:00 pm
Tomboy Survival Guide
Written by Ivan Coyote | Performed by Ivan Coyote, Alison Gorman, Pebbles Willekes and Sally Zori (Vancouver, BC) Rated: pg (adult themes) | Length: 95 minutes, includes intermission Tomboy Survival Guide is part anthem, part campfire story and part instructions for the dismantling of the gender stories we tell ourselves and each other. Writer and storyteller Ivan Coyote and an all-tomboy band invite the audience to join them as they navigate the narrow halls of public washrooms, skirt the treachery of growing up under the threat of being picked to be a flower girl at their aunt’s wedding, triumph over tying a double Windsor knot and discover the power and beauty in realizing they were handsome all along.
“Distinctive and persuasive voice, a flawless sense of pacing, and an impeccable sense of story.” — Quills Magazine
Tomboy Survival Guide is the music- and story-driven collaboration of award-winning writer and storyteller Ivan Coyote, the hummingbird high-energied drummer and percussionist Sally Zori, the mellifluous baselines of Pebbles Willekes and the subtle and graceful tinkerings of trumpet player Alison Gorman. Blending story, lyric, music, soundscape, memory and maybe even the odd elementary-school photograph, Tomboy Survival Guide is a stage experience that defies gender and genre boxes with the same compassionate defiance and fearless and tender truth-telling that Ivan Coyote has been bringing to their work for nearly two decades of publishing and performing. “ Coyote is to CanLit what k.d. lang is to country music: a beautifully odd fixture.” —Ottawa Xpress “ Ivan E. Coyote is a truly talented writer and her storytelling never ceases to amaze. Highly recommended.” —CM Magazine “ … this show offered a fresh take … Coyote praises the butches and tough broads who first taught them how a person might create their own unique identity and find a comfortable way to live. From fastball players who take no prisoners to beautiful Nanaimo girls who don’t care what the boys think, tomboys are shown in all their glory.” —Geist Magazine “ The effortless ebb and flow of Coyote’s lucid prose distinguish her as a robust storyteller, unafraid to expose and delve into her characters’ personal demons and life struggles.” —Bay Area Reporter
the haven Discover the art of living well, together www.haven.ca 250 247 9211 info@haven.ca 14
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Programs in self-responsible, relational living for individuals, couples, children, teens & families
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Friday, August 14 @ 9:30 pm
The Sama Kutra
Sizzle & Spark | Directed by Michael Kennard | Written and Performed by J. Tomlinson and J. Russell (Calgary, AB) Rated: 18+ (Adult Themes) | Length: 60 minutes, no intermission | Warning: Non-Toxic Fog
After endless years of marriage, Spark and Sizzle Fandango are desperate to infuse some passion into their wilting relationship. Lost, afraid and confused, they blunder their way through a night of ridiculous erotic antics and kinky desires. Can the secrets of the ancient Sama Kutra save their marriage? ★★★★ “A comedy treat.” —Calgary Herald “ A run for the title of ‘the best sex ever’ show.” —Calgary Sun “ Strip away the red noses, makeup and outlandish theatrics, and The Sama Kutra is a relatable look at the dynamics of a relationship: the good, the bad, the downright awkward and everything in between.” —Vue Weekly “ Both are gifted at clowning, a begrudging admission from someone repulsed by both Ringling Bros. representatives and Juggalos. Extra half star added for excellent use of Barry White songs.” —Edmonton Journal Best of Fest —Calgary Fringe Jed Tomlinson and Jacqueline Russell came together in 2013, united by a shared passion for clown and a desire to produce socially charged work. Both have trained extensively with John Turner, Michael Kennard and Karen Hines of Mump and Smoot fame. The Sama Kutra has been relished by critics and audiences alike, throughout Western Canada. Keep an eye out for the sequel due in 2016! www.sizzlespark.com
SheilaNORGATE .com painter/performer
studio no.41
1156 suzanne ave
gabriola
250.247.7308
dont miss her seriously dont all NEW all new show: show: Funny g rl
