parker – Page 11 – Firehall Arts Centre

Hirsch and CBC Drama

Posted: Feb 19 2014

This month at the Firehall, we have the privilege of presenting HIRSCH, a show about Canadian theatre legend John Hirsch (1930 – 1989). This one-man play starring Toronto’s Alon Nashman and directed by Paul Thompson is truly an ode to Canadian theatre and Hungarian refugee Hirsch’s prolific theatrical achievements. In the lead up to the show (runs Feb 25 – Mar 1), we celebrate his legacy, talking to a series of Canadian theatre makers about how they have stood on the shoulders of this theatre giant.

Stuart Aikins on Hirsch

It was the early 70’s and I had returned from Temple University with a brand new Masters in Directing, looking to storm the Canadian theatre scene in Toronto. All I could find was small work at Studio Lab Theatre working on Dionysus in ’69. I had heard about John Hirsch out of Winnipeg taking over the CBC Drama Department so I sent him a note asking for an interview. His right hand at the time, Murielle Sharron, sent me a reply and I talked to both of them. In retrospect, I was a complete unknown and they took a meeting. Must have been the 70’s as that never happens today. John was very gracious and knew everyone I had worked with in the US and was most interested in my experience running Williamstown Summer Theatre School, a summer rep that often acted as a jumping-off point for many off Broadway ventures, run by Nikos Psacharopoulos.

John recognized the need to develop Canadian Artistic Directors in TV drama as much of the work was being brought in from England. Those were the days we did live studio dramas with multiple cameras. He asked me to help develop a training program for those Canadian directors much like National Playwrights Conference at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. I suggested we contact Lloyd Richards who ran it and he was happy to come up and help set up such a program in Toronto. John always knew there was plenty of training in the technical side of TV drama but none in the dramatic side so Lloyd and I began our work. John also saw that classic plays done in a studio were not the future of TV drama so he brought in Ralph Thomas to create the then-never-heard-of Movie of the Week. We took local stories from the newspaper and developed them into scripts that aired in a 90 minute slot. I think it changed the landscape of TV drama across North America.

John was always a visionary and brought the richness of his theatre experience into a new visual age and without his expertise and understanding, there would have never been a successful CBC Drama division. Also, I cannot imaging where I would be today after 35 years as a Casting Director, if it wasn’t for John and Murielle taking a chance on a young 23 year old.

Stuart Aikins
Chair, School of Performing Arts
Capilano University

Hirsch is on at the Firehall Arts Centre Feb 25 – Mar 1. Tickets are $15-30 and can be purchased online or by phone (604-689-0926).

Hirsch’s Gift To Future Generations of Directors

Posted: Feb 17 2014

Hirsch’s Gift To Future Generations of Directors

I never met John Hirsch or saw any of his plays. I’m also convinced that the Canadian theatre community does a pretty poor job of chronicling, learning and respecting our own history, even though it is fabulous and full of amazing stories and individuals. So I first found out about John Hirsch when I was a much younger director, though the Canada Council’s John Hirsch Prize. On his death in 1989, John Hirsch left a bequest to the Canada Council for the Arts to assist and encourage Canadian directors. The John Hirsch Prize is a tribute to the extraordinary contribution Mr. Hirsch made to theatre in Canada, most notably as founder of the Manitoba Theatre Centre, head of television drama for the CBC and artistic director of the Stratford Festival. The Prize was created in 1995 to recognize new and developing theatre directors who have demonstrated great potential for future excellence and exciting artistic vision. Two $6,000 prizes are awarded every two years, one for each of the Anglophone and Francophone theatre communities. You can find out more about it here.

The Ontario Arts Council also has a similar program – The John Hirsch Director’s Award.

In 2012 Toronto director Christopher Morris won the Canada Council John Hirsch Prize. Those that saw Touchstone Theatre’s co-presentation of Night at the PuSh Festival will know Morris’ work and his daring investigation of uncharted communities and issues. Finding out about Hirsch through the legacy of this Prize has forever connected his name with the cause of young directors in Canada, and with the many brilliant artists who have been recognized and encouraged by the award.

Katrina Dunn, Touchstone Theatre

Alon Nashman next to the statue of John Hirsch in front of the Manitoba Theatre Centre, image: Winnipeg Free Press

Creator of Hirsch, Alon Nashman, agrees with Katrina that many young directors who are awarded the John Hirsch Prize are unaware of his legacy. He recently told the Winnipeg Free Press: “Unfortunately, in Canada there is an amnesia,” says Nashman, “We don’t acknowledge our heroes. Many people who are up for his award don’t know who he is and what he did.” (read full article here).

Hopefully this play will help change that! Get a sneak peek of Hirsch with Touchstone Theatre’s short preview video below. Hirsch is on at the Firehall Arts Centre Feb 25 – Mar 1. Tickets are $15-30 and can be purchased online or by phone (604-689-0926).

