2014 - 2015 SEASON

STEP INTOANOTHERWORLD

Order your

season pass

today!

Seefour

showsfor aslittle

as $60

From the Artistic ProducerStep into another world with us – a world of laughter, provocation, movement and music; a world unique in its creation by visionary choreographers, one-of-a-kind playwrights and storytellers; a world interpreted by talented actors, dancers, directors, design teams, and experienced by you.

Laugh along as Urinetown The Musical takes you to a dystopian city where a corporation controls water resources. Then question the impact of water shortages as you enter the world of KAYAK, where global catastrophe has created so much water the only way to stay afloat is in a boat. Expand your awareness of other cultures as Wen Wei Wang and collaborators reveal what Made In China means to them and Vincent Mantsoe shares his experiences in the poverty stricken South African neighborhoods. Leave the theatre singing after a visit to Chelsea Hotel and laugh whole-heartedly and perhaps,a tad cynically about Canadian politics after meeting the PrimeMinister in PROUD. Discover a personal world where the deepest secrets are only comfortably shared anonymously in PostSecret:The Show and be reminded by The Village that depression is anot-so silent killer. Ribcage: this wide passage transports us to the little known world of the first Jewish person to arrive in Montreal, while My Rabbi explores how a friendship grown in Canada goes astray when religion and belief systems step into play. God and the Indian returns to remind us that although the Year of Reconciliation hasended, we have so much further to go to find a true reconciliation. Things near and far opens up a world of collaborative creation while wag offers you a kick in the pants and a balm for your heart. Join us as we celebrate our 32nd season of bringing great stories, wonderful moves and amazing performances to our intimate little theatre in the heart of the city. Thank you for your support of the Firehall, for what kind of a world would we have without creative expression!

Donna SpencerArtistic Producer

Sum Theatre

MY RABBI

VANCOUVER PREMIERE - Arya and Jacob were both born inSaskatoon and have been best friends since high school. Arya’sfather is Iranian and his mother is Irish-Catholic. Jacob comes froma long line of rabbis. The unlikely pair laugh at their respectivecultural differences, dubbing themselves ‘the Jew and the Muslim’. As they grow up, their own spiritual journeys lead them in divergent directions that will change their lives forever. This thought-provoking comedic drama about the lines that occur between faith andfriendship is created and performed by real-life friends Kayvon Kelly (Chelsea Hotel) and Joel Bernbaum.

Written and performed by Kayvon Kelly and Joel BernbaumA Firehall Arts Centre presentation

Oct 7 - 18, 2014Previews Oct 7, 8pm & Oct 8, 1pmTue – Fri 8pm, Sat 4 & 8pm, Sun 3pm, Wed 1pm

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One Yellow Rabbit

wag

‘Denise Clarke doesn’t really tell you a story. Rather, she invites you to join her in living one... a Canadian treasure’ - Calgary Herald

A comedy of tragic proportions by One Yellow Rabbit’s Denise Clarke, who dances her way through this solo performance of tender stories and beautiful music. Loss and cheerful discoveries permeate this blend of monologue and movement, which presents a mosaic of highly personal moments told in Clarke’s signature style. wag is a balm for your heart, a kick in the pants, and essential viewing from this seminal artist.

Created and performed by Denise ClarkeA Firehall Arts Centre presentation

Oct 21 – 25, 2014Tue – Sat 8pm

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A Firehall Arts Centre Production

URINETOWNThe Musical

“Everybody’s going to want to see this show.” – Georgia Straight

One of the most popular shows in Firehall history returns with anall-new production. In a dystopian, drought-filled future, a largecorporation has a monopoly on all toilets and people must payfor the privilege to urinate. Hero Bobby Strong steps in to fight for people’s right to pee in this hilarious and irreverent send-up ofcorporate greed, ecological disaster and musical comedy.

