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Vol 15 No 15 | March 10–24, 2015 www.thelasource.com Francophone arts, culture and Vancouver: education expand to new audiences an eclecticelectic city by E R by E R undled up well in my win- The francophone community Bter clothes, I arrived in in British Columbia is growing, Vancouver on the April 18, 2014, with roughly 70,000 people having more or less made it whose first language is French, through a Montréal winter. almost 30,000 of whom live in Despite spring’s imminent Vancouver, according to the Fé- arrival, the thermal contrast dération des francophones de between the two cities was la Colombie-Britannique. impressive. The first thing that hit me was, quite literally, With the Journée Internationale the rain. It was a fine refresh- de la Francophonie (Internation- ing mist on my face – nothing al Francophonie Day) coming chilling. The second thing that up on the 20th, March is an im- struck me was all the green – portant month to celebrate and the green of the grass, the promote the francophone com- green of the trees, the green munity. Many events will take of the flowers and the green of place all around the world, as the plants. After four months well as in the Greater Vancou- of a uniformly white land- ver area. This is an occasion to scape all the greenery seemed show off the major actors of the unreal to me. francophone community and Staying with the green their missions throughout the theme, one of Vancouver’s year. most unheard of events was, Photo courtesy of CJFCB for me as a French woman The Britsh Columbian team during the Jeux de la Francophonie Canadienne in 2014 in Gatneau. A blend of tradition little accustomed to Canadi- and modernity all over the Lower Mainland and Many francophone cultural or- audience’s experience by dis- an ways, 4/20 or the April 20. In Metro Vancouver, franco- features artists such as La Bot- ganizations look to engage other covering a different repertoire,” While I was wandering down- phones have a network that tine Souriante, Lennie Gallant, De cultural groups. says Esther Duquette, commu- town along Robson Street, I provides a meeting place for all Temps Antan and Vishten. Théâtre la Seizième, a unique nications and administration found myself in front of the forms of expressions of the fran- “We are really satisfied. Every French-language professional director/associate artistic and Art Gallery of Vancouver in cophone culture. year we notice that the anglo- theatre group founded in 1974, managing director of Théâtre la the midst of an entrancing Fitting the cultural man- phone community shows interest creates French-language produc- Seizième. cloud of smoke that instantly date is the Festival du bois de in our culture, food and music. tions accessible to non-French André Lamontagne, a litera- relaxed anyone walking by. Maillardville, which celebrates Approximatively 55–60 per cent speakers with English subtitles. ture professor at UBC, and direc- And even under Vancouver’s French-Canadian traditions. of our audience is anglophone, “We want to expand the ac- tor of Centre de la Francophonie grey and misty skies, to see Festival du Bois is produced and this year again we consider cess to our performances like À de UBC and treasurer of La So- such a low, dense cloud is a by the Société francophone de that our mission is accomplished – toi, pour toujours, ta Marie-Lou ciété historique francophone de la curiosity. I had originally set Maillardville and is the largest all the poutine is gone!” says Jo- by Michel Tremblay, a famous Colombie-Britannique, confirms out in search of chocolates to francophone event west of the hanne Dumas, executive & artis- Quebecois playwright, rarely that students from all origins mark the Easter Sunday tra- Rockies. The festival brings to- tic director of the Société franco- performed in Vancouver. Also show interest in French studies. dition, but now found myself gether over 15,000 people from phone de Maillardville. it is important to improve our See “Francophonie” page 3 surrounded by sweets and chocolate cake of a whole other sort. 4/20 is the amaz- Also in this issue ing get-together of militants in favour of legalizing canna- bis, a celebration where both occasional and frequent users can buy and use cannabis in Educatng young girls A modern all its forms under the watch- ful eyes of the police detailed across the world approach to to the event. That year 30,000 Page 7 foral prints people gathered to create the Page 10 infamous cloud. In spite of the apparent openness of spirit of Vancou- verites, I heard many criti- See “Verbatm” page 10 h ourc Vol 15 No 15 | March 10–24, 2015
Upintheair Theatre presents rEvolver Theatre Festival May 20 - 31, 2015 @ The Cultch
Empowerment and enlightenment Upintheair Theatre presents its third annual rEvolver Theatre Festival, devoted to showcasing new works from emerging theatre artists at The Cultch (1895 Venables Street, for women in Afghanistan Vancouver) from May 20 to 31, 2015. Early-bird six show passes by R are available now for $66 (plus tax) at www.upintheairtheatre. com/buy-tickets. Single tickets will be available March 15 A society with an educated at The Cultch Box Ofce www.tickets.thecultch.com or population will find the tools 604.251.1363. and agency in itself to flour- ish. That’s the belief that moti- vates the Canadian Women for Vancouver’s premiere annual event for discovering the next Women in Afghanistan (CW- wave of new and emerging artists, the rEvolver Theatre 4WAfghan), a non-profit orga- Festival will present a series of original works from May 20 to nization, to work towards the 31, 2015. With eight main-stage productions at The Cultch, attainment of universal edu- the program features an eclectic mix of up-and-coming solo cation in Afghanistan. artists, collectives and theatre companies from Toronto, For the past 15 years, Canadi- Vancouver and Victoria. ans in the organization have dedicated themselves to en- 2015 REVOLVER FESTIVAL MAIN-STAGE PROGRAM: lightening Canadian citizens on the state of human rights in The Art of Building a Bunker**, by Adam Lazarus and Afghanistan and advocating for Guillermo Verdecchia (Toronto) the realization and implemen- tation of education as a solid Balls*, Groupe Ad Hoc and Stages Theatre Co. (Vancouver) foundation for social develop- Caws & Efect, Mind of a Snail (Victoria) ment. With over 13 chapters in the spread across the country, Double Recessive**, by Jordan Lloyd Watkins (Vancouver) CW4WAfghan’s mission in es- sence is to enlighten Canadians, Hell of a Girl, Jef Gladstone & The Bad Ideas (Vancouver) empower Afghan women and Mr Snortoose and the Machine-Children’s Machine*, by Elysse evolve the social landscape of Afghanistan. Cheadle (Vancouver) “Our experience has been that The Peaceful Sea, Theatre Elsewhere (Vancouver) it is not about Canadians being do-gooders and giving to char- The Progressive Polygamists, Pippa Mackie and Emmelia ity and/or hand outs, but about Gordon (Vancouver) working together in solidarity, as partners, with Afghans that *World Premiere defines global citizenship,” says **Western Canada Premiere Janice Eisenhaur, executive di- Photo courtesy of Lauren Oates Literacy – a tool for equal opportunites. rector of CW4WAfghan Website: A developing country’s need basic life skills as well as open www.upintheairtheatre.com/revolver-festival Universal education as for outside assistance becomes access to community libraries a tool and sustenance much less pressing if the local for academic support. These or www.revolverfestival.ca Women and men in developing population is given access to programs reinforce the CW- nations do not always receive developing mental skills and at- 4WAfghan’s mandate of “[pro- Facebook: www.facebook.com/UpintheairTheatre equal opportunity to receive taining knowledge in a variety viding] the same rights we have YouTube: www.youtube.com/UpintheairTheatre an education. Therein lies CW- of realms. Oates believes provid- in our society; to go school, to 4WAfghan’s primary mission of ing these opportunities can em- have a livelihood and to live in providing an education for girls. power the citizens of Afghani- prosperity,” Oates says. Twitter: www.twitter.com/UITATheatre Lauren Oates, program director stan to solve internal problems. of CW4WAfghan, says educa- CW4WAfghan also acts as an or or in or ation on SUPPORTED BY tion is a very deliberate central educator in terms of overturn- th organi ation, or any Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, British Columbia Arts Council, focus of the organization. ing the perceived view that sur- upco ing nts isit City of Vancouver, Province of British Columbia and The Georgia Straight “[Education’s] where we rounds Afghanistan as an in- c 4 a ghan ca start – the right to education, herently backwards country. the right to read, which opens “The public has a tendency the door to other rights. There to want to simplify the story, is now a wealth of evidence to make it all good or all bad, from research demonstrat- when the process of rebuild- ing the link between women’s ing a country is more nuanced: education and empowerment, it’s a gradual, complex process as well as the status of wom- with both good and bad co-ex- en and things like state sta- isting,” says Oates. bility and economic growth,” she says. CW4WAfghan’s work The special status that educa- In Afghanistan, the organiza- tion demands is a result of its tion runs two programs, In- compelling correlation to eco- vesting in Basic Education and nomic development. Afghanistan Reads! The for- “Research tells us that coun- mer focuses on grades 1–12 and tries will not leave behind ex- looks to provide equipment and treme poverty until they reach resources that schools are in a national literacy rate of at need of, such as textbooks and least 80 per cent,” says Oates. science labs. Afghanistan Reads! focuses conversely on the out-of-school population and aims to educate adults or girls over the age of 15 who weren’t fortunate enough to receive public education. The program offers basic literacy classes, information regarding
