Blog - The Cultch

Q&A with Titus de Voogdt from The History of the World (Based on Banalities)

Posted on April 26, 2018 by The Cultch

A Q&A with Titus de Voogdt from The History of the World (Based on Banalities)

We are so excited to have the Belgian company Kopergietery here with their hit show The History of the World (Based on Banalities). It plays at the York theatre until May 5.

In The History of the World (Based on Banalities), a youngster, Philip, decides to look after his mother in the last months of her life. Starting from run-of-the-mill situations and objects, he embarks on a quirky voyage through her past.

Titus De Voogdt, the performer in The History of the World (Based on Banalities), is a beloved Belgian actor who works for theatre, film and television. He has worked/s with renowned directors as Arne Sierens (theater writer and director) and Felix Van Groeningen (movie director). He also starred as Vincent Bourg in the BBC-series The Missing (2014).

Titus De Voogdt in The History of the World (Based on Banalities). Photo by Phile Desprez

We are so excited to have you here in Vancouver. What makes you most excited about bringing this show to Vancouver?

I have never been here before. Vancouver always had an attraction on me, and I am very happy to finally be here. Besides, I love hiking and fishing so I hope I will get some opportunities in my free time to do so.

You are one of the co-writers of the show — what was the inspiration?

I’ve always been interested in inventions, how things work and stuff is made throughout history. That has been a key inspiration for writing this show.

While I was working on the script, Peter Higgs won a Nobel price for his work on the Higgs-Boson particle. It caught my attention and I started reading up on it. In this way it became a mayor topic in the show…

Your character, Philip, is interested in illusions and fantasy — do you share these interests with him?

I do, although I’m lousy at it, I like to do a coin trick from time to time..

What makes doing this show fun for you?

That it’s quite physical, it feels like a workout to me.

What makes doing this show meaningful for you?

I hope people who see the show learn a thing or two about science they didn’t knew before. With a bit of luck it even moves them in the process.

Geoffrey Burton and Titus de Voogdt. Photo by Phile Desprez

The History of the World (Based on Banalities) features a musician (Geoffrey Burton- from Hong Kong Dong) who joins you on stage for the show — what is it like doing a show with live rock music?

It’s great, although he claims he is NOT a rock musician. It’s really a dialogue…the music brings the script to a higher level.

You do a lot of film and television work as well as theatre work — what are you working on these days?

Just finished a 12-episode series about a hostage situation in a bank it is called ‘de dag’ meaning ‘the Day.’ In Belgian TV an movies I usually play the bad guy. Don’t ask me why….

Titus De Voogdt in De Dag – The Day. Photo from imdb.

De Dag – The Day. Photo from imdb

The History of the World (Based on Banalities) runs at the York Theatre April 25-May 5, 2018. Book tickets online or by phone by calling The Cultch Box Office at 604.251.1363.

Sponsor Spotlight: Patti Flaherty with brainstreams.ca

Posted on April 18, 2018 by The Cultch

Sponsor Spotlight: A chat with The Cultch & Patti Flaherty from brainstreams.ca

Patti Flaherty from brainstreams.ca

Can you tell us how brainstreams.ca first got involved with The Cultch?

The good folks from the Cultch approached brainstreams.ca to explore with us our interest in being associated with the production of Reassembled, Slightly Askew. The relevance to our group and what this production represented was so aligned that it only made sense to try and figure out how we could support the production. Getting the story of Shannon out into our network and community was very important to all of us.

Patti, how unique was it for brainstreams.ca to sponsor the international and experiential show, Reassembled, Slightly Askew? What were the benefits to your professional community?

Brainstreams.ca and BC Brain Injury Association has never financially sponsored anything. In fact, brainstreams.ca is normally reaching out to our friends and organizations to find financial support to do the good work we do. So, it was highly unique for us to sponsor the show. Being associated with this show was right up our alley and we were so proud to be a part of it. The benefits to our community are still somewhat unclear. However, it is clear that we have done something that has strengthened our efforts to offer education and awareness opportunities to the community. We produced a short video that lives on our site to celebrate this partnership. To see this video please go to: http://www.brainstreams.ca/videos/video-type/bcbia-presents-reassembled-slightly-askew/.