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★★★★★ “A sexy, naughty, wild and hilarious ride.” — Calgary is Awesome artsgabriola.ca
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Saturday, August 15 @ 12:30 pm
Little Orange Man “A true pleasure that I would recommend to anyone who has become a little too familiar with reality.” — Charlebois Post
SNAFU | Directed by Kathleen Greenfield | Written by Kathleen Greenfield and Ingrid Hansen | Performed by Ingrid Hansen (Victoria, BC) Rated: G (Family Friendly) | Length: 75 mins, no intermission Prepare yourself for Kitt the Kinder-Whisperer! She’s a high-octane Danish girl whose greatest delight comes from reenacting her grandfather’s grisly folk tales for young neighbourhood children. Witness this outcast child enlist a group of strangers to help fight her darkest battle. In Kitt’s world, stories come from everywhere: suitcases, shadow puppets, songs and the bits of leftover food she saved from lunch. There is light and darkness. Humour and pathos. English and Danish. Attention Deficit Disorder. It’s an experience rated E for Everyone, which critics have said is “like something you would expect to see in a Wes Andersen film.” “ Unbelievably funny.” —PLANK Magazine “ Remarkable feats of puppetry.” —CBC |
“A must see.” —Monday Magazine
“ Half the time I was bawling, the other half I was laughing out loud. Hansen’s manipulation of found object puppets—many of which are made of food—is so lifelike that you find it hard to believe they aren’t alive.” —The Craig Review “ Visually stunning, superbly performed and incredibly inventive ... At once haunting and hilarious, Little Orange Man offers both heart and thought. An enchanting, fantastical theatre dream.” —CVV Magazine SNAFU has toured Little Orange Man to sold-out houses in Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Victoria and Vancouver, winning seven different awards including Most Outstanding Overall Production in Ottawa and Montreal. SNAFU also performs in fields, washrooms, warehouses, public parks, bike trails, schools and prisons. Behind bars, SNAFU creates shows with the inmates at William Head Prison, where Ingrid is known as “the 100 lb. giggling torturer.” BC-born, Viking by blood, Ingrid Hansen is fueled by a love for talking with strangers. Besides playing with her food, Ingrid trained in puppetry with Fraggle Rock/Sesame Street puppeteer Tim Gosley. Ingrid puppeteers on the TV show Tiga Talk! on APTN. www.snafudance.com | @snafudance
Don’t miss the FREE 30-minute family friendly puppet workshop after the show!
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Saturday, August 15 @ 7:00 pm
The Amish Project
Bleeding Heart Theatre | Directed by Evan Frayne | Written by Jessica Dickey | Performed by Susie Coodin (Vancouver, BC) Rated: 14+ (adult themes) | Length: 65 minutes, no intermission | Warning: Loud Gunshots
A stirring tribute to the strength of community and the power of forgiveness. Praised by The New York Times as “extraordinary,” The Amish Project is a devastating and beautiful one-woman performance that compels us to question the paths we take at the crossroads of grief, rage and clemency. Inspired by the 2006 school shootings in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, this fictional account of a real-life tragedy allows us to glimpse into the world of Amish culture, and to come to grips with the true limits of compassion and forgiveness. Bleeding Heart Theatre Reviews: “ Such a play requires immense sensitivity on the part of the director and performers; they must find a delicate balance in the story’s telling lest their own opinions and beliefs colour the work. Director Evan Frayne does an excellent job in this regard, leading his cast to performances fully guided by the characters’ desires and goals, avoiding any trace of preaching.” —Brian Paterson, Linda Murray PR (Mother Teresa is Dead)
“Extraordinary” —The New York Times