Founding Publisher Ofce Assistant Associate Publishers Website Coordinator h ourc shall not lia l or slight chang s Website or typographical rrors that do not l ss n th n an lac o 4 020, Art Director alu o an ad rts nt h ourc s lia ility Vancou r E1 Editor-In-Chief or oth r rrors or o issions in conn cton to any Editor (French Secton) Social Media Coordinator pu lish d ad rts nt is strictly li it d to th 204 25 ran ill t , Vancou r Deputy Editor (French Secton) Social Media r p at o th ad rts nt in utur pu licatons Principal Editorial Content Advisors or or th r und o any oni s paid or th ad r 04 2 5545 Page Editor (Espace francophone) ts nt lco appropriat , unsolicit d Email in o th lasourc co Translaton ditorial su issions i acco pani d y th au Copy Editors (English) Graphic Designer Distributon thor s r al na , addr ss and t l phon nu r Photographers h author should r tain th original as cannot Illustrator r turn su issions ithout prior agr nt, nor Writers do s su ission guarant pu licaton Copy Editors (French) or ad rtising call 04 2 5545 Vol 15 No 15 | March 10–24, 2015 h ourc Friends of Simon builds promising future for youth by R done to enhance their children’s learning capabilities. Friends of Simon, an award- At the heart of the initiative is winning Simon Fraser Univer- a group of SFU undergraduate tu- sity (SFU) faculty of education tors recruited from a wide range initiative, is committed to of faculties. They are trained building a brighter future for with care and supervised by school-aged children and teen- members of the faculty of educa- aged youth through literacy tion, who share effective teach- tutoring and mentoring in lo- ing techniques and ideas. cal communities. Tutors are assigned to various sites in the Lower Mainland, in- In 2011, the initiative received cluding community centres, local a Celebration of Community primary and secondary schools, Award by the United Way of the public libraries and housing de- Lower Mainland – a recognition velopments. that paved a prosperous path for “At its peak, Friends of Simon the project. operated at 20 different sites 10 years ago, the program was with over 80 tutors,” says Neel. designed with the intent to assist He outlines the three prin- children with challenging lives. ciples of the project: mentoring, Today, children from grades K-12 helping children with their daily Photo by Ada Chao Friends of Simon team of tutors, Fall of 2014. are offered educational sup- homework and enhancing their port after school, on weekends literacy and numeracy skills. ones doing the learning. Tutors interest in mind. They are essen- their project coordinators, who and during the summer in small Mentoring involves organiz- learn an immense amount from tially resources to each other. pass on effective learning strate- group settings or on an individu- ing workshops and activities the challenges and adversity “I am very proud to be a part of gies and classroom management al basis. that tend towards topics such as some children face. this project,” says Dol Cabantog. techniques. bullying and its prevention, says “The project is reciprocal,” says As a tutor in high school, Dol Having the entire team gather Mentors and students Neel. High school students are Neel upon describing the mutual Cabantog says she sought to ful- regularly gives everyone the op- Professor Kanwal Neel, a pro- also given university guidance. and reinforcing relationship that fill a similar role of leadership in portunity to share their experi- gram coordinator for Friends of The mentors’ work goes far be- develops between students and university – her goals included ences. Simon, says the majority of chil- yond the academic realm. They tutors. being more resourceful, finding “Overall, it is a very enjoyable dren tutored are newcomers to hope to leave their students em- different strategies to reach out atmosphere even during our Canada (often unfamiliar with powered by fostering positive re- Teamwork and training to students and nurturing their training sessions,” says Dol Ca- the Canadian education system). lationships, and communication Edrene Dol Cabantog, a fourth strengths. bantog. Some are refugees and immi- helps break barriers to integra- year health sciences major who At any given time, there are As for the subjects she teach- grants, while others are Cana- tion into the Canadian schooling has been involved with the pro- about 70 to 80 active tutors. They es, there is no one answer. She dian-born yet lack the facilities system. gram for almost two years, takes come together, says Dol Caban- thinks it simply comes down to necessary to learn. Neel, now semi-retired, speaks pride in her work as a tutor. tog, as a large group for briefing what the children require and Parents of children from di- from 35 years of experience as The coordinators, she explains, and training. Candidates who need more support in. verse backgrounds often ap- an educator and believes there are experts in their field. The or- join the program for the first proach local schools or libraries is much to learn from students’ ganization operates as one big time must attend 10 sessions to Visit s u ca ducaton to learn more about what can be feedback as they are not the only family with the children’s best be trained under the guidance of ostutor ht l to l arn or
“Francophonie” from page 1 West Coast to totally immerse “There is one language but dif- themselves in anglophone Ca- ferent cultures within the fran- nadian culture. Painchaud says cophone community. The franco- another explanation may be the phone community is an open one,” price of the shows or exhibits. says Lamontagne. Francophone associations are struggling to maintain a dy- More supply than demand namic network and they need Regis Painchaud, executive to reach out to other communi- director of Visions Ouest Pro- ties by developing a Francophile ductions, has been promoting community, explains Painchaud. francophone cinema in British Columbia since 1993. Among oth- Francophonie expansion ers, there is the Rendez-vous du through education cinéma Québecois, which takes In addition to cultural offerings, place in February and March the francophone community is and showcases a wide variety of also growing through education. French-language films. Damien Hubert, executive di- In addition, Visions Ouest Pro- rector of L’Alliance Française de ductions, in collaboration with The Vancouver, notices the growing Dream Circus/Les Transporteurs interest from Asian communi- de Rêves, offer circus camps and ties in French culture, especially workshops in French for children. from Chinese communities. Per They started five years ago with session, he says, there are ap- the participation of Benoit Ranger, proximately 500 children of Chi- one of the co-founders of Le Cirque nese origin who learn French. du Soleil. This kind of circus with- Newcomers who learn French out animals is part of a long tradi- are mostly driven by the will to tion in Quebec inspired by Eastern get a better education and for European countries, and involves their children to speak the two both theatre and physical arts. official languages of Canada, be- “They started in Québec as sides their mother-tongue. street entertainers, jugglers, “Bilingualism lives through im- fire-eaters; 20 years later, the migration,” says Hubert. circus profession does not count L’Alliance Française also hosts [less than] 10,000 people,” ex- events like the Movie Club, show- plains Painchaud. casing francophone movies with “Each circus profession has its English subtitles, operas featur- own history, for example, the ing anglophone singers singing stilt-walkers tradition comes French songs and even French from the plasterers who needed theatre with English surtitles. to reach [great] heights,” explains The French culture is also hon- Painchaud. oured with an Apéros-chics event Despite the large range of cul- every last Friday of each month. tural events, the audience is not Rémi Marien, general manager always present in Vancouver. of the Conseil de la Jeunesse Fran- “There is an amazing franco- cophone de la Colombie-Britan- phone cultural offering in Great- nique, believes that immersion er Vancouver; unfortunately schools can further develop local the supply exceeds the demand,” francophone communities. says Painchaud. “We want to go beyond the fran- One explanation might be the cophone community by develop- fact that francophone newcom- ing a French-speaking commu- ers, such as working travellers, nity. So a child, even if he lives in are not necessarily interested in an anglophone community, will joining a francophone communi- have the chance to learn French ty since they mostly come to the at school,” he says. h ourc Vol 15 No 15 | March 10–24, 2015 ERR EEFE Yes we need beter transit, so why are anti-taxxers winning referendum debate?