WINNER – TWO Jessie Awards (Best Large Theatre Production& Best Direction 2006)

“There’s no better musical theatre to be found beneath our leaky heavens… a tiny, perfect taste of Broadway” – Vancouver Sun

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Directed by Donna SpencerMusic and lyrics by Mark HollmannBook and lyrics by Greg KotisMusical Director Steve CharlesChoreographer Tara Cheyenne FriedenbergStarring Andrew Wheeler, Meghan Gardiner, Colin Sheen,Tracey Powers & David Adams

TICKETSTue, Wed & Matinees: $37 regular / $32 seniorThu - Sat: $42 regular / $37 senior & artistsAny day – $32 for under 30sHalf price previews: $21

Nov 1 – 29, 2014Previews Nov 1 & 4, 8pm | Nov 2, 3pm | Nov 5, 1pm

Tue – Fri 8pm, Sat 3 & 8pm, Sun 3pm, Wed 1pm

things near& far

WORLD PREMIERE - An evening of new dance that engages the collaboration of seven remarkable Canadian artists. Spanning three generations of creative experimentation in movement, sound and light, things near & far features choreography by Tedd Robinsonand Josh Martin, and is performed by three of Vancouver’s mostversatile dancers, Anne Cooper, Ziyian Kwan and Ron Stewart.Composer Charles Quevillon and lighting designer James Proudfoot add elements of sound and light to the mix, in what promises to be an evening of bold and unusual work.

A Firehall Arts Centre presentation

Dec 3 - 6, 2014Wed – Sat 8pm

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A Firehall Arts Centre Production

CHELSEA HOTELThe Songs of Leonard Cohen

“The harmonies are as thick as cabaret smoke” – Georgia Straight

A special Christmas run of the Firehall’’s smash hit musical! Leonard Cohen’s powerful and inspirational music is the heartbeat of Chelsea Hotel, as six performers play seventeen different instruments in a rollicking tribute to the remarkable writer. Through Cohen’s transcendent songs and the honesty of his lyrics, you will be transfixed by this eclectic cabaret of loves won and lost.

“The Firehall Arts Centre’s biggest homemade hit in years… If you like Cohen, chances are you’ll love it.” – Vancouver Sun

Conceived and Directed by Tracey PowerMusic Direction by Steve CharlesPerformed by Rachel Aberle, Steve Charles, Ben Elliott,Marlene Ginader, Kayvon Kelly & Tracey Power

Dec 13 – Jan 3, 2015Previews Dec 13 &16, 8pm | Dec 14, 3pm | Dec 17, 1pm

Tue – Fri 8pm (Wed Dec 24, 7pm), Sat 4 & 8pm, Sun 3pm, Wed 1pm. No show Dec 25

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Alley Theatre

KAYAK

“Smart, funny, political: if this play were a guy, I’d date him.”– Colin Thomas, The Georgia Straight

BMW-driving, bleached-blond Annie Iverson teeters alone in a kayak on a vast stretch of water. Having set out to save her son from the dangers of his radical environmentalist girlfriend, she unwittingly throws herself into a path of events larger than she could ever have imagined. In a time when “green” is the new black, award winning playwright Jordan Hall ’s intelligent, witty and provocative story of catastrophic global proportions makes the political personal. Susan Hogan, who was nominated for a Jessie Award for her performance, is “completely compelling” (Vancouver Courier), as she navigates the role, full of humour and heart.

Written by Jordan HallDirected by Rachel PeakeStarring Susan HoganFeaturing Marisa Smith and Sebastian KroonA Firehall Arts Centre presentation

Jan 7 - 17, 2015Previews Jan 7, 1 & 8pmTue – Fri 8pm, Sat 4 & 8pm, Sun 3pm, Wed 1pm

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A Firehall Arts Centre Production

POSTSECRETThe Show

CANADIAN PREMIERE - A visual, auditory and emotional journey through the beauty and complication of our deepest fears,ambitions, and confessions. With original music, recorded voices, projected images and video, PostSecret: The Show becomes an immersive experience as three actors guide the audience through a crowd-sourced narrative of the stories behind some of the mostsexual, sad, funny and controversial secrets – many of which have never been seen before. With half a billion visitors, half a million anonymous secrets received and 5 bestselling books, artist, curator and internet phenomenon Frank Warren has teamed up withVancouver’s TJ Dawe, Kahlil Ashanti, Justin Sudds and composerMario Vaira to bring life to the unheard voices of PostSecret, one of the most popular blogs in the world. PostSecret: The Show isa breakthrough in audience sourced storytelling that remindsaudiences that no matter what you may be facing, you are not alone.