I have worked in the health care and brain injury rehab field for a very long time and have been deeply involved in many educational and learning opportunities; Reassembled, Slightly Askew is by far the most powerful and effective learning tool I have ever experienced. I wish that everyone who works in the field or loves someone who has a brain injury could experience it. Somehow, we need to find more ways to share this unique and brilliant performance.

Did you feel like there was a certain amount of risk involved in taking on this show?

Yes, there was some real risk in taking on this show. This partnership was very different from every other partnership that we have purposefully engaged in. The risk was in the unknown and in the use of our precious financial resources. That said, the board of directors unanimously agreed that this partnership made very good sense and was willing to take the risk. We are so pleased we choose to be involved with the Cultch and the show……no regrets!!

Can you tell us more about the work you do with brainstreams.ca?

Brainstreams.ca is the official website for the BC Brain Injury Association. Essentially the work of the BCBIA has become what brainstreams.ca offers to the people in BC who work with and live with the effects of brain injury. This site is a place where people’s stories are shared as a method of healing. It also offers an online library of brain injury related services and resources that are available in our province to our brain injury community. The bottom-line is that we are here to help strengthen the network of services and supports for people living with brain injury by offering decision makers strategic insights from our learnings and to help people navigate the system of services throughout British Columbia.

What are you curious about right now?

I’m curious to see how our partnership evolves. We would love to continue to be involved and develop our connection with the Cultch. We are planning on hosting our AGM in June at the Cultch and we are looking forward to finding other creative ways to build on this great experience.

As a registered Canadian charity, The Cultch relies on the support of the community to operate as a cultural hub; bringing diverse and engaging live performance to the stage.
Please consider making a donation today! Contact Natalie Schneck, Development Associate: natalie@thecultch.com; 604.251.1766 x.121
Charitable registration # 11928 1574 RR0001

Announcing our 45th Anniversary Season!

Posted on April 11, 2018 by The Cultch

Announcing our 45th Anniversary Season!

We had a blast announcing our 45th anniversary season on April 10! Thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated with us; it was such a wonderful evening! We are so excited for all of the wonderful shows coming up in 18/19 and we cannot wait to share them with you.

Check out the video announcement — it’s so fun!

Subscriptions for the 18/19 season are on sale NOW!

Save 20% with our Choose 5 subscription package or 25% with our Choose 8 subscription package! This season, the more you see, the more save. You’ll enjoy an exciting roster of artists and programs, from the best seats in the house.

Single tickets go on sale July 16. Call The Cultch’s Box Office at 604-251-1363 or go online at tickets.thecultch.com.

Video trailer by Artaban — Check them out, they do great work!

DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Kath Bourchier

Posted on April 4, 2018 by The Cultch

DONOR SPOTLIGHT: A conversation with Kath Bourchier

Kath Bourchier with Alberta’s sweetheart, Mrs Edna Rural!

Kath, you have been involved with The Cultch in many different ways. Can you tell us what first attracted you to the organization?

I first became involved with The Cultch when I managed provincial sponsorships for Alcan Aluminium Limited (now Rio Tinto). Heather Redfern’s predecessor Duncan Low visited me to discuss whether we could find some mutually-beneficial basis for a partnership. In 1996, we developed the $60,000 Alcan Performing Arts Award to be granted annually to a B.C. performing arts company for the development of new work. I am very proud that this award lasted for 14 years, funding many of the B.C. companies that have gone on to win international acclaim. When I left Alcan in 2001, after 26 years, and was no longer in a conflict-of-interest position, Duncan recruited me to The Cultch Board of Directors, which I served for 15 years. I was Board Chair when we broke ground on our incredible renovations. And, as Chair, I hired Heather, perhaps my proudest accomplishment of all.

Reoccurring gifts are important for the sustainability of The Cultch. Why did you choose to become a monthly donor?

