Tag Archives: Diwali Fest

The Elephant Wrestler Comes To The Cultch November 1 – 5

26 Oct

elephantwrestlerlantern-robertcattoThe Cultch and Diwali Fest present the Canadian premiere of the award-winning  Elephant Wrestler at the Historic Theatre at The Cultch. The show has been earning rave reviews in New Zealand, Australia, Asia and the U.S.  Indian Ink Theatre Company will be displaying their theatrical muscle in a tale bristling with mischief, mayhem, and the maddening magic of India. The story is inspired by a traditional Indian fairy tale in which The Elephant Wrestler follows a poor ‘chai-wallah’ (tea-seller) as he attempts to solve the interwoven mysteries of true love, tragedy and joy.  Kutisar is a dubious spiritual guide that is also a buck-toothed chameleon, channeling seventeen characters and leaping to multiple locations.  You can expect a romantic thriller which will dispense a unique brand of mystical wisdom add in some absurdity.  Expect to laugh, cry and be entertained as we hear the live soundtrack provided by his mute sidekick, Dave, is pretty amazing.  The show runs from November 1st to November 5th. Tickets are available online from The Cultch and start from $20.

What people are saying about The Elephant Wrestler:

“Rajan’s performance is a mesmerizing blend of showmanship and
charisma…impressive is the show’s bittersweet humour…
special mention must go to David Ward’s musical accompaniment” –
New Zealand Herald

 “Flawless…cleverly constructed, full of melodramatic
twists and humourous asides”
Sydney Morning Herald

“Sheer brilliance…a joy to behold”
Dominion Post

“Nothing short of genius” 
Time Out Singapore

Photo Credit: Robert Catto

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The Twelfth Night Comes To The York Theatre For Diwali Fest October 11-22, 2016

21 Sep

piyaThe Cultch in partnership with Diwali Fest brings you The Twelfth Night.  The Company Theatre which is one of Mumbai’s most innovative theatre groups has created a very fun show. Think Bollywood meets Shakespeare.  The show is a musical adaption of the Twelfth Night.  The production features Olivia who is being woo’d by two, one is the lovesick Lord Orsino the other the pompous Malvolio. The show features a series of bittersweet events and has been a runaway success around the world. You are invited to check out this unique production at The York Theatre from October 11th to 22nd. Tickets for the show begin at $25 and are available from The Cultch.

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Sunya At The Cultch November 10 – 14

3 Nov

SunyaThe Cultch, 1895 Venables Street, in partnership with Diwali Fest, bring you Sunya from November 10 – 14. Indo-Armenian dancer and choreographer, Roger Sinha, and Iranian-born gatherer of musical pearls, Kiya Tabassian, along with four dancers and three musicians break boundaries to create a truly unique artistic experience. World music meets dance in a journey both celebratory and spiritual. “Sunya is a fusion of cultures, genres, and artist impulses,” says Heather Redfern, Executive Director of The Cultch. “The musicians and dancers riff off each other, creating an intense and dynamic physical and musical dialogue. The staging is beautiful, featuring vivid colours and patterns created with lights, movement, and sound. Sunya is a feast for all of the senses. It takes you to a place of great spirit.”

What people are saying about Sunya:

“As stirring to the mind as the sounds of the setar are to the heart” 
The Chronicle Herald

“Extremely poetic, inspired and inspiring, hypnotic…a sublime piece, an invitation to a subtle journey, sensual and spiritual. A touching beauty”
La Presse

An enchanting atmosphere. A particularly beautiful and fabulous show”
CBC Radio-Canada

Sunya opens at The Cultch November 10th at 8:00 pm and continues until November 14th with a post-show talkback on November 11th. Tickets are available online from $20.

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Diwali Fest Events Happening In East Vancouver

1 Nov

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Diwali Fest is now on being celebrated in the Lower Mainland until November 8th.  Diwali Fest is an annual South Asian arts and culture festival which celebrates the universal light that exists in everyone.  The word ‘diwali’ means “row of lighted lamps” and light symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, prosperity over poverty and knowledge over ignorance.  It’s a time for lighting ‘diyas’, laying out colour ‘rangolis’, setting off fireworks, exchanging gifts of sweets and celebrating by way of dance, music and storytelling. Diwali Fest is now celebrating it’s 10th anniversary. As such, there are a number of events around the Lower Mainland. We have set out some of the workshops in East Vancouver over the coming days.  These workshops are extremely popular and feature professional artists and facilitators leading workshops in rangoli design, diya lamp painting, Bollywood dancing, and mehndi hand painting. A nominal fee may be charged. Contact each community centre directly to register or for further information:

Diwali Workshops

Sat. November 2nd: 10:30 am -12:30 pm
Renfrew Park Community Centre
2929 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver

Sun. November 3rd: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Trout Lake Community Centre
3360 Victoria Drive, Vancouver

Mon. November 4th: 12:00 pm – 3 pm
South Vancouver Neighbourhood House
6470 Victoria Drive, Vancouver

Fri., November 8th: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Thunderbird Community Centre
2311 Cassaiar Street, Vancouver

Come light your spirit at Diwali Fest.

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Photo Credit: William George

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