HIRSCH PREVIEW VIDEO

BC Buds Spring Arts Festival

Posted: Feb 03 2014

The Firehall Arts Centre’s BC Buds Spring Arts Festival returns for another jam-packed year. Over thirty different music, theatre, dance, interdisciplinary artists and everything in between 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 live site-specific performances from emerging and established BC artists. This year’s BC Buds explores the theme of Myth, Magic & Mystery.

All performances are by donation. All ages.

Full line up will be posted by mid April.

*ARTIST applications for BC Buds from Performing Arts are now closed.

**VISUAL artist applications are now open (deadline is April 4, 2014). See the infosheet for more details: BC BUDS 2014 VisualArt Application

Top Kids in the Hall moments with Bruce McCulloch

Posted: Jan 24 2014

Comedy legend Bruce McCulloch is visiting the Firehall next week with his new live show, Young Drunk Punk. In honour of his Kids in the Hall legacy, we present the Firehall staff’s favourite KITH characters featuring Bruce for your enjoyment.

The Eradicator

“Well, when it comes to favourite Bruce McCulloch moments, it’s hard to narrow it down – Cabbage Head is hysterical, and as a kid I thought The Daves I Know was hilarious. He played this squash player on KITH that called himself “The Eradicator” that was a total riot. As well, he was great in Arrested Development (if you haven’t watched him in Season 4, stop what you’re doing and watch it right now). AND most people forget he directed the music video for The Tragically Hip’s Music At Work, which was a massive hit (I’m a big Hip fan).” – Nick, Box Office

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFO1O020uyw

Cabbagehead

The Daves I Know

Bobby Terrance

“I love this character because he is the epitome of every guy I went to high school with!” – Barbara, Admin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9YJYcaKknc

Convenience Store

“I’m a huge fan of Kevin Smith’s Clerks and love the shenanigans that Bruce’s weirdo convenience store clerk gets up to on night shift. Plus, his boss’ non-plussed reaction to it all is pure brilliance.” – Sammie, Marketing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTjqz6sc9GA

What’s your favourite Bruce moment or character? Let us know in the comments below!

Bruce McCulloch will be performing live at the Firehall with his new show Young Drunk Punk from Tues Jan 28 – Sat Jan 1. If you are a big Brucio fan, he’ll also be doing a post-show talkback on Thursday Jan 30. Tickets are nearly sold out for some performances, so make sure you book in advance online or call our box office on 604-689-0926. If you are trying to book online for Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, these shows are extremely busy, so it’s best to call our box office ( 604-689-0926) to find out seating availability first.

Dr Gabor Maté Talkbacks

Posted: Jan 13 2014

As part of TJ Dawe’s solo show MEDICINE, we are excited to announce that the Firehall will be hosting a series of free talkbacks with Dr. Gabor Maté following select performances. TJ Dawe’s Medicine is the funny, at times heartbreaking and enlightening story of the playwright’s experience on an ayahuasca retreat led by Dr. Maté. >>Read more.

Shows on the following dates will include special post-show discussions with TJ Dawe & Gabor Maté:

Jan 14, 15, 17 8PM | Wed Jan 15 1PM | Tues Jan 21 8PM | Dates subject to change

ABOUT Gabor Maté

A renowned speaker, and bestselling author, Dr. Gabor Maté is highly sought after for his expertise on a range of topics including addiction, stress and childhood development. He is the author of several books, including the award-winning In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts. A documentary about Gabor Maté’s therapeutic use of ayahuasca aired on CBC’s The Nature of Things in November 2011. drgabormate.com

Masterclasses with Peggy Baker

Posted: Dec 02 2013

January 6 – 10, 2014 | 10am – noon daily.

We are excited to announce we will be hosting dance technique classes with Canadian dance icon Peggy Baker at the Firehall Studio in the lead up to her show coalesce & armour. Attend one day or get a discount pass to attend all five! Space is extremely limited as class sizes are very small.

$50 5-Day Pass (only 20 passes for sale) | $12/$15 per day (CADA members / Regular).

REGISTER NOW! Call 604-689-0926 to register or BUY A 5-Day PASS online now.

QUESTIONS? Email or call our Box Office: 604-689-0926.

Peggy Baker brings the richness, depth, and immediacy of her physical practice into play in a class driven by dynamism and musicality, and focused on the expressive and kinetic potential of our bodies. The work unfolds fluidly, and with refreshing shifts of focus, through a wide range of vivid and invigorating movement explorations that address essential issues of impulse and action. Fundamental to her material and methods are the influence of neuro-muscular specialist Irene Dowd, teacher Christine Wright, and choreographers James Kudelka, Molissa Fenley, Paul-Andre Fortier, Lar Lubovitch, Mark Morris, Tere O’Connor, and Doug Varone. Ms Baker is artist-in-residence at Canada’s National Ballet School and artistic director of Peggy Baker Dance Projects, established in 1990.