I became a monthly donor when I was elected Board Chair, primarily to set an example for other Board members. We have never required Board members to be donors but I’ve always believed that, as Directors of not-for-profit organizations, we’re on more solid ground to solicit donations from others if we’re financially invested ourselves. My monthly donations come out of my bank account automatically. I budget for them, and this is the most painless way I know to watch affordable donations add up to significant contributions. I have also learned, over the years, how important monthly donations are to The Cultch as a consistent and reliable source of revenue. It’s not the amount of one’s monthly donation that is important; it’s the accumulative value over time. For me, it’s immensely satisfying to contribute an amount I can afford on a monthly basis to an organization to which I am deeply committed because it enriches our lives. Try it … I guarantee you’ll like it!

You have several years’ experience working in strategic communications; can you tell us how this skill set intersects with your involvement at The Cultch?

Once in a rare while, I provide some advice that seems to help (or so they’re kind enough to tell me). But we have such a bright, young staff that do such a good job of looking after our donors, our patrons, and the marketing challenges that I think they’re just indulging me.

Can you tell us what you wish other people knew about The Cultch?

Easily. I wish they knew the lovely sense of community available to them. Challenging shows, good friends, wonderful conversations. And the loveliest sense of commitment to something bigger than ourselves.

What are you curious about right now?

I am always curious about what Heather will identify next. She is an extraordinary programmer who brings to Vancouver audiences things we need to see and hear and experience.

A Q&A with Kevin McKendrick and Lindsey Angell about BUTCHER

Posted on March 16, 2018 by The Cultch

A Q&A with Kevin McKendrick and Lindsey Angell about BUTCHER

Butcher, an edge-of-your-seat thriller from award-winning Canadian playwright, Nicolas Billon, opens March 21 at the Historic Theatre, and runs until March 31.

Early Christmas morning, on the doorsteps of a Toronto police station, Inspector Lamb discovers an unlikely bundle; a drugged and abandoned old man, who doesn’t speak any English, dressed in a strange military uniform. Atop his head a Santa hat, and around his neck a business card impaled on a butchers hook with the words, “Arrest me,” scrawled on it. Inspector Lamb begins an investigation into the identity of the stranger that will forever tie together the lives of four people: a lawyer, a translator, the stranger and the inspector.

Lindsey Angell plays Elena

Director, Kevin McKendrick

We connected with Director, Kevin Mckendrick, and performer, Lindsey Angell, to ask them a few questions about bringing the hit show to The Cultch stage.

What excites you most about bringing Butcher to The Cultch stage?

Lindsey — Butcher has managed to get under my skin and I think it will truly draw our audiences in as well. It is deceptive and sneaky and even oddly charming at times, but be careful, you might get *hooked*…hehehe.

The Cultch has partnered with Amnesty International as a Community Partner for Butcher. Our Community Partners offer us the opportunity to spread the word about important issues at the same time as helping us spread the word about our shows. Knowing what you do about Amnesty International, do you feel that it is a good fit? Why?

Kevin — I think it’s an excellent partnership because Amnesty International wrestles with the issues in Butcher every single day. In her forward to the play Louise Arbour, a former Supreme Court of Canada justice, and former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda said, “When can victims find peace when justice is elusive?” and “Can offenders find closure if punishment is not extended to them?” Are these not huge questions for our time? Real peace and closure, it is often said, can only come from forgiveness. It falls to organizations like A.I to help us find our way through these tangled questions.

Why do you think Butcher has hit such a chord across Canada since its debut?

Lindsey — Butcher is brave. It does not choose sides or lead its audience in any way. That kind of experience in live theatre is rare and exhilarating.

In an ideal world, what would you like audiences to take away with them after seeing Butcher?

Kevin — One of my mentors, the playwright John Murrell, impressed upon me the idea that theatre must be provocative, yet entertaining. It’s a maxim I try to apply to every play I work on. I want audiences leaving Butcher at The Cultch to feel we exceeded their expectations. I want them to be thrilled and moved by the experience. To be glad they left the comfort of their home to take in a play. And I want them to leave the theatre arguing about the themes of justice and revenge. The best theatre serves to help us strengthen our society by spurring us to make changes.

You have put together an all-star cast of performers and creators for this production. Lindsey, what do you think Butcher offers actors that other plays may not?