“ I am giving the show a big thumbs-up. Intelligent folk looking for a challenging night out will obtain, in my opinion, much more than their money’s worth.” —Vancouverscape Bleeding Heart Theatre is a project-based company that exists to produce plays that address socially-relevant issues and ideas that are pertinent to our community. They strive to continually explore collaborative processes, ensemble performance and compassionate practices. Bleeding Heart has produced four plays, including an adaptation of an existing work (The Verona Project), a Canadian premiere (Mother Teresa is Dead) and one world premiere (Alpha). Bleeding Heart has been nominated for three Jessie Richardson theatre awards. www.bleedinghearttheatre.com
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Saturday, August 15 @ 9:00 pm
Confessions of a Fairy’s
Daughter
Directed by Stuart Cox | Written and performed by Alison Wearing (Stratford, ON) Rated: PG (adult themes) | Length: 70 minutes, no intermission Deftly woven through music and imagery, Confessions of a Fairy’s Daughter tells the story of growing up with a gay father in the 1980s, a time of confusion and disbelief, puff pastry and opera, bath house raids, scandal and celebration. Balancing intimacy, history and downright hilarity, this is both a frolicking romp of a story and a moving portrait of family life: deliciously imperfect, riotously challenging and full of life’s great lessons in love. Based on Alison Wearing’s bestselling memoir, this show is winning awards and hearts across the country and off-Broadway. ★★★★★ “… an extraordinarily moving story, well-crafted and compassionately told. See it now before it sells out.” —CBC Manitoba ★★★★★ “Occasionally one encounters a Fringe Festival production that succeeds absolutely. Confessions of a Fairy’s Daughter is such a show.” —Victoria Times Colonist ★★★★ “Almost every sentence has a ticklish wordplay or phonic treat that makes listening a pleasure. Combined with her presence on stage, Confessions is great storytelling. Grab your tickets early; they’ll be in hot demand.” —Winnipeg Free Press Alison Wearing’s first book was the internationally acclaimed travel memoir Honeymoon in Purdah: An Iranian Journey. Since then, she has devoted herself to the performing arts, singing, dancing and acting her way across North America. Her most recent memoir Confessions of a Fairy’s Daughter was nominated for the RBC Taylor Prize for Non-Fiction, shortlisted for the Edna Staebler Award for Creative Non-Fiction and selected as an Indigo Top 50 Books of 2013. She lives in Stratford, Ontario.
Don’t miss Alison Wearing’s memoir-writing workshop on Sunday! See page 10 for more info.
www.alisonwearing.com
★★★★★ “This show is a five-star work of heart.” — CVV Magazine 22
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Sunday, August 16 @ 2:30 pm
A-Grade
star star theatre | Directed by Mika Laulainen | Written by Andy Garland | Performed by Theo Budd, Mika Laulainen, Adele Noronha and Zac Scott (Vancouver, BC) Rated: PG (Language) | Length: 60 mins, no intermission
What if everything—and everyone—was owned by someone else? A hundred years from now, governments as we know them have ceased to exist. Nationalities and religions have faded into obscurity and every culture has been commercialized. Every single thing on Earth, from every scrap of land to the last piece Mozart ever wrote, is owned by a corporation or conglomerate. Every human being is an employee—or a tradeable commodity—from birth. Even your spouse is carefully selected and shipped to you by Human Resources. But what happens when there’s a misshipment? Murray, a “B-minus”, has applied to the company for a wife. When a fugitive A-Grade arrives in place of the average wife he had been assigned, Murray is forced to make a choice between the company that raised him and the love he never expected. “ I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the Opening of star star theatre company’s A-Grade. What a great show. Hilarious and touching performance by Theo Budd! Congrats Mika Laulainen and Chris Adams on your work. Amazing! Go see this show!!” —Matthew Fedorowicz, Two Monkeys Productions “ A-Grade by Andy Garland is like George Orwell’s 1984 meets The Fifth Element. The story takes place in a world where everyone is designated into ‘grades’ based on their overall worth to ‘the company’.“ —Lisa Sugiyama, YVArts Established in 2013, star star theatre is committed to creating relevant theatre with a social purpose and a professional practice. star star theatre is dedicated to the creation, development and presentation of plays that explore human connection at a personal as well as at a global level. The company strives to create a professional environment, paid opportunities for emerging artists and truthful, innovative work inspiring action over inaction. www.starstartheatre.wordpress.com | @starstartheatre