Firehall Holiday Party & AGM

Posted: Nov 21 2013

WHEN: Monday December 9, doors at 6:30pm | AGM at 7pm

WHERE: Firehall Arts Centre, 280 E. Cordova

WHAT: Firehall Holiday Party & Annual General Meeting

RSVP: To boxoffice@firehallartscentre.ca | 604-689-0926

JOIN US!

We invite you join us for a good old fashioned Holiday Party to celebrate another successful year for the Firehall Arts Centre and get into the festive spirit with some seasonal refreshments and hors d’œuvre. We will kick off proceedings with our AGM at 7pm sharp followed by a party!

All members have voting rights at the AGM – if you need to join or renew, you can do so in person at the door (membership is just $10).

What are you waiting for? Get on your party shoes and come on down to the Firehall!

RSVP by emailing Nick in our Box Office – boxoffice@firehallartscentre.ca or calling 604-689-0926.

Notice of Annual General Meeting for The Firehall Theatre Society

Notice is hereby given of the 2013 Annual General Meeting of the

Firehall Theatre Society.

WHEN: Monday December 9, 7pm

WHERE: Firehall Arts Centre, 280 E. Cordova

WHAT: Firehall Theatre Society Annual General Meeting

Observing Remembrance Day: An interview with Sarah Rodgers

Posted: Nov 08 2013

'Wait for me, daddy' by Claud Detloff. New Westminster, 1940. — ‘Wait for me, daddy’ by Claud Detloff. New Westminster, 1940.

As Remembrance Day nears, here at the Firehall, we have been giving a great deal of thought to not just remembering the sacrifice of Canadian peacekeepers and soldiers, but also on some level understanding the impact of war on those who return and their families. With over 80,000 veterans in Canada, People Like Us, the new Firehall production, tells the story of just one veteran, but the issues it raises about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, illness and getting benefits are battles many returning veterans face.

Director Sarah Rodgers has been working hard to bring to life this moving story of a Canadian family dealing with the human cost of the first Gulf War. She is no stranger to the impact of war – she grew up with a father who was a World War II veteran and as an artist has directed the highly successful production of Billy Bishop Goes To War.

Her father Denis Rogers, who is now 90 years old, served in World War II as an engineer for the British Army working on the Lancaster Airplanes based in Rome. He, like many others, saw the planes fly off and not return, losing many friends and fighter pilots. “Like many vets from the World Wars he did not speak of his time there,” says Rogers.

Sarah's father Denis Rodgers — Sarah’s father Denis Rodgers

She was attracted to working on People Like Us because of the issues around veterans in Canada today that it raises. “I found it an utterly compelling story and a dreadful secret that needed to be exposed. I hope that people realise veterans need our support not just from the First and Second World Wars but from more modern wars,” remarks Rodgers.

Rogers likes to observe Remembrance Day by reading the Rudyard Kipling play ‘My Boy Jack‘ out loud to casts if in rehearsal or to her family. “It is a stunning poem by Rudyard Kipling who had to work very hard to get his son into the First World War as he had poor eyesight and was refused three times. Kipling basically sent him to his death.”

Here are Sarah’s suggestions for remembering the sacrifice of Canadian soldiers and veterans in the lead up to Remembrance Day:

1. Wear a poppy.

2. Read ‘My Boy Jack‘.

3. See People Like Us at the Firehall.

“This play [People Like Us] is a bracing reminder that war can be many different kinds of hell, even for people like us. LEST WE FORGET.” Jerry Wasserman, The Province

People Like Us runs til November 16. You can read more or buy tickets here. We will have poppies available in the lobby.

For more information on some of the fantastic programs in Vancouver serving Veterans, check out the Veterans Transition Network, Wounded Warriors, Veterans Emergency Transition Services and the BCIT Legion Military Skills Conversion Program. We also highly recommend BC filmmaker Judy Jackson’s War In the Mind, a documentary about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Meet Sandi Johnson: ‘People Like Us’ playwright

Posted: Oct 30 2013

Sandi Johnson credit Diana Hayes

As Remembrance Day approaches, the Firehall that brings to light the hidden impact of war on returning veterans and their families with the moving and poetic new play People Like Us. We’re very proud to be premiering this important new Canadian play about a Gulf War veteran and his fiercely courageous wife, and would like to introduce you to the woman behind it – talented Salt Spring writer Sandi Johnson. Sandi is interested in imaginary work that is socially relevant. She has written two books – ‘The Comfort of Angels’ a fictional work based on her experience of working with Ojibwa Indians in northwestern Ontario and a poetry and line drawing volume ‘The Wonderful Naked Man’, both published by Beach Holme. Nicola Cavendish read People Like Us and was so taken with Sandi’s beautifully poetic writing that she recommended Donna Spencer, the Firehall’s Artistic Producer take a look at the play.