he Metro Vancouver tran- cratic at all, and barely has any Tsit referendum begins this members. The CTF’s interest in month. Despite a long campaign the transit campaign is ideo- supported by the vast majority logical, opposing taxation for of mayors and political parties opposing taxation’s sake. in the region, the ‘No’ side is Another reason the ‘Yes’ cam- leading in the polls. paign has struggled is Trans- Why can’t the ‘Yes’ side seem link’s richly deserved bad to galvanize public opinion for reputation. This points us to a a mere 0.5 per cent increase in fundamental flaw in this whole the provincial sales tax to fund debate. To really understand transit infrastructure? Vancouver’s transit referendum First, there’s residual effects you have to look to Victoria. It of a generation of anti-tax rhet- was the B.C. Liberal government, oric. Right-wing parties have after all, that altered Translink’s managed to frame all efforts to governance structure back in fund a robust public sector as 2007–2008, bringing in a board “tax and spend,” as if this were who were more amenable to something nefarious rather corporate interests and who than the basic function of gov- promptly gave themselves a ernment. Second, in recent de- huge raise. They also refused cades, corporate tax rates have to hold public meetings. Trans- been slashed and the share paid link’s dismal reputation is hurt- by the rich drastically reduced. ing the ‘Yes’ campaign, allowing Just last month, the B.C. Liber- anti-taxxers to imply that the als introduced a new budget new transit monies raised will eliminating another higher in- be mismanaged by the corrupt, Vancouver, Canada. The Vancouver Biennale announces its latest public art installation “let’s heal come tax bracket. overpaid suits. the divide” by Vancouver artist Toni Latour. The site-specifc neon work, hung on the façade of All of this has been justified B.C. Premier Christy Clark as “tax relief,” even though has stayed conspicuously out the Vancouver Community College building at 250 West Pender Street, marks a physical division it’s only been a relief for those of the fray of the transit refer- between the Downtown East Side and the commercial and fnancial districts that border it. The who need it least: the rich and endum. location highlights the glaring economic disparity between neighborhoods and addresses the super-rich. Everyone else has But the referendum is, in re- socio-economic, political and cultural points of disconnect. In the spirit of hope, the piece calls for been saddled with new burdens ality, the result of the provin- action, collective healing, connectivity, and inclusion. in the form of user fees like ris- cial government’s abrogation of ing MSP premiums. Meanwhile its basic responsibilities. Why “Toni’s artwork is a remarkably thoughtful and provocative local response to our curatorial basic public services and infra- is the question of funding tran- theme, Open Borders Crossroads Vancouver”, says President and Artistic Director Barrie Mowatt. structure which poor and mid- sit even going to a referendum? “We have Ai Weiwei’s F Grass, which is a commentary about the individual and collective acts dle-income people depend on And why is the only proposal to against systemic censorship in China, and now this work has us thinking about divisiveness right more, like public transit, have raise the PST? There is no rea- here in our own backyard. It’s a call to action to our elected government, spiritual leaders, the suffered. son the provincial government business community, educators and ultimately all of us as individual citizens to come together This ideological offensive pro- couldn’t have helped municipal- as neighbours and lead social change. Our exhibition is heavily inspired by Martin Luther King’s I ceeds year after year despite ities fund necessary transit ex- the mounting evidence that penditures out of general reve- Have A Dream that together we rise up and take action for justice, equality and freedom for all”. these policies lead to more in- nue (they just finished boasting equality. But, much like the anti- about a nearly billion dollar FREE PUBLIC EVENT: ARTWORK UNVEILING + PANEL DISCUSSION surplus), or through rollbacks The Vancouver Biennale invites the public and media to participate in the artwork unveiling, of previous tax cuts for corpo- rations and the richest British followed by a panel discussion on the role of public art and its potential to act as a catalyst for Columbians. social change. Is public art a commodity used to promote gentrifcation, or does it have the By devolving responsibility capacity to transform, change and heal what divides us? to the mayors of Metro Vancou- DATE: Wednesday March 11th, 2015 ver, Clark and the B.C. Liberals have managed to create a tran- LOCATION: Vancouver Community College (VCC) 250 West Pender Street, Vancouver sit referendum where it’s heads they win, tails we lose. They’ve TIME: 6:00 PM Artwork Unveiling Outside of VCC facing Victory Square kept the whole thing absurdly 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Panel Discussion VCC Room 420 vague. In fact, no one really knows what a ‘No’ vote actually GORDON PRICE - MODERATOR Director City Program, Simon Fraser University means. It’s really a plebiscite, TONI LATOUR Artist, Faculty Kwantlen University + University of the Fraser Valley since it’s non-binding. If the ‘No’ side wins, the Liberals’ pre- MICHAEL GELLER Architect, Planner, Real Estate Developer ferred right-wing, anti-taxation
Photo by Richard Eriksson frame is reinforced and Clark ROMI CHANDRA HERBERT Co-Executive Director PeerNetBC This upcoming referendum is badly can wash her hands of com- fawed. What we need is a beter SANDRA SEEKINS Faculty Art History, Women’s & Gender Studies, Capilano University public transit dialogue. plaints about congestion and inadequate transit. If the ‘Yes’ Note: This event will be flmed. vaxxers who ignore evidence of side wins, Clark can interpret the public good and necessity of that as an endorsement of any TWITTER DIALOGUE + VIDEOS vaccinations, anti-taxxers are and all infrastructure projects not interested in evidence or in she’s planning anyway, many of Watch daily video clips and join the online conversation. We’ve asked some pretty amazing people the collective well-being of soci- which are about making room about “let’s heal the divide” and we will share their thoughts daily through Twitter. Now we want ety. Funded by the well-heeled for more cars, not improving to hear from you! What does “let’s heal the divide” mean to you? What gender, racial, economic, and well connected, anti-taxx- public transit, like her plan to cultural or other divides exist in your community? Can art be a catalyst for change? Why is it ers like the right-wing Fraser replace the Massey Tunnel con- important to overcome what divides us and fnd what connects us? Institute have been so success- necting Richmond and Delta ful that even many traditional with a huge new bridge. DATE: March 11th – March 18th, 2015 political forces of the left have Yes, Metro Vancouver needs adapted or caved in. For in- better transit. But we also need HASHTAGS: #Van_Biennale, @Van_Biennale, #letshealthedivide stance, when the B.C. Liberals a much better and thoroughgo- brought in a very modest car- ing debate. JOIN THE CONVERSATION bon tax, the B.C. NDP responded Transit needs to be accessible with the short-sighted and cyni- to all. If we are at all serious Facebook: VancouverBiennale cal decision to campaign in the about addressing the emergen- Twitter: @Van_Biennale 2009 election on a promise to cy of climate change, we should Instagram: @Van_Biennale ‘Axe the Gas Tax.’ be moving toward free public #VanBiennale In the current transit refer- transit and a massive expan- endum, the anti-taxxers of the sion of buses, light rail and bike This work of public art was fully funded by the Canada Council for the Arts and the Kwantlen University Professional Canadian Taxpayers Federation lanes. This transit referendum Development Fund. We also thank Vancouver Community College for their support. are at the forefront of the ‘No’ is badly flawed, and it should campaign. The organization is not be the last word on these not representative or demo- matters. Vol 15 No 15 | March 10–24, 2015 h ourc
The Dance Centre presents Discover Dance! Arts Umbrella Dance Company Thursday April 23, 2015 at 12 noon Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie St (at Granville), Vancouver TICKETS $14/$12 students, seniors and children Tickets Tonight 604 684 2787 www.ticketstonight.ca
INFO 604 606 6400 www.thedancecentre.ca
