By: Yelin Gemma Lee, Arts & Culture Editor
Yellow Fever — A Powell St. Mystery
Closing off Asian Heritage Month with a bang, Firehall Arts Centre hosts a radio play production of the “award-winning comic mystery” Yellow Fever by R.A. Shiomi. The play, “set on post-war Powell Street,” weaves between “complex threads of political intrigue, racism, and police corruption with a sharp wit and fast-paced dialogue.” This canonical Japanese Canadian production is being presented around the Powell St. area where the play is set for the first time in over 30 years. If you haven’t experienced a radio play, I encourage you to go seize the opportunity! All showtimes are on a Covid Compassion Pay What You Will ticketing system from $15–$40 per ticket. On top of that, some Wednesday 1:00 p.m. shows operate on a pay what you can basis, so this play is perfect for students on a tight budget.
Where: Firehall Arts Centre (280 East Cordova St. Vancouver)
When: May 28–June 12, various showtimes depending on the day
Spring Soundwalks: Listening to Paint Dry and Pump Up the Volume
Looking for a way to go for a walk, and experience something different at the same time? How about using your Sunday afternoons to participate in two free “soundwalks” presented by Vancouver Soundwalk Collective and Vancouver New Music. Soundwalks “are silent group walks led along a planned route to experience a location’s ambiance and underlying rhythms.” You are invited to take in the ordinary persistent soundscapes around us rather than blocking them out with music or a phone call. Both events have specific meeting spots and short post-walk discussions to process the experience. Whether your jam is Mount Pleasant’s artsy, mural-filled streets (Listening to Paint Dry) or the bustling life in West End (Pump Up the Volume), these sound like meditative, community-building experiences you won’t want to miss.
Where: Northeast corner of East 8th Avenue and Kingsway, Vancouver (Listening to Paint Dry) and Morton Park, 1800 Morton Ave (Pump Up the Volume)
When: May 29, 2:00 p.m.–3:45 p.m. (Listening to Paint Dry) and June 5, 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. (Pump Up the Volume)
Man Up is one of my favourite recurring local queer events that feature drag performances and a dance party with some of the best DJs in town. The performance theme for this particular event is Broadway theatre. Guests are required to be double vaccinated at Eastside Studios and this is a 19+ event with a cash bar. Man Up has a “zero-tolerance policy for oppressive behaviour in all forms including but not limited to cultural appropriation, misogyny, transphobia, racism, fatphobia, and ableism” and they also have their buddy system in place “to combat rape culture and enhance the safety of our queer events.” Tickets are $22, and $25 for advance, and at the door respectively and “Pay What You Can” tickets are available in limited quantities. I always recommend getting tickets ahead of time as these events are always popular!
Where: Eastside Studios (550 Malkin Avenue, Vancouver)
When: May 28, 9:00 p.m.–May 29, 2:00 a.m.
The Richmond museum is presenting its 15th annual Doors Open Richmond event from June 2–5! This free event that celebrates Richmond’s diversity is offered in a hybrid format this year with over 35 sites around the city taking part. Attend exciting food events like a tasting tour at Saint Germain Bakery’s central facility or an introduction to Persian food traditions at Anar Persian Cuisine. They also offer a faith bus tour where you will explore Az-Zahraa Islamic Centre, Lingyen Mountain Temple, and the Richmond Jamia Mosque. Many have drop-in options available so be sure to check out their programming!
Where: Various locations across Richmond and virtual programming
When: June 2–5, various times