We took a moment in between rehearsals to chat with Sandi about the inspiration for writing People Like Us.

Where did you get the idea or inspiration to write People Like Us?

‘People Like Us’ was commissioned by Maggie Schubart when she was in her nineties. She had a wish list and on that list was a play that would help the cause of peace. Maggie was a social activist who came to Salt Spring with her family during the Vietnam War. She believed that change often happened through arts and culture. The story idea came from Jan Slakov, a friend of Maggie’s who knew a Canadian military policeman and his wife in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

What was it about this particular story that captivated you?

Jan Slakov and Sandi Johnson at the Firehall.

I didn’t meet this couple and the Kate Rourke character is my creation. However, I knew from Jan Slakov that this couple had stayed together after he came home sick from the Gulf. I knew that she’d cared for him and had also advocated for veterans. They suffered loss of health, intimacy, financial security, and especially loss of faith in the military. I was interested in the human qualities that kept them together.

In your research into the Gulf War and Canada’s involvement in it, what did you discover that astonished or shocked you?

There was plenty of material that disturbed me. It was an Arab conflict over oil and it could have remained an Arab conflict. I was disturbed by the flagrant destruction of Iraq, the use of depleted uranium, and especially by the murder of surrendering Iraqis and hundreds of innocent civilians on Road to Basra, also known as The Highway of Death.

Why did decide to tell the story from Gerry’s wife’s perspective?

Gerry’s health was in a downward spiral and his would have been an interior perspective. There was much more opportunity for action in telling it from Kate’s story. She stayed in the time as it was running out, attempting to keep the family together. She rebelled against the poverty and the rules. She tried to save her sensual grace through belly dance.

People_Like_Us_Sarah Louise Turner credit Emily Cooper — Sarah Louise Turner as Kate Rourke in People Like Us

Did you talk to many veterans while researching the piece? Are there any particular stories that stand out?

I didn’t talk to many veterans, but I found in Hansard veterans’ submissions to Veterans Affairs Committees. Many times, I read the story of sick veterans asking for help. I found letters, for example to Canadian Blood Services where veterans express concern regarding depleted uranium toxicity.

I heard from a Gulf War Vet by email one day because he’d read online that I’d done a script based on the 1991 Gulf War. I suggested we meet for coffee, and then he told me he was writing from Montreal. I said that Montreal was a long way to go for coffee. I’ve been in touch with another vet who’s very ill. She’s so grateful that someone’s told their story. The Gulf War vets have felt forgotten.

What message would you like audiences to take away from the show?

I’d like them to walk out of the theatre with a very brave Kate Rourke right beside them.

People Like Us previews this Saturday Nov 2, 8pm; Sunday Nov 3, 2pm; Tuesday Nov 5, 8pm; Wednesday Nov 6, 1pm (PWYC) and runs til Nov 16. Previews are all half price ($15). Click here or call 604-689-0926 to buy tickets. There will be a special panel discussion looking at the impact of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder on Nov 10 following the 2pm matinee.

Chelsea Hotel goes on tour

Posted: Oct 21 2013

Rachel Aberle, Steve Charles, Benjamin Elliott, Marlene Ginader, and Lauren Bowler. Photo by David Cooper.

“It’s written on the walls of this hotel, you go to heaven, once you’ve been to hell”
—Leonard Cohen

The Chelsea Hotel cast are checking out of Vancouver and heading off on a Western Canadian adventure that will see them perform this smash hit show in Saskatoon, Winnipeg and the Lower Mainland. We are excited to be taking this Jessie-nominated show on the road and bringing it back to Vancouver in March next year for an encore run at the Firehall.

Right now the six multi-talented cast members are tuning up their seventeen instruments, warming up their vocal chords and filling the theatre with the sounds of Leonard Cohen’s iconic music as they rehearse for the tour. It’s great to have them back!

If you have friends in any of the below cities, be sure to let them know this eclectic cabaret of loves won and lost is headed their way.

TOUR DATES

Persephone Theatre, Saskatoon: October 30 – November 17, 2013

Prairie Theatre Exchange, Winnipeg: January 23, 2014 – February 09, 2014

Lower Mainland Tour presented by the Arts Club Theatre Company

Kay Meek Centre, West Vancouver: February 18&19, 2014

Surrey Arts Centre, Surrey: February 20 – March 1, 2014

BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts, North Vancouver: March 3, 2014

Evergreen Cultural Centre, Coquitlam: March 4-8, 2014

Shadbolt Centre for the Arts: March 12 & 13, 2014

Clarke Theatre, Mission: March 14, 2014

The ACT Arts Centre & Theatre, Maple Ridge: March 15, 2014

Firehall Arts Centre, Vancouver: March 18 – 29, 2014

Author: parker