The energy and skill of a new generation takes the stage for the April edition of the Discover Dance! series, when the exceptional young dancers of the Arts Umbrella Dance Company perform a varied and stimulating program of contemporary ballets. Trained through Arts Umbrella’s Photo courtesy of Tamo Campos renowned dance program, these talented artists perform works created by choreographers including Crystal Pite, Lesley Telford, Shawn Hounsell, Simone Orlando, Amber Funk Living on the fringe: Inspiring Barton, Connor Gnam, Gioconda Barbuto, and more. Arts Umbrella’s dance programs are internationally environmentalism through snowboarding recognized as education that develops the whole dancer, stressing technical strength, while embracing the importance by E a group of like-minded young dents through the connection of friends to take action. snowboarding. of the intellectual and artistic elements of the art form. Equipped with snowboards They found a “perfect fit” be- “We also helped block the min- Dancers explore movement as artists, as athletes, as and guitars, a trio of young tween snowboarding and envi- ing camp. We hiked along drill- performers, as audience members and as future professionals. environmentalists went on an ronmentalism. Snowboarders ing paths. We have gone plastic Graduates of the program have gone on to dance in eight-month trip last year to are always out in nature and wit- free, and cleaned up waste on northern British Columbia on professional companies including Ballet British Columbia, ness climate change first hand. the beach with the help of local a school bus that ran on veg- More importantly, snowboard- school kids. We harvested our Swedish Royal Ballet, Batsheva Dance Ensemble, Nederlands etable oil. One day, they snow- ing is fun and appeals to young own food,” says Campos. Dans Theatre 1 and 2, Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal, Mannheim boarded their way down the people, making it an effective Campos believes that living life Ballet Theater, Ballet Dresden, Alvin Ailey II, Cedar Lake majestic mountains, and the tool to communicate the idea of differently is essential. Contemporary Ballet , and Compagnie Marie Chouinard. www. following day they sat around environmentalism along their “From the outside, you look a bit with local First Nations peo- way. different. That is what we need. artsumbrella.com ple and school kids, sharing “We were not coming as this The mainstream culture now is Discover Dance! is a series showcasing diverse BC-based stories, music, concerns and cheers. companies, presented by The Dance Centre, BC’s resource s a sno oard r, a ring centre for dance, which provides information and services for Tamo Campos, 24, was one of the profession and the public, and operates the Scotiabank them. He is a professional snow- co unity, ant to ta a st p Dance Centre facility. boarder from North Vancouver and the co-founder of Beyond “ or ard in th right dir cton Boarding, an environmental and Tamo Campos, professional snowboarder humanitarian activism group aimed at raising awareness and co-founder of Beyond Boarding about issues impacting places in- cluding Peru, Chile and B.C. Last preachy environmentalist. We not leading us the good direction. year, he was named the 2014 top are coming as a bunch of snow- As a snowboarder, a fringe com- environmentalist under 25 by boarders who live in a school bus. munity, we want to take a step Starfish Canada, an organization That gives a lot different feel, and forward in the right direction. that celebrates environmental kids connect to that. That is quite The biggest thing we need right stories involving youths and pos- successful,” explains Campos. now is to get away from the ways itive change of Canada. Over the last two years, Cam- we are doing things,” he says. “The B.C. coast is impacted by pos and his Beyond Boarding industrial development. What members have made several Bus run on vegetable oil Campos has been doing is heart- long trips to northern B.C. and Creative, fun, different and so- warming. He is telling provoca- presented environmental talks cially responsible, Campos’s tive stories. Stories that are not to thousands of high school stu- team travelled over 18,000 kilo- shown in the major media out- meters without fossil oil, thanks lets,” says Kyle Empringham, co- to their modification of the founder of the Starfish Canada. school bus engine to run on used vegetable oil. Snowboarding a good fit “Vege’ oil is a small solution. A for environmentalism lot of energy solutions are avail- “Can we live a lifestyle that cre- able but they are not advertised,” ates positive change about social says Campos. environment while still being a The trip has been made into a snowboarder?” Campos asked documentary called Northern himself three years ago when he Grease, which has been featured snowboarded at a volcano crater at the Vancouver International in Patagonia at the southern end Mountain Film Festival and the of South America and was heart- Tofino Film Festival, and will be broken to see massive floods in online soon. 2014–2015 Discover Dance! season scheDule these areas. Campos is the grandson of September 18: Jacky Essombe (African dance) He saw that fossil fuel develop- well-known environmental ac-
October 23: South Asian Arts (bhangra and Bollywood, ment in B.C. was part of the prob- Photo courtesy of Tamo Campos tivist David Suzuki. Although ac- lem, which motivated him and Tamo Campos. knowledging his grandfather as presented with DiwaliFest) a mentor and an inspiration for November 13: 605 Collective (contemporary) many, Campos has found his own March 12: JC Dance Co (ballroom) path. April 23:Arts Umbrella Dance Company (contemporary ballet) “We glorify environmentalism. May 14:Aché Brasil (Brazilian dance and capoeira) We put these environmental- ists up on a pedestal to the point where it is almost impossible Discover Dance! Media sponsors: for a normal town folk [to relate OMNI Diversity Television, City Television and the Vancouver Courier Ofcial hotel sponsor: Holiday Inn Vancouver Downtown Hotel & Suites to]. That is a problem. It creates this feeling that we can’t be this The operations of The Dance Centre are supported by the Canada Council for incredible and amazing environ- the Arts, the Province of British Columbia, the BC Arts Council, and the City mentalist, which is not true. Ev- of Vancouver through the Ofce of Cultural Afairs. ery single one of us has a part to The Dance Centre play in this,” says Campos. Scotiabank Dance Centre, Level 6, 677 Davie Street, Vancouver BC V6B 2G6
Tel 604 606 6400 www.thedancecentre.ca Photo courtesy of Tamo Campos or or in or aton isit His team brings environmental awareness to northern B.C. yond oarding org h ourc Vol 15 No 15 | March 10–24, 2015 Fashion designer creates carefree collection by E “I’m drawn to designers with a experimenting with the fabric strong point of view because dif- and choosing the colours were Recent Art Institute of Vancou- ferent designers have different the toughest parts. ver graduate Zong Peng was ideas and visiting those ideas is one of 12 young fashion design- always inspiring,” says 21-year- An ongoing education ers chosen to be featured in old Peng. According to Peng, of all the the Art Institutes fashion show His collection for the Art Insti- Art Institutes schools in North during Mercedes-Benz Fash- tutes fashion show is called No America, about 20 have a fashion ion Week Fall 2015. Die Set. The six-piece collection design program and each pro- took him six months to complete, gram can submit the design col- After graduating from high which was longer than his allot- lections of three students. Pan- school, Peng says that he felt lost ted time of three months for the elists at the Art Institute of New and unsure of what his post-sec- project. However, he says that his York then select the designs of ondary plans were. He became teacher supported and trusted 12 students to be featured in the fashion show. Now that his diploma program h id a hind th coll cton is to is complete, Peng is in the pro- cess of assembling his portfolio r pr s nt a child s car r a tud and hopes to start his career in fashion design. As a new grad, Zong Peng, fashion designer “ he says he is still not ready to work with big brands yet, but interested in the fashion design him and allowed an extension for he is excited about the possibil- diploma program at the Art Insti- his project. ity of working in other countries. tute of Vancouver after attending The theme of his project is to In addition, he says he will also an info session and school tour capture the feeling of experienc- pursue a degree program in fash- there. Peng felt that the program ing something for the first time. ion design as well to further his could only teach him so much “The idea behind the collection knowledge. though, and there was a need to is to represent a child’s carefree Peng is proud to have made his self-study to further his knowl- attitude,” explains Peng. “When ideas come to life in his first col- edge in fashion design. you first discover something new, lection. “My personal work is about cele- you feel excited, but you also feel “Making clothes always inter- brating freedom in our time,” says scared and confused.” ests me; I just love to do it with- Peng, who is originally from China. All of the clothing in the collec- out question,” he says. “Now it is legal to wear whatever tion is composed of circular and Peng’s work will be on display you want compared to in the past.” rectangular pattern pieces, and at the Art Institute of Vancou- everything is sewn by hand. Im- ver’s fashion show on March 24. A new experience ages and colours from the play- The show will feature the works Prior to enrolling in the fashion ground are utilized to create the of 22 graduating fashion design design program, Peng had limit- vibe. Loose threads, yarn and felt students along with culinary, ed interest in fashion design, but fabrics are also a part of this dis- film and fashion marketing stu- through the program, he learned tinctive look. Some of the looks dents. to make his own clothes and are accessorized with head- the subject grew on him. He de- dresses and face coverings. or or in or aton, Photo by Frazer Harrison, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week scribes his personal style as a bit Peng says that draping and de- pl as isit picatc co Zong Peng (lef) walks the runway at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week with a model of health goth and minimalism. signing took the longest, while iV2015 ashion ho showing of one of the pieces in his collecton.