“A-Grade by Andy Garland is like George Orwell’s 1984 meets The Fifth Element ...” — YVArts 24
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Sunday, August 16 @ 7:00 pm
Seriously Funny Girl “Witnessing her performance is a privilege and a pleasure.” — Shelagh Rogers, CBC
Ladies Institute Productions | Written and Performed by Sheila Norgate (Gabriola Island, BC) Rated: PG (adult themes) | Length: 60 minutes, no intermission | Warning: may contain feminism In the 1950s when most Canadians were basking in post-war euphoria, Sheila Norgate’s east-end Toronto family was headed up by two shell-shocked veterans trying to eke out a semblance of normalcy on the dark side of the moon. Somewhere in there, Norgate heard the expression, “all the world loves a clown”—a turn of phrase that would set the course of her life. Seriously Funny Girl traces Norgate’s flight path from class clown to banker, from painter to performer, through depression and out the other side, proving to all concerned and especially to herself, that she who laughs, lasts. Reviews for Sheila Norgate: “ Sheila Norgate’s performance at BOLDFest was a banner event for our conference … Sheila rocked a packed crowd.” —BOLD conference organizers “ Fascinating and beautiful, unsentimental and tremendously brave.” —Hilary Peach, founder of the Poetry Gabriola Society Sheila Norgate is a canine-crazy, Freud-bashing, TEDx-talking painter, writer and second-wave feminist (please don’t mention “post-feminism” unless you are putting one in the mail), who loves what she does and does what she loves. She makes her home on Gabriola Island where she practices letting go and letting dog. www.sheilanorgate.com
Specializing in Ladies’ cuts and colours • Men’s barbering Great selection of products for all your styling needs 10% off products with a service
WALK-INS WELCOME Tues-Fri 10am-6pm • Saturdays 10am-5pm (250)325-9887
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Twin Beaches Mall
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VISITOR SURVEY Gabriola Theatre Festival 2015 Is this your first time at the Festival? YES NO How many in your party? Where do you live? How did you hear about the Festival? Where did you pick up your Festival guide? Did you refer to our website while making your plans? YES NO Did you find the website helpful? YES NO somewhat Did you make any purchases from Street Art! Street Fair!? YES NO
Why did you come to the Gabriola Theatre Festival?
MORE THAN
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VICTORIA
What was your overall experience with the Gabriola Theatre Festival?
SHOWS
from around
THE GLOBE!
Are there changes or improvements you would like to see?
Would you like to receive Gabriola Arts Council’s e-newsletter? YES NO
COMEDY DRAMA MUSIC DANCE & MORE
FESTIVAL
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 6 28
theatre festival 2015
VICTORIAFRINGE.COM
Your name: Your email:
We appreciate your feedback. Thank you for participating! Additional comments can be emailed to info@artsgabriola.ca Please return this form to the ticket booth or drop in the WI Hall slot box. It can also be mailed to: P.O. Box 387, Gabriola, BC V0R 1X0
artsgabriola.ca
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The Gabriola Arts Council Thanks:
Become a Member of the Gabriola Arts Council! Your membership in the Gabriola Arts Council supports the arts on Gabriola Island, and includes a regular newsletter of events and items of interest to any lover of the arts. You’ll be the first to hear about events, ticket sales and art happenings on Gabriola. We welcome and encourage the input and participation of all members in our decision-making process and in planning our annual calendar of events. At only $10 per year, a GAC membership is the most creative investment you’ll make this year!
