Andi Icaza summons images of loss, hope and the spiritual realm in a poetic piece grieving a father’s passing. Her writing is as important now as it was in the time of its publication in the first months of the COVID virus, especially in a season where many come together to celebrate those who have passed on.
Read MoreWhile October is best known for overpriced pumpkin spiced lattes, scanty Halloween costumes (in fabric, never in design) and the onset of seasonal depression, this year Vancouver Fashion Week overshadowed them all. Now having attended the first two days I have some thoughts, so here are some things you should know if you love the glitz and glamour of the catwalk, or even plan on making it out to the second largest fashion week in North America.
Read MoreI’ve never been a sports girl, but it just so happens that last Monday, when the Blue Jays won the game that sent them to the World Series, I was in a sports bar. In that moment, I felt myself understanding something that has forever eluded me: why people enjoy watching sports. In the immortal words of Brad Pitt in 2011’s Moneyball: How can you not be romantic about baseball?
If you remain unconvinced and need somewhere to get away from the sports discourse, this week’s Mood Swing has you covered with a balance of the death rattles of spooky season and some more flexible events to help you recover from a busy Halloween.
Read MoreHas anyone noticed that with Halloween falling on a Friday this year, we are being graced with not just one but TWO Halloweekends? I’m personally not complaining and loving the variety of spooky events happening all over the city. As a recovering theatre kid and lover of all things camp, I wish it were socially acceptable to wear a costume every day of the year.
So even though All Hallows Eve itself doesn’t arrive until next week, I’m dedicating this week’s Mood Swing to all things campy, creepy and candy. From a comedy show to a classic movie screening to a '90s dance party, I promise this list has something for everyone.
Read MoreTheatre of the Damned is the latest in The Beaumont’s annual run of Halloween immersive theatre experiences from the minds of Executive and Creative Director Jude Kusnierz and Show Director April O’Peel. Past iterations included dedications to spooky icons like Stephen King and Tim Burton, but this year, O’Peel says they wanted to go for more of a classic Halloween feel, framing the show around a century of horror film history.
Read MoreDoes anyone still need to figure out their Halloween costume? I usually have mine decided before a single leaf has fallen, but this year I was feeling uninspired. Luckily, after a quick browse of old faithful Pinterest, I found my muse. A simple dress and some crafting materials from around my apartment are all I need to bring the vision to life.
With a paintbrush in hand and the spirit of Jack Skellington himself in my heart, I’m set to spend my weekend putting together the DIY costume of my dreams. If you’re still looking for that Halloween inspiration to strike, I've got a full week of mostly free events to get those creative juices flowing.
Read MoreThe soft aroma of Devil’s Club drifted through the air. A mixture of Indigenous flowers, juniper, sage and cedar dusted the ground, remnants from the opening of Manuel Axel Strain’s solo exhibition at the Richmond Art Gallery (RAG), titled xʷən̓iwən ce:p kʷθəθ nəw̓eyəł ((((Remember your teachings)))), which opened on September 13 and runs until November 9, 2025.
Around the gallery hang large photographs of natural and urban settings interwoven with clouds, trees, and waters, punctuated by pictograms in bold, vibrant colours. At the centre of the gallery stands the exhibition’s focal point: a physical re-interpretation of a traditional longhouse.
Read MoreIt’s that time of year when there’s a real Twilight “hoa hoa hoa” sense about the air. The skies are gloomy, the mist is creeping and everyone is brooding. A younger me may have used this as an opportunity to pretend I was a teenager in Forks lusting after my vampire boyfriend. Now I mostly yearn for vitamin D and dry socks.
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