ro Breaking down barriers for women engineers trained abroad: opl ishing to a us o M s onlin pr arri al s r ic s can only do so ro th ir country o origin ro New exhibit provide thought-provoking take on Cantonese language: yl r uss ll and Natali an or at ntr gall ry
Vol 15 No 15 | March 10–24, 2015 h ourc Spreading worldwide literacy and gender equality
by F RE E teer with when her Facebook page suggested a post to check Instead of the usual formal sit- out; it was Room to Read. down event, Room to Read, a “I was immediately drawn to global non-profit organization the clear goal and motto of this focused on literacy, wants to organization: world change start a discussion for change. starts with educated children,” To commemorate its 15th anni- says Peters, who participates versary, the Vancouver chapter in Room to Read’s events plan- plans to host a series of events ning. instead of one big one. Room to Peters, who taught kinder- Read is aiming to reach its 10 garten at a private school in millionth child in 2015. Bangkok for a year, witnessed the impact of literacy on chil- In collaboration with local com- dren as young as the age of munities, partner organizations three. She says going to library and governments, Room to Read was one of the children’s favor- develops literacy skills and read- ite times because that was how ing habits among primary school they explored subjects of inter- children. The organization also est. helps girls complete secondary “I desperately wished that I school with the necessary life could spread the joy of read- skills to succeed in school and ing to children I saw through- beyond. out Southeast Asia who were “Locally, we focus our efforts much less fortunate,” says Pe- on raising funds and awareness ters, who graduated from UBC each year. This includes estab- in 2011 with a degree in Inter- lishing and maintaining donor national Relations and Political relationships, building a network Science. of supporters and hosting events that create dialogue around our Fundraising with a difference global programs,” says Megan Many of Room to Read’s fund- Rendell, co-chapter leader, who raising events aim to connect its works in sponsorship marketing. supporters to the work the orga- nization does, the culture in the Empowering girls countries where it operates and Room to Read focuses on gender its impact on literacy, says Ren- equality as well as literacy, and dell. offers scholarships to the girls to Davis says because Vancou- address global poverty. ver is very competitive and is a “We know that if you educate small market (for fundraising/ girls, there is an immediate re- philanthropy) their chapter sult. Educated women don’t hold needs a more targeted fund- their children back from going raising strategy. to school,” says Sharon Davis, a “We didn’t want to throw an- financial investor, who founded other gala. We wanted to en- the Vancouver chapter in 2007 gage our donors in unique ways and is also a co-chapter leader. and create dialogue through The young girls who receive an film and speaker based events,” education grow in confidence and says Davis. find their voice. There are chal- A fundraiser specific to Van- lenges, such as some fathers who couver is Destination Dining, a Photo courtesy of Room to Read Girl reading at Internatonal Literacy Day in Zambia. wish for their daughters not to go series of dinner events, the first to school because they want them of which featured Nepal; April to get married, explains Davis. will feature Vietnam. “I specifically want to give “This event series welcomes young girls the opportunity to people to come together and choose a different life besides enjoy authentic ethnic cuisine one, for example, of early mar- while learning about Room to riage. And I think education and Read. Through storytelling by literacy is the most impactful our members or external sup- way to do that,” says Davis. porters who have traveled to Room to Read now has seen experience projects first hand more than 94 per cent of the girls in the countries we work in,” it supports remain in the pro- says Rendell. gram and graduate high school. In the past 14 years, the orga- And 72 per cent go on to pursue nization has reached 8.8 million tertiary education. children in 10 developing coun- “Once we get them, they live and tries, including: Nepal, Viet- breathe to go to school,” says Davis. nam, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, South Africa, Volunteer experience Tanzania and Zambia. In April 2014, Peters was searching for international or or in or aton, go to th ir children non-profits to volun- sit roo tor ad org h ourc Vol 15 No 15 | March 10–24, 2015 Photo by Mehrdad Rahbar A(n art) piece for the world
by Rahbar then became a Cana- dian citizen, married an Italian- Mehrad Rahbar has always Canadian and had three children. been tuned in to events around “Having a daughter changed him – the Iran revolution in 1979, my life quite a bit. I told her I’ll the 1989 Montreal massacre of do whatever I can for women’s 14 female students and the Arab rights in the world,” says Rahbar. Spring that spread across the Middle East and North Africa in Student-led initiative early 2011. He considers himself Mike Silley, who has known Rah- a human rights activist and is bar for 15 years, having attended involved in various Iranian-Ca- the same school as his son, was nadian organizations through- first approached by Rahbar out the city and province. about the idea of a “universal sculpture” in 2008. Although he studied architec- “We didn’t have the time or ca- ture, Rahbar says he has always pability (at the time) to invest been interested in painting and in such a project,” says Silley, 26, drawing. His work, which uses who has held a number of posi- mainly acrylic and ink, is primar- tions at UBC, including Alma Ma- ily composed of characters, back- ter Society (AMS) Arts Represen- grounds and symbolic gestures tative, 2013 UBC Graduating Class to represent locality – the human Council President and member of side, both abstract and surreal. the Board of Governors. The scriptures on his artwork A few years later, in 2013, an are in both English and Persian. opportunity came up for gradu- “Everything in me exists in my ating students of 2013 to “leave a painting. I basically belong to the landmark gift for future genera- world,” says Rahbar, 52. tions,” so Silley reconnected with Rahbar. The power of the For Silley, the project is impor- third dimension tant because of the timely subject The idea for a sculpture came out matter that serves as a topic of of one of his paintings: hundreds discussion for both genders. Giv- of women rising, interwoven, en the rates of alleged sexual as- arms and legs. saults on UBC campus (circa late Rahbar envisioned a sculpture 2013), Silley says the sculpture of women standing together, ris- can represent ‘gender equality as ing, and claiming equality and a whole.’ respect. After making a sketch, “The moment we start relax- he decided his real-life sculp- ing, the moment we forget what ture would consist of five figures we’re fighting for, is the moment holding a globe, with materials we stand to lose it,” says Silley. including copper plates, stain- After an extensive process of less steel tubes and flat bars. securing the permit to have the Rahbar says sculptures, a art in place, choosing the loca- more 3-D art form, draw in a wid- tion itself and getting the labour er audience. for the project, the sculpture project has raised about $35,000 Inspiration of the total $150,000 required. “Women’s rights are human Much of the proceeds have been rights. It’s not only affecting the raised at fundraisers organized woman and her family, but it’s my by Rahbar, Silley, university stu- problem also,” says Rahbar. dents from UBC, SFU, Emily Carr As a male artist, he hopes to and Capilano University and the encourage more men to become general public. interested in this movement. Both Rahbar and Silley say the Growing up in Iran, Rahbar placement of the sculpture on says his father was respectful the UBC grounds is an amazing of women and very sensitive to opportunity to educate people women issues. through art and encourage dia- “This was unique in a male- logue in a public space. dominated society [such as Iran],” Rahbar says work can begin on he says. the sculpture once the team has Rahbar moved to Montreal reached another $50,000. He is in 1979 on a student visa, and hopeful that will be in the sum- earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s mer of 2016. degree in Architecture from Mc- “I can’t sleep at night. I can’t Gill University. He never moved wait – I’m so excited about the back to