Lindsey — Butcher is unlike any show I have done before. I have spoken in dialects and even other languages but never have I been given the gift of learning an invented language (playwright, Nicolas Billon, had two linquistics professors from the University of Toronto invent the language of ‘Lavinian’ specifically for this play). This story is incredibly mysterious and the characters are fighting fiercely for what they need, creating a tension I have yet to experience on stage. That’s about all I can say without spilling any spoilers.

Butcher has some very serious themes — justice, revenge, forgiveness — Have there been many discussions during rehearsals? Do you think it will stir up debate with audiences?

Lindsey — Of course! We have turned this play over and over, hashing out the ideas and the arc of the story. It is our hope that the audience will discuss the piece passionately afterwards, not only the themes but their own personal response to the ride.

Is there anything else about putting on Butcher that you would like to say a few words about?

Kevin — I have been so fortunate to have this opportunity. To work on this fine Canadian play with this outstanding team of collaborators. And it is very gratifying to us to have The Cultch recognize the importance of Nicolas Billon’s play and afford us the opportunity to share it with Vancouver audiences.

Thank you Kevin and Lindsey!

To read more about Butcher check out this great article from the Vancouver Sun, a Q&A with Peter Anderson.

Butcher runs March 20-31 at the Historic Theatre. Book tickets online or by phone by calling The Cultch Box Office at 604.251.1363.

Written by: Nicolas Billon

Starring: Peter Anderson, Lindsey Angell, Noel Johansen, and Daryl Shuttleworth

Director: Kevin McKendrick

Artistic Associate: Christy Webb, Set Designer: David Roberts, Costume Designer: Jenifer Darbellay, Assistant Costume Designer: Alaia Hamer, Lighting Designer: Michael Hewitt, Original Music and Sound Design: Keith Thomas, Stage Manager: Joanne P.B. Smith, Makeup Consultant: Miss Nikki Ying, Student Apprentice: Leah Read

Official Website: www.butcherplay.com

DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Jodi Sprackman with the Rosedale on Robson

Posted on March 14, 2018 by Ricky C.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Jodi Sprackman with the Rosedale on Robson

Can you tell us how the Rosedale on Robson first got involved with The Cultch?

Our long-standing partnership with The Cultch began in 2001 when we were approached to discuss accommodating your artists during the theatre season. This is our 17th year as a hotel sponsor, and we still love welcoming The Cultch’s artists to the Rosedale!

What has surprised you and your colleagues most about partnering with The Cultch?

The great relationships we’ve forged with many of the people who work at The Cultch.

Over the years there have been several artists who have made the Rosedale on Robson their home while touring shows to The Cultch. Are there any highlights or memorable moments from meeting the artists?

Meeting Miriam Margolyes when she stayed with us in 2012 while performing in a one-woman show entitled Dickens Women. She is an award-winning actress and a long-time veteran of film, television and theatre. She was funny, outspoken and gracious (we chatted a few times during her stay), and made such an impression on us that we even changed our pool hours to accommodate her schedule (and we haven’t changed them back since!).

Jodi, can you tell us a bit more about what you do in your role as the Director of Community Relations?

I am responsible for all things community-related, with a primary focus on sponsorship agreements with various performing arts organizations. Accommodations are a big part of their budgetary requirements, and because we have the means to help out in this area, we do.

Because we’re an all-suite hotel that also happens to be located in the heart of the entertainment district, artists really enjoy staying with us. It’s an easy walk to a variety of theatres (and not too far a drive from The Cultch), and they love the convenience of having their own kitchen, especially after getting “home” after a late performance. Working with theatre companies and festivals is a natural partnership that has flourished over the years.

How important do you think it is that the arts organizations continue to cultivate and sustain partnerships with corporate sponsors?

I think it’s crucial to create and foster these partnerships. The very nature of sponsorships focuses on building relationships where different organizations can help support one another. The reason we primarily focus on these organizations is because the arts are notoriously underfunded and are always in need of assistance from the community. The arts tend to be overlooked, and cultural events are often forced to be put on the back burner, having to be either scaled back or cancelled.

We believe that the arts are an integral part of our community as a whole, and partnering with various organizations helps foster the commitment the Rosedale has to the overall support and promotion of the arts in Vancouver. We’re committed to playing a part in helping to enrich our cultural community.