Created by Frank Warren, TJ Dawe, Kahlil Ashanti, & Justin Sudds

Jan 20 – Feb 7, 2015Previews Jan 20, 8pm & Jan 21, 1pm

Tue – Fri 8pm, Sat 4 & 8pm, Sun 3pm, Wed 1pm

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Vincent Mantsoe

NTU/SKWATTA

“Mantsoe is an artist of fierce uniqueness… He combinesentertainment, history, and spirituality with an earthshakingexpressiveness that audiences find irresistible.” – DANCE MAGAZINE

Experience the riveting mastery of an incomparable artist.Internationally renowned South African choreographer VincentMantsoe combines traditional and contemporary dance to createan exhilarating and passionate new language. NTU & Skwatta are two politically and socially charged solos reflecting the poverty stricken life in South Africa’s squatter camps. In these works Mantsoe finds hope and salvation in the human spirit – often fragile and tortured, but capable of great dignity and pride.

Choreographed and performed by Vincent MantsoeA Firehall Arts Centre presentation

Feb 11 – 14, 2015Wed – Sat 8pm

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Wen Wei Dance

MADE IN CHINA

WORLD PREMIERE – This Chinese-Canadian exploration of cultural identity is co-created and performed by Wen Wei Dance Artistic Director Wen Wei Wang; Beijing Modern Dance Company Artistic Director Gao Yanjinzi; award-winning classical Chinese musician of Vancouver’s Silk Road Music Qiu Xia He; and video and sound artist Sammy Chien. Made In China plunges into their respective artistic expressions to explore the commonalities of their Chinese heritage. Like a collective biography, the show explores memories of the creators’ childhoods in China, their artistic training during the Cultural Revolution, and the daring paths their careers have taken abroad. Shared through dance, music, and storytelling, these memories are woven together to create an intimate dialogue between performers and audience that opens a window to another world.

Created and performed by Sammy Chien, Qiu Xia He,Gao Yanjinzi, & Wen Wei WangA Firehall Arts Centre presentation

Feb 18 – 21, 2015Wed – Sat 8pm

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Tina Milo

THE VILLAGE

A one-woman show by Canadian artist Tina Milo, whose Serbian heritage infuses this unique and darkly humorous fusion of physical theatre, live music, and film. Drawing on real-life stories, The Village paints a mosaic of the roles modern women are often confined to and explores why they often give up on their true hopes and dreams. This powerfully moving show about an actress auditioning for the role of a depressed woman bravely ventures into the emotional abyss all of us find ourselves in at one point or another, and seeks an answer to what transports us from emotional darkness to extreme happiness.

Conceived and performed by Tina MiloDirected and Dramaturged by Dijana MiloševicSet and video design by Neša ParipovicA Firehall Arts Centre presentation

Feb 24 – 28, 2015Previews Feb 24, 8pm & Feb 25, 1pmTue – Fri 8pm, Sat 3pm & 8pm, Wed 1pm

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urbanink productions

ribcagethis widepassage

The startling true story of Esther Brandeau, a Jewish woman from the French Basque region who arrives in 18th century Quebec City as a Christian male labourer. Outed on both counts and brought before authorities upon arrival, Brandeau is said to be the first Jewish person to set foot in what is now known as Canada. In this beautifully poetic and moving multimedia performance, Toronto spoken word artist Heather Hermant brings to life the historical archives thatillustrate Brandeau’s journey with haunting video installations, breathtaking live music and a powerful performance. A bold,little-known Canadian foundation tale about displacement andidentity, and a meditation on the meaning of history.