his birth country, but re- project,” says Rahbar. located to Vancouver in 1996 to finish his Master’s thesis on af- or or in or aton pl as isit fordable housing. h n o nris org Vol 15 No 15 | March 10–24, 2015 h ourc 9 Homage to still life painting by R ER and helped out at Éditions Galli- back from Paris; the project is mard, one of the biggest French meant to display a portrait of her Bernadette Phan, a Vietnam- publishing houses, where her aunt. While the project is com- ese-Canadian painter, current- aunt worked. The two women en- prised of over 150 drawings in ly exhibits a series of drawings gaged in lively discussions about total, Phan chose only a few se- titled “Lili and the Migratory art, ideas and ethics and Lili reg- lected works from “Lili and the Influences” at the Bob Prittie ularly nurtured her niece with Migratory Influences” that are Library in Burnaby. With this new books. currently exhibited at the Bob project, Phan wants to pay Prittie Library. Books became art homage to her late aunt Lili, “I had a specific desire to ac- who shaped and influenced Lili was one of the most influen- knowledge her,” Phan says. her greatly. tial people in her life, particu- She chose to draw still life larly regarding her passion for as an elegy to Lili because it al- While Phan was mostly raised in reading. lowed her to pay tribute without Canada, she has quite a diverse “I owe my love for books to her,” putting her aunt on the spot. background. Born in Cambodia Phan says. “First I was shaped by “That’s the beauty of still life – to Vietnamese parents who left books, then by art.” it’s anonymous but still capable their home before the war, Phan The project at the Burnaby li- of representing people. The lived in France for a while before brary honours the artist’s late drawings contain many innuen- her family relocated to Quebec aunt and consists of drawings dos only people close to me un- when she was three years old. of her books that Phan brought derstand,” Phan explains. Eventually, the family moved to While many contemporary the Canadian West Coast. Her artists work with digital media, aunt Lili, however, remained in Phan prefers the traditional way: Paris, and chose the French capi- paint, pencil and paper. tal as her city of adoption. “It’s just more hands-on. You Photo courtesy of Bernadete Phan Love of books is at the heart of the exhibiton. “I still go back to Paris regular- come to the same result, but fast- ly; I try to be there at least once er,” says Phan. when we lived in Quebec,” she radically; painting and drawing a year. I still have close friends The time she spends in the says. “That’s when I thought I are her passion. there that are like family,” says studio painting is both her great- might become an artist.” “I love the dialogue, the sharing Phan. est reward and her biggest chal- Her mother was against it. of culture and of experience that Even though she left the coun- lenge. “She feared I wouldn’t make any is passed on from one generation try at an early age, Phan, whose money,” says Phan. to the next,” says Phan. mother tongue is French, has A passion for painting But she studied Fine Arts any- kept close ties with both France Phan’s enthusiasm for painting way – first at Montreal’s Concor- or or in or aton pl as isit and her aunt. She has always and drawing emerged at an early dia University, and then in Phila- urna y ca hings o o been close to Lili, despite the age, and she vividly remembers a delphia, where she received her rts and ritag urna y rt geographical distance. After significant childhood moment. MFA degree in printmaking from all ry E hi itons rnad
high school, the artist lived in Photo courtesy of Bernadete Phan “I was given a paint-by-numbers Temple University. Now, she re- han ili and th Migratory Paris with Lili for three months Bernadete Phan. of a running horse for Christmas turns to printmaking only spo- nfu nc s ht l VIDF : B.Leux explores artistic human senses COASTAL SOUND OFFERS AN UPLIFTING by E E sion. We like artists who sweat, his own company Par B.L.eux in “There is a lot of exercise on the CHORAL EXPERIENCE who transcend themselves in Montréal : “B.L.” for Benoit La- ground, where you undulate your WITH NEW SEASON This year, the Vancouver In- their effort to say who they are,” chambre, and “eux” for “them,” body and every organ slackens, explains festival co-creator Jay the creative artists he collabo- almost like a water snake,” says Award-winning choirs ternational Dance Festival invited the Par B.L.eux dance Hirabayashi. rates with. Two of his collabora- Lachambre. deliver artistry, spirit, company to present its re- Benoît Lachambre is one of tors, dancer Daniele Albanese If it seems difficult at first to community and heart nowned show Snakeskins. these artists. Dance has always and multi-instrumentalist Hahn understand it, don’t worry, Hi- to concert-goers The show is a way for the pub- been driving his life. Rowe, will accompany Lacham- rabayashi says. Audiences will From Sea to Sea: Sunday, June lic to realize that watching “My first memory in life is bre on stage for the Snakeskins soon feel the emotions being con- 7th, 2015. 7pm at the Evergreen dance is like learning a new a dance one. I was only 18 performance at the Roundhouse veyed by the dancers’ bodies in Cultural Centre, 1205 Pinetree language, where the relation- months,” he says. Centre. their own. Way, Coquitlam. Enjoy songs of ship with the outside world Later in his life, around his “It is like poetic communication travel, adventure and risk on high changes. teenage years, Lachambre ex- A poetic communication where words are metaphoric seas, beautiful songs of Canada, plains that this body language with the viewer for a plethora of meanings. The and rollicking folk tunes from our Created in 1998, the Vancouver helped him to get more confi- With Snakeskins, Lachambre physical exertion has an emo- Maritimes and East Coast. Join us as we celebrate our vast and inspir- International Dance Festival dence. He began learning new opens himself up as never before, tional impact that resonates with ing country, through songs of the aims to promote cultural di- techniques with the Ballets Jazz making his own skin a surface of the experiences of the audience sea and the waterways that unite versity and all expressions of de Montréal and discovered the experience. The surprising re- and they feel the meaning of the us all. contemporary dance including kinesthetic approach of his art. sult has been a long-term effort. movements without the need for those from European and North This approach of movement and “It took me years of theory words,” Hirabayashi says. Indiekör: Saturday, June 14th, American origins. gesture can change through the preparation to imagine Snake- The relationship between the 2015. 7:30 pm at the Vogue The- environment around you. skins, with a big somatic work,” audience and dancer is key. atre, 918 Granville Street, Van- The movement influenced “The senses awake and link Lachambre says . “To survive as a dance artist, couver. Experience what everyone by the environment is talking about! Mixing Mumford the artistic and the somatic part. The piece is the result of his you have to have an audience. and Sons with Monteverdi, Coastal “We look for artists that focus Skin becomes porous and mal- meeting with Amélia Itcush, a You have to make work that lets Sound Youth Choir and local indie on the body as the vehicle for leable, almost like when you are Saskatchewan pioneer dancer audiences have the opportunity band The Salteens join forces for communication. We like art- under a drug, just by listening to who died in 2011, and her work on to find themselves, just as you a fourth year to present their inno- ists who push themselves to the your body,” he says. the dispersal of the weight in the are expressing yourself to let vative cross pollination of classical limit of their physical expres- In 1996, Lachambre created body. them know who you are,” ex- choral music and indie rock. Choral plains Hirabayashi. music just got cooler than ever. The work is based on exploring Ticket pricing and purchase infor- every human sense, imagining mation for all shows at www.coast- the transformation of the body alsoundmusic.com. VIP Season outside of itself. Lachambre be- Pass program for preferred seating lieves that the evolution of dance and other advantages available un- rests upon an abundance of ideas, til November 1st, 2014. as well as dynamic and continu- ous exchange. According to Hi- About the Coastal Sound rabayashi, that is the purpose of Music Academy the festival. Coastal Sound Music connects “If you can come out of witness- singers and outstanding choral music educators with the com- ing a dance performance and say munity. From the wee 4 to 5 year to yourself that you know your- old “Sources†song play self better, then that is what we program, to the professional seek to convey. We live to dance and award winning Youth and and we dance to live. That is our Children’s Choirs, to DeCoro, motto,” says Hirabayashi. a new choral experience for adults, there is a place for singers to share a sense of spirit, artistry, heart and na s ins