What are you curious about right now?

People. My kids say I’m nosy, but I’m really just interested (and maybe just a little bit nosy). Everyone has a story. I like learning about people and their lives.

Donor Spotlight: Jamie Evrard

Posted on March 1, 2018 by The Cultch

Donor Spotlight with Jamie Evrard

Jamie, you have been long-time supporter of The Cultch. Can you tell us how you first got involved with the organization?

I’ve been involved with the Cultch since 1978 when I moved to Vancouver and sold my weaving at the Circle Craft Christmas Market which was then held there. I’ve always been intrigued by and attended many of the Cultch’s offerings so when I realized I had enough money to begin giving back to Vancouver in some way the Cultch was an obvious choice. It is a real community theatre and supports so many smaller local theatre groups as well as international performers. I went to a Peggy Baker show way back and I met a filmmaker/photographer, who asked me if he could photograph my hands for one of his projects. The Cultch is a place where this kind of connection can happen. It’s intimate and you’ll always talk to people.

What has surprised you most about working/partnering with The Cultch?

The fun of getting to know so many of the people who work at and give to the Cultch. Being able to attend special events and actually see works in progress and meet their creators.

You’ve built an admirable and remarkable career as a visual artist both in Canada and internationally. What do you find interesting about supporting the other artistic disciplines such as theatre and dance?

I believe that a vibrant arts scene is essential for a great city so I’d like to help make Vancouver more exciting. Great theatre adds color to life, that can’t hurt!

Does seeing theatre and dance inform your own artistic work?

You know I saw Jane Heyman’s version of “Three Sisters” by Chekhov in 2013, and I’m not saying that it informed my work directly, but there was something about that piece. Jane and I often talk about the creative process and one day she saw a painting hanging upside down in my studio and I confessed that I often work this way to be able to better see the shapes and forms I’m creating. She told me sometime later that she was experimenting with rehearsing her theatre pieces starting at the end.

It’s hard to be an artist of any age, from being a small child to an older person. I think just seeing people making and performing art is inspiring in itself. I like that you guys do risky work.

Can you tell us what you wish other people knew about The Cultch?

Giving to the Cultch is a great way to feel a part of artistic creation and giving money away is one of the most fun things you can do. Its fun to support artistic creation and it’s easier and more possible to become a donor then a lot of people think. The Cultch is a place you can make a difference, it is small enough so that every donation counts and it’s a cool community of vibrant artists.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about donating to The Cultch but hasn’t made the move yet?

It is an exciting organization to be inside of. The Cultch has lots of outreach programs for kids and people who would otherwise not be able to attend theatre. Also, donor events , like the director’s circle receptions before shows are a lot of fun.

You have got a great aesthetic sensibility in many areas, Jamie (I love your style!) Can you tell us where you look to for inspiration?

I’m inspired by the work of other artists I see when I travel, and the work of local artists including many of those in Bau Xi Gallery. Also by solitary confinement and boredom—my time in Italy where life is simpler. As Einstein said, “creativity is a residue of time wasted”. You know last night, I came back from San Francisco and I had to go into the studio – I had to work. The phone rang and I didn’t answer. Sometimes you gotta be ruthless to be creative. These days we are offered all this free stuff on social media but really it takes away something of incredible value – our time—so I don’t do any of it.

What are you curious about?

People. I love hearing people’s stories and everybody has a story to tell if you ask which I often do. Stories well told are universally engaging, and theatre is the best way to tell them. And the Yucatán! My next trip.

Jamie Evrard’s Upcoming Exhibition:

Bau-Xi Gallery

March 3-17, 2018
3045 Granville Street, Vancouver

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 3, 2:00 – 4:00pm

Donor Spotlight: Michael Hedden with Dignity Memorial

Posted on February 15, 2018 by The Cultch

Donor Spotlight: Michael Hedden with Dignity Memorial

This February, for our Donor Spotlight, Natalie Schneck, our Development Associate connected with Michael Hedden of Dignity Memorial.

Thank you so much for joining us in this edition of The Cultch’s Donor Spotlight, I am delighted to interview you, Michael!

