The PuSh Festival is BACK for its 19th year!
One of the most vibrant events in the West Coast calendar year, PuSh is always a bright spot in the winter forecast. If this is your first time getting acquainted with PuSh, here’s what you need to know: it’s a performing arts festival of renowned international artists- but that doesn’t begin to describe the depth of expression and innovation you can see!
Theatre, dance, music, circus arts, multimedia, if you can think of a way to express yourself, chances are you’ll find it at PuSh. This year’s roster brings 18 events, performances, and installations to get you out of your comfort zone and into something a little more exciting. To get you started, these are the five shows we’re looking forward to most, but you can always make your own list with the full program listings.
*Cover image by Domitille Martin
Jan 20 – 23
Revue Stage
Storytelling, spoken word, and rap performance take centre stage in this one-person show by artist Donna-Michelle St. Bernard. Audience members will get an intimate account of St. Bernard’s journey as a rapper and person of colour, tackling issues like gig culture, over-policing, and systemic racism. All shone through the lens of a subversively funny perspective, Sound of the Beast is ready to talk about the hard (and absurd) facts of life.
1601 Johnston Street
By Transit: From downtown, take the #50 South False Creek via Granville Island bus to Anderson St. From there it’s a short walk into Granville Island.
Jan 20 – Feb 3
Boca del Lupo’s Studio: The Fishbowl on Granville Island
An award-winning, immersive experience, Dear Laila begins with a daughter asking about her father’s first home. What follows is a harrowing story of the Palestinian displacement from any concept of home and security. Artist Basel Zaraa took his daughter’s question as a chance to show her (and his audience) where, and how he lived. An interactive piece for audience members to experience one at a time, this installation presents a lived-in environment and model for visitors to explore. Each drawer, document, and keepsake tells the story of loss, discrimination, and ultimately, hope.
1398 Cartwright Street
By Transit: From downtown, take the #50 South False Creek via Granville Island bus to Anderson St. From there it’s a short walk into Granville Island.
Jan 24 – 28
Roundhouse Performance Centre
Two-way mirrors, neon panels, immersive soundscapes- Same Difference invites you to reconsider your perception of self. As audience members wade through a scene of reflections, they’re encouraged to further consider their relationship with location and culture. It’s a premise underlined by audio of immigrants and refugees speaking, and how dramatically different circumstances can still contribute to a sense of isolation. As the artist’s statement asks, “How much sameness and difference do we need to feel like we belong?”
181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
By Transit: Take the Canada Line train to Yaletown-Roundhouse Station, it’s only about a five minute walk towards False Creek!
The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes
Feb 1 – 3
York Theatre
Featuring an ensemble of performers labelled as having intellectual disabilities, this show explores how the rise in AI will affect how humans are treated moving forward. Using that look into the future as the frame work, Back to Back Theatre (Australia) shows how the world stereotypes people with disabilities and puts them in boxes. The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes promises to be an honest and funny exploration of empathy.
639 Commercial Drive
By Transit: From Commercial Drive – Broadway transit station, take the #20 Downtown bus to Georgia Street.
Feb 2 – 4
Vancouver Playhouse
In Pli, two visual artists and a circus artist collaborate to explore how using paper enhances and challenges the creative process. But instead of using paper to write out a story, the creative team creates a performance that is surrounded by it, and moves with it. Watch as human and paper dance together, showing the fragility and strength of both.
600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
By Transit: Take the Canada Line or Millennium Line trains to Vancouver City Centre, and exit onto Georgia Street. Walk east, and you’ll be there in about ten minutes!