community. Photo courtesy of Vancouver Internatonal Dance Festval oundhous r or anc ntr Snakeskins performers engage gut and skin. March 12–14 at p 1 h ourc Vol 15 No 15 | March 10–24, 2015 Photographer challenges clichés Need the skills to fnd by E a job? We can help! Emotions are to be explored when viewing artwork from Design a fantastic resume and cover letter, fne tune your Melvin Yap, a Malaysian-born interview techniques, learn valuable skills to succeed in Vancouver-raised artist. He encourages people to take a the Canadian workplace, gain insight into the job market, second look at how flowers can access special services for skilled works – all at NO COST. be photographed at his new The Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) flower exhibition to be held at Society, Vancouver Branch, has been helping immigrants the Kimoto Gallery in Vancou- and newcomers to Canada for over 14 years ! ver, March 6–28. Our Group Job Search Workshops are a fexible, 5 module “Ka-Bloom is an explosion with- out the dynamite,” says Yap, 36, rotating program, running weekly, with 16 sessions each when describing his new exhibit. month. This includes basic computer orientation, with After already being successful instruction on using Word and Excel, and accessing the with his latest book, Theory and Internet. Workshops are held within a culturally diverse Problems, which shows intricate environment, led by qualifed facilitators. pictures of street art that really bring forth the human condition, Past and current E.I. receipients are always welcome. he now has turned his artistic talents to still life in order to Knowledgeable case managers are available to guide you challenge the cliché of shooting through the process of reaching your career goals. flowers. PICS Vancouver also ofers one-on-one employment Ode to family assistance, paid on-the-job work experience through our Flowers also became a worthy Wage Subsidy program, and a one-stop Career Centre with subject to take on because they reminded him of his grandmoth- a broad range of job hunting resources. Funding for all er who loved them. Flowers were programs is provided by the Ministry of Social Development, also appreciated by his mother Employment and Labour Market Services Division. who used to say to him it was always a thoughtful person who Please call 604-324-7733, sends them. go to www.pics.bc.ca, or visit Yap knows his way around us at 200-8161 Main St., Vancouver, music and photography, and he remembers how photography all to fnd out how we can best help you. began. “I remember begging my mom to buy me my first camera when Melvin Yap’s images of fowers featured at the Kimoto Gallery. I was around seven (1986). I re- member this because I had just 3-D artist for a video game com- Kimoto who has known Yap for seen Top Gun,” says Yap, a self- pany and he was given a spare many years appreciates Yap’s tal- taught photographer. digital camera by a friend, ex- ent with his clean and contempo- It was the first thing Yap had plains Yap. rary floated frameless pictures asked for that wasn’t a toy or can- With this new career knowl- on the wall. dy. He did not factor in the vari- edge and a lot of practice, he was “Something you have to see in ous factors associated with pho- able to learn and use methods, person to truly appreciate,” says tography such as time and cost of such as the printing of his work Kimoto. film development. His new found on metallic paper and using Yap puts every part of himself career stopped there. trans-mounting. Trans-mount- into his photographs, but does His career picked up speed ing is done with an acrylic/plexi- not consciously think about him- again when he was working as a glass, for the front, and alumini- self or his heritage when making um, put on the back. This gives his photographs. the look of a light box without the “I rely on intuition and block box. out the past and future; and in- Trans-mounting involves stead focus on the moment, so I bonding the face of a print to the can relate to anyone and every- underside of the acrylic with a one,” says Yap. clear film. According to Yap, this He explains it is not so much method gives an effective look the subject at hand, but more for the flowers. about the experience. His goal is “With my background in mu- to eliminate preconceptions and sic, and paired with my skills be faithful to his intuition. as a digital artist, the camera He says when he sees flowers gave me the most options to get now he thinks about how they out and challenge my creativity have a huge burst of energy, and while exploring the meaning of realizes eventually this beauty life,” says Yap. dies when they decay. “Everything I want to say is in Intuitive artwork theses bouquets!” says Yap. Yap was born in Kotakinabulu, Malaysia and grew up in Vancou- p ning r c pton is ver. In high school, he met Kat- ri , March , p – p sumi Kimoto (the brother of the at th i oto all ry or current art gallery owner and or in or aton, isit curator) and Kimoto’s wife, Jiali, i otogall ry co Artst Melvin Yap. a graphic designer. hi itons
“Verbatm” from page 1 found in the wide range of its res- woman invited me to stick cisms pertaining to their cold- taurants but also from one club a piece of chewing gum on a ness or superficiality. Still, I or bar to another. Indeed, every sculpture. I had indeed noticed have been happily surprised establishment distinguishes it- the installation a few days ear- by their warmth and their pa- self by its style of music and so lier of a statue representing a tience with me. Although timid attracts a different crowd. The man’s head, a work by Douglas by nature, I have never felt ill only drawback might be the li- Coupland. Not withstanding at ease or ridiculous—not even quor regulations with restricted hygienic qualms, I found the when I was mixing up words hours and the provincially regu- idea of Gum Head inspiring, such as “flush” and “blush” or lated sales outlets. Nevertheless, and that allowed me to dis- even “fang” for “bang” at the there are many other ways to cover another Canadian artist hairdresser’s. I always felt tol- enjoy life after work, notably the from Vancouver that I had only erance and goodwill on their numerous bars and restaurants vaguely heard about in Paris. part. promoting “happy hour” drink For me the magic of Vancouver As well, I had preconceived specials. is just that, its cultural eclec- notions of Vancouver’s repu- To end with another amusing ticism without the elitist ele- tation as “no-fun city.” I no- anecdote, I recall the time I was ment – culture within reach of ticed that Vancouver’s cultural having my lunch break in front all. In the end you have to have diversity was not only to be of the art gallery, and a young culture for all tastes. Vol 15 No 15 | March 10–24, 2015 h ourc 11
March 10–24, 2015
by E R work with other Aboriginal art- ists across Canada. Watts dis- The weather is only getting better, cusses her own work along with and what better way to spend a how other Aboriginal artists con- nice spring day than by attending tribute their works to Canadian wonderful cultural events? The society. This event is open to the events this time around are all public. For more information on over the Lower Mainland, so find the event, please visit the website. an event near you and enjoy! * * * * * * B.C. Cadet Honour Band VanDusen Botanical Garden – March 19 Kids are Free Michael J. Fox Theatre March 1–31 7373 MacPherson Ave., Burnaby VanDusen Botanical Garden www.michaeljfoxtheatre.ca 5251 Oak St., Vancouver www.vancouver.ca/parks-recreation- The B.C. Cadet Honour Band is the culture/current-offers-at-vandusen ultimate goal for all cadet musi- cians. This talented group of ca- Enjoy the beautiful weather at dets brings you a night of musical the world famous VanDusen Bo- excitement, featuring music from tanical Garden. With the most Disney’s Frozen and the Hunger recent promotion, kids get in free Games. These musicians learn all of with the purchase of an adult their songs in three days and then admission. Bring the whole fam- proceed to tour the province per- ily to view over 7,000 species of forming for thousands of listeners.