How and when did you first get involved with The Cultch?

Jamie and I attended a performance with our dear friends and former neighbors, Maureen and Bob. We were so impressed and invigorated with the quality of the performance, that we made a conscious decision to see as many of the remaining performances of that season. What a revelation to find this gem in our city. As a patron, I feel as if I belong to something bigger. Sitting in that audience, I become part of this cathartic ebb and flow of the human experience. I believe storytelling in all of its artistic forms is vital to understanding ones journey as an individual, as a family and a community.

Please tell us a little about the work you do with Dignity Memorial:

As a funeral professional, I facilitate and help families tell the story of their loved one who has passed on. I provide a platform upon which a family can build a tribute that incorporates cultural, religious and personal preferences that directly reflect and honour the person who has lived. Through spoken word, music, and imagery we bring people together to express our loss, love and gratitude for the person we are remembering. I currently manage our Ocean View property located in Burnaby.

Michael, was there a turning point when you realized The Cultch is an organization
that fits the altruistic mandate and community mindedness of Dignity
Memorial?

With my reference to storytelling it was an obvious fit right from the start. I am privileged to work for a company that encourages its employees to participate in the community we live and work in. I believe it is imperative that when able, one’s philanthropy benefit a diverse community. Funding for the arts is vital to our wellbeing and contributes to a healthier community.

Recently, Dignity Memorial became an integral part of our Legacy Giving
program – Can you tell us what this means to you and how it aligns with The
Cultch and its future growth?

Legacy Giving is an undeniable way to make sure that your support for The Cultch continues after you are gone. Let us be honest, you cannot take your money with you when you die. As individuals, we have the opportunity to make a meaningful statement that reflects ones commitment to the arts in life and in death.

Do you feel that Dignity Memorial’s partnership with The Cultch is creative? In what ways?

I don’t know that the partnership is creative per say, but I am proud of the fact that through our continued sponsorship and support, Dignity Memorial and The Cultch are able to showcase the Arts, in all of its glory, to our community and makes it accessible to as many people as possible. Together, I would like to think we bring the best of performance art to Vancouver.

Has there been a Cultch show that you just can’t forget?

Oh, that is a tough one; there have been many for sure. Two still resonate with me, Big Mouth in 2016 and La Merde in 2017. So inspiring that I still get goose bumps when I think of them.

Finally, what are you curious about right now?

I continue to be fascinated and curious about the way in which we communicate with each other in today’s world. It comes back to that ebb and flow of the human experience. Acknowledgement, humility, acceptance, forgiveness…I believe we are all part of the story; it is exciting to think about how we influence the outcome.

Thank you!

Behind-the-scenes of Jabberwocky and No Foreigners!

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Ricky C.

Behind-the-scenes of Jabberwocky and No Foreigners!

It is an exciting week here at The Cultch – we have TWO shows opening! At the York Theatre, Jabberwocky runs Feb 6-17 (Opening Feb 7), and at the Vancity Culture Lab, we have No Foreigners playing Feb 7-17 (Opening Feb 8).

In this exciting blog post we reveal a few behind-the-scenes images for both of these amazing shows – A sneak peek just for you!

Jabberwocky:

Inspired by Lewis Carrol’s famous nonsense poem, Jabberwocky explores the things that keep us awake at night. What will it take to slay our own Jabberwock? Take a look at some of the behind-the-scene images from The Old Trout Puppet Workshop:

Photo Credit: The Old Trout Puppet Workshop

For an exciting behind-the-scenes look at Jabberwocky, check out this great video from Vancouver Presents!

No Foreigners:

An interdisciplinary collaboration (co-presented with Theatre Conspiracy) from Hong Kong Exile and fu-GEN Theatre (Toronto), two leading Asian-Canadian performing arts companies, No Foreigners takes a unique look at Chinese malls, through live performance, micro-to macro video, text, miniatures, and media design in this exciting world premiere. Check out these images from their time creating at Carleton University:

Photo by Justin Wonnacott, Carleton University

Jabberwocky runs at the York Theatre Feb 6-17. Book tickets online or by phone by calling The Cultch Box Office at 604.251.1363.

