By Gene Kosowan
Spring in Edmonton marks a transition for the local cultural scene, as most arts groups wind up their subscription seasons and gear up for fall. Meanwhile, Edmontonians have a chance to come out of hibernation and check out a variety of vibrant spring festivals. Here’s your guide to Edmonton’s art and festival scene this spring. [Photo credit: Alberta Ballet]
A whole week will demonstrate the power of the spoken word when the Edmonton Poetry Festival holds court April 16 to 23 at City Hall and at dozens of locations throughout the city. Readings, workshops and book excerpts from established and emerging poets will be hosted by a wide variety of venues from bookstores and cafés to a brewery and even a couple historic sites.
Despite its small size, Edmonton’s film industry has a rich history, having spawned the likes of Oscar-winner Arthur Hiller and recent Sundance winner Trevor Anderson. The Film and Video Arts Festival at Metro Cinema – scheduled April 18 to 22 – may signal the arrival of yet another worthy filmmaker among dozens of meticulously juried entries.
Theatre Network finishes its mainstage series with a work by award-winning playwright Chris Craddock based on the novel Irma Voth by Canadian author Miriam Toews. This tale of beauty and empowerment, running April 20 to May 7, follows young Irma, who is sought out by a film crew documenting the goings-on taking place in her colony.
Canadian soprano Karina Gauvin finishes the Edmonton Chamber Music Society season on a high note (no pun intended) as she teams up with baroque octet Les Boréades de Montréal. Taking place at Robertson-Wesley United Church April 27, the program features sacred and secular works surrounding the likes of King Arthur, Oedipus and Don Quixote.
Everything from romance to fly fishing will be interpreted through movement courtesy of Regina-based tandem Rouge-Gorge, who will conclude the Brian Webb Dance Season at the Timms Centre April 28 and 29. Promising daring steps and manoeuvres, the work of the twosome will be augmented by the poetry of fellow Regina artist Clifford Wiens.
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Discover more of Edmonton with our guides:
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Elope Musical Theatre presents a musical designed to make folks think twice before asking for a shave and a haircut. The Tony Award-winning production about a vengeful barber with bloodthirsty inclinations hangs its razor at the ATB Financial Arts Barns May 4 to 13.
Travel back to the Dirty Thirties and relive the exploits of the notorious Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, who hit banks and traded rounds. Presented by Northern Light Theatre and running May 4 to 21 at the ATB Financial Arts Barns, a two-person cast presents this “six-gun musical” as a suspenseful musical that captures the infamous love affair that personified the desperation of the Great Depression.
This British prodigy pianist won a BBC keyboard competition when he was only 11, landed a cameo with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at 19 and hasn’t looked back since. Still in his 20s, he’s since played worldwide and hits the Winspear May 5 to close the Edmonton Recital Society’s 11th season.
NHL great Theo Fleury is slated to launch Edmonton’s documentary festival with Victor Walk, which chronicles his story of sexual abuse that took place during his ascent to the big leagues. Other films include profiles of Kurt Cobain and Robbie Knievel and tackle issues ranging from global warming to Scientology. The festival runs May 5 to 14 at Metro Cinema and other locations.
Celebrating both the 150th birthday of Canada and Alberta Ballet’s own half-century, the company takes the music of famed troubadour Gordon Lightfoot for an elaborate multimedia season-ender that includes 30 dancers. Running at the Jubilee Auditorium May 12 and 13, the troupe will dance to such Lightfoot classics as “Sundown," “Canadian Railroad Trilogy” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”
Thanks to some artistic ingenuity that spans all genres, this cross-section of what’s out there provides a wealth of options for Edmontonians looking to get out and enjoy local art and entertainment. With options like these, there’s no excuse to stay indoors.