plants from all around the world. Photo courtesy of the Cultch For more information on hours, Transmigraton, the life of a shaman artst. * * * please visit the website. Mushi no Hoshi – Space Insect of Vietnamese heroism. Escaping www.bcplacestadium.com/ much more. This performance March 20–21, 8 p.m. * * * the doom of the Nixon army, Last playdome is guaranteed to have audiences The Vancouver Playhouse Spring Break at the Cannery Days in Vietnam shares how the laughing along. For more infor- 600 Hamilton St., Vancouver March 7–29 Vietnamese community helped Join Global BC at Canada’s largest mation on ticket and scheduling, www.vidf.ca Gulf of Georgia Cannery each other escape. For more infor- indoor carnival with over 45 rides please visit the website. National Historic Site mation on scheduling and ticket and attractions. With different Part of the Vancouver Internation- Moncton St., Richmond prices, please visit the website. rides, including the Zero Gravity * * * al Dance Festival, Mushi no Hoshi www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.org ride, kids will be entertained for TransMigration brings forward Japan’s butoh (604) 664-9009 * * * hours. Many favourite rides and March 17–21 performance group. This two day Discover Dance! JC Dance Co. attractions are back at this year’s The Cultch Theatre performance combines visually The Gulf of Georgia Cannery is March 12 carnival. For more information 1895 Venables St., Vancouver stunning dancing with a daring holding special events this spring Scotiabank Dance Centre on ticket pricing, please visit the www.thecultch.com performance that turns humans break for kids of all ages! Kids will 677 Davie St., Vancouver website. (604) 251-1363 into insects. For more information learn all about the historic fishery www.thedancecentre.ca on ticket pricing and reservations, through hands on activities. It will (604) 606-6400 * * * Inspired by the life and paintings please visit the website. be fun for the whole family with Through Your Throat: New of iconic Ojibwe shaman-artist a story time at noon for the kids. The discover dance series is Music for Flute with Text Norval Morisseau, this event focus- * * * Located near the beautiful water- showcasing ballroom and Latin March 16, 8 p.m. es on the visions and struggles of Zakir Hussain’s front, make the Cannery a part of dance. Joining the dance team SFU Meeting, Event and the artist. Performing at the Cultch, Celtic Connections your spring break! will be students doing the Foxtrot, Conference Services – this performance is concentrated March 21, 8 p.m. Waltz, Quickstep, Cha Cha, Samba Goldcorp Centre for the Arts on the vibrant costumes, the vi- Chan Centre for the * * * and much more! This event is per- 149 West Hastings., Vancouver sually astounding stage and the Performing Arts Last Days in Vietnam fect for the dance enthusiasts. For www.sfu.ca/sca/events/ power to transform and transcend. 6265 Crescent Rd., Vancouver March 10 more information on scheduling, day/2015/03/16 www.chancentre.com Kay Meek Center please visit the website. * * * (604) 822-2697 1700 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver The flute, a beautiful woodwind Virtual Solitaire www.doxafestival.ca * * * instrument, is the main focus of March 17–29 Playdome this musical event. Join four young Granville Island Included in the DOXA documenta- March 14–22 composers from around the conti- 1398 Cartwright St., Vancouver ry film festival, Last Days in Viet- BC Place nent as they present their musical www.vancouverfringe.com nam is about the incredible story 777 Pacific Boulevard., Vancouver pieces for their audience. Through Your Throat is a musical event that Virtual Solitaire is a performance is on tour in different cities such as that will leave audiences feeling Boston, Seattle and Chicago. For more connected to their virtual more information on ticket pric- world. Nathan is addicted to vir- ing, please visit the website. tual reality to the point where he can’t tell the difference between * * * dimensions. Part of the Fringe Marathon Festival, this highly anticipated Photo courtesy of the Chan Centre Traditonal musics intertwine. March 17–29 performance has received good Granville Island reviews from the Vancouver Sun. The internationally renowned In- 1398 Cartwright St., Vancouver dian tabla master Zakir Hussain is www.vancouverfringe.com * * * performing at UBC’s Chan Centre Lulu Series: Art in the City for the Performing Arts. Hussain Back by popular demand, this March 19 combines Indian and Celtic tra- Fringe Festival favourite is here to Richmond City Hall ditional music with an ensemble bring more laughter to the audi- 6911 No. 3 Rd., Richmond of talented musicians. This per- ence. TJ Dawe tells a funny story www.richmond.ca/luluseries formance is guaranteed to leave about running track and field to
Photo courtesy of Hugh Doyle audiences with a sense of wonder From the flm ast ays in Vi tna : Aboard the USS Kirk, crew members signal the please his father. Dawe relates this Connie Watts, a First Nations art- as Hussain engages with stunning Chinook to hover over the deck and drop its passengers out. to psychology, psychedelics and ist and designer, discusses her blends of native tones. 1 h ourc Vol 15 No 15 | March 10–24, 2015 tr t hotography y nis ou i r Festival du Bois The Festival du Bois has now finished but this wood sculp- ture by Michel Campeau will remain as a tribute to the festi- val and to francophone culture in Mackin Park, Maillardville, Coquitlam, BC. It’s an eight-foot wooden sculpture of a lumber- jack, carved from salvaged ce- dar wood. Eventually it will be painted and accompanied by a second sculpture of a young woman with a violin. Campeau is a Longueuil, Que. wood carv- er whose interest in carving be- gan at the age of eight. He has practiced his art for 42 years and taught sculpting for almost 30 years. He has worked on projects in the House of Com- mons and helped to restore the chapel of the Sacred Heart of Notre-Dame in Montreal. Festival du Bois celebrated its 26th anniversary in 2015. It’s the largest event celebrating fran- cophone culture in British Co- lumbia, staged in Mackin Park. It is organized by the Société francophone de Maillardville, whose mission is “to promote, represent and defend the rights and interests of the franco- phones of Maillardville and the surrounding area, and to main- tain French Canadian language and culture.” The event, with entertainment for all ages, fea- suffering rising racism. The was the result of several factors been promoting French-Canadi- number of scholarships and tures dance, music, visual arts, French Canadians would fulfill including assimilation, lack of af- an culture through choral sing- bursaries. Heritage Square also crafts and lots of traditional the company’s desire for an all- fordable housing and the gradual ing since 1973. Heritage Square, has an outdoor theatre and mu- food to sample like tourtière, white work force and be encour- reduction in employment at the across from Mackin Park is part seum as well as an old Canadian pea soup, maple taffy on snow, aged to settle with their families Fraser Mills, which finally shut of the site of the old village of Pacific Railroad Station muse- and, of course, poutine. unlike the former workers who its doors in 2001. Maillardville and includes two um where many francophones In the early 1900’s Fra- were seen as temporary. The Today, the francophone popu- heritage houses. Mackin House arrived to live and work in ser Mills, a lumber mill on the village of Maillardville, named lation of Maillardville is less than Museum was home to various Maillardville. Meanwhile, the north bank of the Fraser River, after a Catholic priest, was soon three per cent of the general members of the Fraser Mills city of Coquitlam is revitalizing began to become successful established. It became the larg- population. However, its franco- Company management. It con- the old Maillardville business and a small mill town came into est francophone village west of phone heritage is being revital- tains artefacts and photos from district in partnership with being. The mill needed to re- Manitoba. Twice Maillardville at- ized by events such as the Fes- the early days of Maillardville. all three levels of government. cruit more workers and French tempted to become an indepen- tival du Bois, which attracts on Place des Arts is another house The focus will be on French Canadians had a reputation as dent municipality but was un- average 15,000 visitors a year and originally built for Fraser Mill Canadian heritage through the being industrious and skilled successful. It maintained a large features exceptional artists from managers. It offers programs in development of francophone forestry workers. They would francophone presence from the across the country. The dynamic, visual arts, music, drama, dance businesses. replace Chinese, Japanese and early 1900s until a gradual de- Maillardville-based francophone and creative writing to more South Asian workers who were crease in the ‘60s and ’70s. This choir, Les Echos du Pacifique has than 1500 students with a wide Don Richardson
cip y l a an ald r Bourani Banjan The first time one of my Middle • 1 can diced tomatoes dish to catch any excess oil. Eastern friends cooked me din- • 2 tsp turmeric Reuse the oil with your next ner I could’ve sworn she made • dried chilli flakes to taste batches. an entire bottle of olive oil dis- 4. Turn the heat down to me- appear into the dish. To be hon- Yoghurt sauce ingredients dium. Use your skillet with est I expected it to be greasy, • 1 cup Greek style yoghurt about two tablespoons of oil heavy and unpleasant, but none • 1 clove of garlic (discard the rest) to lightly of that was the case. In my culi- • 1 bunch fresh mint fry the garlic, turmeric, and nary upbringing, we were con- chilli flakes (if using) for servative with fats and often Method about a minute. Add the used margarine. Nutritional 1. Cut the eggplants into slices tomatoes and simmer for science has since evolved and of about a centimetre thick. about ten minutes to form a after going to a French cuisine- Discard the tops. Place the tomato sauce. based culinary school I now slices on a cooling rack and 5. Meanwhile prepare the yo- know better. Good food needs salt lightly on both sides. Let ghurt sauce by combining butter. Good Middle Eastern sit for about ten minutes to yoghurt, grated garlic and food needs olive oil. This Af- draw out moisture and bit- chopped fresh mint in a ghan eggplant dish will be a terness. Pat dry with a paper bowl. nice exercise in loosening your towel. 6. Layer your eggplant and to- olive oil wrist. And you know 2. Preheat oven to 350F. mato sauce into your oven what? Olive oil isn’t bad for you, 3. Shallow fry the eggplant in safe baking dish. Finish either! olive oil in a heavy bottomed with the last of your tomato skillet on a medium high heat sauce. Ingredients on your stove until slightly 7. Bake in the oven for about 15 • olive oil browned. You’ll have to do more minutes. Top with the • salt this in batches. Use a colan- yoghurt sauce and garnish • 2 eggplants der to collect your cooked with mint leaves. Serve with • 3 cloves garlic, grated eggplant. Place it in a baking jasmine rice or flatbread.