No Foreigners runs at the Vancity Culture Lab Feb 7-17. Book tickets online or by phone by calling The Cultch Box Office at 604.251.1363.

Donor Spotlight: Charlotte and Sonya Wall

Posted on January 17, 2018 by The Cultch

Donor Spotlight: Charlotte and Sonya Wall

This month marks our second annual Femme month at The Cultch; both have been generously supported by Charlotte and Sonya Wall. We chatted with Charlotte and Sonya to learn a bit more about their involvement with The Cultch and their passion for supporting female artists.

Thank you so much for joining us in this edition of The Cultch’s Donor Spotlight! You have both been long-time supporters of The Cultch. Can you tell us how you first got involved with the organization?

Sonya: I first became involved with The Cultch through attending theatre productions. I loved the diversity and originality of The Cultch productions and believed that The Cultch offered Vancouverites the opportunity to see theatre which was contemporary, thought provoking and international in its scope. I wanted to support such an endeavour. Around the same time, I also got to know Heather Redfern – who is marvelous – through the restoration of the York Theatre. I asked Heather how Charlotte and I could best help The Cultch and so we came up with the idea of a Femme February or January theme.

What has surprised you most about working/partnering with The Cultch?

Sonya: What has surprised me most about working and partnering with The Cultch is the enthusiasm, dedication and openness of everyone. They are all committed to providing the best experience for the theatre goer and for the actors, writers, directors and technical staff. Everyone works in concert with each other and are super organized – a rarity in any organization! Also, the creative energy at The Cultch is amazing.

Charlotte: I too, admire the dedication and enthusiasm I constantly encounter when I am at The Cultch. I think The Cultch provides an important service in the community in regards to women in theatre and consistently stages contemporary and cutting-edge work.

Charlotte, you are a trained and practicing visual artist. Do you find that engaging with other art forms, such as theatre and dance, contributes to your own artistic practice?

Charlotte: As an artist working also in a contemporary mode, I strongly believe that all art forms influence and benefit each other.The expression of thought and discovery in every form relates to the endeavours of artists in other mediums.

I find the staging involved in both theatre and dance can easily inform some of my work, especially since I often deal with the manipulation of spacial assumptions. The composition of characters in a play on stage or the choreography of dance involves the same process as composing a sculpture or an installation.

I look forward to many more Cultch events and I will always enjoy the open minds that present us with challenging and intriguing visual offerings.

Sonya, you are passionate about supporting women in higher education and the arts. What do find fulfilling about supporting women in these particular areas?

Sonya: I am a strong believer and proponent for supporting and recognizing women in the Arts and all fields. I am not sure if “fulfilling” is the feeling I get from supporting this belief, rather it is a balancing. I can remember in the ’80s taking a modern American literature course and looking at the outline and realizing that we would only be reading one work written by a woman compared to 9 by men. When I queried this imbalance, the Professor stated that he had neither noticed the discrepancy nor did he care. I would like to say that my voluble reaction to his response resulted in a change, but alas, no. While this scenario is probably not as visible today, it is, nevertheless, still necessary to foreground women’s work in all areas as we have still not achieved that optimal balance. One only has to look at the economics of wage parity within today’s society. So, supporting Femme Feb/Jan makes me feel as if I am helping achieve a balance, which, frankly, I am still fairly voluble about.

Can you tell us what wish other people knew about The Cultch?

Sonya: I wish people knew how hard everyone at The Cultch works to continue providing the audience and community with top notch entertainment. Every season brings new, exciting and professional works to the stage. Truly amazing.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about donating to The Cultch but hasn’t made the move yet?

Sonya: Don’t stop at “go,” just give.

One last question, what are you curious about right now?

Sonya: I am curious about the tipping point society has recently reached as women finally feel they can speak out about sexual harassment. I am also interested in seeing how this movement changes the workplace – both the conduct and the demographic. And, I am most curious to see Hot Brown Honey along with many other Cultch productions. Should be fun.

As a registered Canadian charity, The Cultch relies on the support of the community to operate as a cultural hub; bringing diverse and engaging live performance to the stage.
Please consider making a donation today!
Charitable registration # 11928 1574 RR0001
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