Thank you to Folklife Village and Village Food Market for their continued support of the Gabriola Arts Council and our programs. Thanks to all of the local businesses and organizations that support this festival. We extend a huge thank you to our volunteers and coordinators! We could not do it without you! Coordinators: Amy Block, Vicky Bowes, Robbie Depries, Lynn van Herwaarden, Gary Holmes, Teresa Ritteman, Barb Russell, Jim Wilson-Storey Festival Coordinator: Alina Cerminara Brochure Designer: Tim Gambrill
Name:
Festival Director: Jim Wilson-Storey GAC Executive Director: Michelle Benjamin
The Gabriola Arts Council would like to acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia
Address: Postal Code: Phone: Email: I would like to purchase:
Membership for $10 – valid from 1 July to 30 June
This is a renewal
One-year Creative Directory listing for $25
This is a renewal
I would like to make a donation of $ _________________ to the Gabriola Arts Council
I would like to volunteer for the Arts Council.
GABRIOLA LIONS CLUB
Please return your completed form with payment by mail to the address below, or drop it off at the WI Hall (476 South Rd). You can also sign up online at www.artsgabriola.ca info@artsgabriola.ca | (250) 247-7409 | P.O. Box 387, Gabriola Island, BC V0R 1X0
Supporting the Arts on Gabriola Island
Would you like to leave a creative legacy for the arts in our community? A donation to the Gabriola Arts Council supports existing programs and the development of new projects that make a contribution to the arts—and to individual and community well-being—on Gabriola Island. Planning ahead? Please think about supporting the arts as you prepare your long-term finances and manage your estate. The Healing Power of Art Program was created through a generous bequest from Kitty J. Heller, who cherished Gabriola and the arts, and made plans to honour both after she was gone. We’d love to talk about your ideas and wishes, and about how your donation will be managed.
You can donate any amount at any time—the Gabriola Arts Council is a registered charity and will issue a tax receipt for all donations. Donations can be made online through our website, via CanadaHelps.org or directly through our office. For more info contact Michelle at (250) 247-7409 or michelle@artsgabriola.ca
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theatre festival 2015
Mon to Sat, 8am-8pm Sunday 10am-7pm
Gabriola’s FULL SERVICE Food Market You’ll find all four food groups and then some!
Wondering what’s on sale? Look at our in-store flyer or check out our website for the latest specials!
www.villagefoodmarket.ca Folklife Village Plaza
Gabriola Island, B.C.
Phone 250-247-8755 artsgabriola.ca
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Festival at a Glance
Thursday, August 13 7:00 pm
White Rabbit Launch Cabaret
Festival Hub
Friday, August 14 1:00 pm 2:30 pm 5:30 pm 7:00 pm 9:30 pm 10:30 pm
Opening Ceremonies Giant Invisible Robot A Fashionable Tale Fashion Show Tomboy Survival Guide The Sama Kutra The Rabbit Hole Curtain Club
Festival Hub A. Holland Mainstage Festival Hub A. Holland Mainstage A. Holland Mainstage Festival Hub
Saturday, August 15 9:00 am 10:00 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:30 pm 2:00 pm 7:00 pm 9:00 pm 10:00 pm
Lions Pancake Breakfast Kids Corner Street Art Storytime at the Gabriola Library Little Orange Man Puppetry Workshop The Amish Project Confessions of a Fairy’s Daughter The Rabbit Hole Curtain Club
Festival Hub Festival Hub Lockinvar Lane Gabriola Library A. Holland Mainstage A. Holland Mainstage A. Holland Mainstage A. Holland Mainstage Festival Hub
Sunday, August 16 9:00 am 10:00 am 10:00 am 10:00 am 11:30 am 2:30 pm 7:00 pm
Lions Pancake Breakfast Kids Corner Intro to Memoir w/ Alison Wearing Street Fair GROWLS Wildlife Puppet Show A-Grade Seriously Funny Girl
Festival Hub Festival Hub WI Hall Lockinvar Lane Festival Hub A. Holland Mainstage A. Holland Mainstage
... The End “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” —A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh
Theatre Festival 2015
August 13 – 16