Written and performed by Heather HermantDirected by Diane RobertsOriginal Music by Jaron Freeman-FoxA Firehall Arts Centre presentation

Mar 3 – 8, 2015Previews Mar 3, 8pm & Mar 4, 1pm

Tue – Fri 8pm, Sat 4 & 8pm, Sun 3pm, Wed 1pm

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A Firehall Arts Centre Production

PROUD

“Comic gold… it’s a real pleasure to be able to laugh at

Canadian politics” – Georgia Straight

Last season’s runaway hit comedy returns for an election year encore. Award-winning playwright Michael Healey takes on his biggest subject yet: The Right Honourable Stephen Harper. His sexy, cheeky and surprising play will have you rolling in the aisles – regardless of your politics. Proud imagines a different outcome to the last Federal election – the Tories took Quebec and won a huge majority. A young, attractive and very inexperienced female MP (Jessie Award winner Emmelia Gordon) provides the Prime Minister (Andrew Wheeler) with a new tool in his arsenal. Unfortunately for him – she may be the smartest man in the room!

“clever & funny… buried in all the Rick Mercer-style lampooning, there’s some truth… A WINNER” – Vancouver Courier

Written by Michael HealeyDirected by Donna SpencerStarring Andrew Wheeler & Emmelia Gordon

Apr 7 - 25, 2015Previews April 7, 8pm & April 8, 1pmTue – Fri 8pm, Sat 4 & 8pm, Sun 3pm, Wed 1pm

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A Firehall Arts Centre/Native Earth Performing Arts Production

GOD AND THEINDIAN

“Reconciliation is about forging and maintaining respectfulrelationships. There are no shortcuts” - Justice Murray Sinclair (Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission)

A chance encounter between Johnny, a Cree woman who grew up in a residential school, and a priest who once taught her brings up old wounds. Wanting to hear the truth from him, she follows Anglican Assistant Bishop George King to his office and confronts him. As Johnny sifts through her memories, the two are hurled back 40 years into their shared past. Celebrated Aboriginal playwright Drew Hayden Taylor explores the complex process of healing with this heartbreaking and beautifully told story that flashes with moments of his trademark irreverent humour.

“convincing and compelling” - BrokenLeg Reviews

“We need to hear the stories Taylor is telling.” – Georgia Straight

Written by Drew Hayden TaylorDirected by Renae MorriseauStarring Tantoo Cardinal

May - June, 2015

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11th Annual

BC BUDSFESTIVAL

Over 30 music, theatre and dance artists take over the Firehall,transforming it into a giant arts factory for three days of inventiveand innovative live site-specific performances from emerging and established BC artists. All performances are by donation.

May, 2015

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JOIN US! GET A FIREHALL PASSGreat savings – see 4 shows for as little as $60!

Passholder Perks

• free ticket exchanges• membership to the Firehall Theatre Society• Full Pack passholders get a Bring-A-Friend Voucher*

Find the Pass that Suits You Best!

The Full PackageAttend any performance during the season. Valid for one patron to book one ticket per production. Non-transferrable.

Flex PackAllows one patron to attend many performances or many patrons to attend a few performances.

Dance PassAttend all four of the Firehall ’s dance productions in the 2014/2015 season for one low price – great value!

Full Pack Passes Flex Passes***

Full Four Pack $100 Flex Four Pack $115

Full Six Pack $145 Flex Six Pack $170

Full Four Pack (Senior**) $70

Full Six Pack (Senior**) $100 Dance Pass

Full Four Pack (Under 30s) $60 Dance Four Pack $80

Full Six Pack (Under 30s) $90

Get your pass now!604.689.0926 firehallartscentre.ca

* valid for one free ticket, doesn’t apply to early bird pass, Flex Pass, Dance Pass, or Under 30 Pass** Seniors are 65+ *** Maximum of two tickets per Flex Pass for Urinetown

GET YOURTICKETSTuesday, Wednesday & Matinees

Regular $27

Senior $22

Children $12

Thursday-Saturday

Regular $32

Senior & Artists $27

Children $14

Any day

Under 30 years old $22Seniors are 65+ yearsChildren are 12 and underInfants and children under age 5 not permitted.Tickets are non-refundable and no latecomers are admitted.All programming is subject to change.

Note – Ticket prices are different for Urinetown: The Musical. See page 6 for details.

How to Buy Tickets & Passes

In person

Firehall Box Office280 East Cordova9:30am – 5pm WeekdaysOne hour prior to showtime

By phone

604.689.0926Online

firehallartscentre.caboxoffice@firehallartscentre.ca

GET MORE OUT OF YOUR FIREHALL EXPERIENCEPreview NightsSee the show first for half price! Preview nights for most shows are $16 (excluding dance performances & Urinetown: The Musical).See firehallartscentre.ca for details.

Wednesday MatineesWednesday 1pm matinees are Pay-What-You-Can at the door (subject to availability). Some shows do not have Wednesday Matinees.

Thursday TalkbacksJoin us Thursday evenings after the show for a free talkback with the artists following the show.

The Firehall Arts Centre GalleryWe host curated visual art exhibitions featuring original works by Vancouver artists in the Firehall lobby which change on a semi-monthly basis. You can either take in the exhibition prior to shows or on Wednesday through Saturday in the afternoon from 1 – 5pm. Be sure to check out the stunning Radius mural in our courtyard which is a collective creation by local artists to celebrate the City of Vancouver’s ‘Year of Reconciliation’ (2014).

Group BookingsBring a group of friends or colleagues to a show and save! We offer discounts for groups of 10 or more people. For details and pricing options, contact our box office: 604.689.0926 / boxoffice@firehallartscentre.ca

School BookingsThe Firehall offers a range of options for educators wanting to bring their students to productions. Special high school and university group booking rates are available (minimum of 10 students). We also offer Wednesday matinees at 1pm for most shows, which can include a question and answer talkback with the artists for your group. Talk to our Box Office Manager for details: 604.689.0926or boxoffice@firehallartscentre.ca

I THEFIREHALLInnovative and breathtaking live performance at the Firehall is made possible, in a large part, through the generosity of pass holders and individual donors. Ticket sales provide only a portion of the funds we need to bring some of the best theatre and dance from across Canada and the world to the Firehall stage and create award-winning home-grown productions.

As part of the Downtown Eastside community, we aim to makeperforming arts accessible to everyone, while supporting local artists.Donations allow us to make tickets and workshops available for youth-at-risk, seniors, school students and the economicallychallenged.

Please consider making a tax deductable donation with your subscription today. Your contribution – whatever the amount – will help ensure we are able to continue providing dynamic and diverse performances and keep these programs going strong.

Donate today!

Online – firehallartscentre.ca or with your ticket purchase

Phone – 604.689.0926Mail – 280 East Cordova, Vancouver, V6A 1L3

VolunteerGet involved behind-the-scenes at the Firehall Arts Centre andhelp out as a volunteer! Join our team of friendly arts-loving folks to make the theatre run smoothly – whether it be as an usher, daytime reception assistant or special event assistant. Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the wider theatre community, meet people and of course, see live performances.

Find out more: 604.689.0691 / firehall@firehallartscentre.ca

The Firehall Arts Centre is located in the historic heart ofVancouver and is one of the city’s most beloved andrespected cultural centres, consisting of a theatre,rehearsal studio, and gallery space. The Firehall produces and presents theatre, dance and inter-disciplinary works that engage the soul, stimulate the mind, entertain the spirit, and reflect the cultural pluralism of Canada.

604.689.0926firehallartscentre.ca

The Firehall Arts Centre gratefully acknowledges the support of

Images on page 2: Georgina Alpen | Tina Milo, image Una Škandro | Denise Clarke, Trudy Lee Photography | Emmelia Gordon, Emily Cooper Photography | Vincent Mantsoe, image Meinrad Heck | Anne Cooper, image Chris Randle | Tantoo Cardinal, Emily Cooper Photography | Delphine Leroux | Andrew Wheeler, Emily Cooper Photography | Kahlil Ashanti | Marlene Ginader & Kayvon Kelly, Persephone Theatre | Joel Bernbaum, image Itai Erdal | Susan Hogan image Chena San Martin | Gao Yanjinzi image Chris Randle.

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Design James A GlenCover Photo: Gao Yanjinzi in Made in China. Image Chris Randle.