Western Gold Theatre’s 2024 HAVE A SENIOR MOMENT FESTIVAL brings you four days of new play readings as well as a new work in development, a bus tour, workshops, discussions and more!
Hear, for the first time, two new Canadian plays by BC theatre-makers Oliva Etey and Simon Webb, read by an array of Vancouver’s best older actors. Audiences can witness Cree-Saulteaux Métis performing artist Margo Kane sharing her new work in development. Join Chief Ian Campbell (Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish)) on a guided bus tour of Xway-Xway (Stanley Park) as he relates tales of the land and those that came before us. Then, shake it on the dance floor with DJ Staniml, and gather for the festival closing Scripts and Spirits, including cold-cast script readings and an Open Mic Jamboree. Plus: details coming soon on creative workshops, on-line panel discussions, informal gatherings and a special opportunity to feast together!
Western Gold Theatre’s Artistic Director, Tanja Dixon-Warren, says: I am thrilled that Have a Senior Moment Festival is back for a 2nd year celebrating the Western Gold Theatre tagline: Creativity has no Expiry Date!
I wanted to turn the notion of “have a senior moment” (normally understood as a moment of forgetfulness, a foolish mistake, or a lack of understanding based on age) on its head!
I wanted to change the perception of seniors “having a moment” and reclaim the term to mean a moment showing older adults living their lives in richness, fullness, and in relationship with their communities and environments. I wanted to give senior artists “a moment” by encouraging the voices of senior artists who, with so much life experience, are daring to be bold and are creating from their hearts!
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE: Thursday to Sunday, October 17, 18, 19, 20, 2024
Thursday, October 17 at 7:30pm
READING #1 – Waiting for Them
By Simon Webb
Two old friends, rehearsing Waiting for Godot, wait for the Director.
Read by Tom McBeath, Richard Neuman, Rosy Frier-Dryden
Friday, October 18, 7:30pm
READING #2 – Woman Against Gravity*
By Olivia Etey
Original dramaturgy by Tamara McCarthy
Armed with her motto: “Suck life dry!” and her late husband’s words: “You have energy and only one life—so use it!” Tessa launches herself into the world of seniors’ online dating. This is the story of one woman’s fierce battle against gravity, as she seeks to master the art of living in the moment. Can Tessa find someone to savour “the present” with her?
Read by Jennifer Higgins, Eileen Barrett, Tom McBeath, Rosy Frier-Dryden
*Woman Against Gravity received professional development through the Emerging Voices Program at TheatreOne (2024) and the Stage One Festival of New Canadian Work (2021) at the Lunchbox Theatre in Calgary, AB. The play was also developed during the Arts Club LEAP program in 2018.
Saturday, October 19, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
STANLEY PARK BUS TOUR
Presented by Talking Stick Festival
Join Chief Ian Campbell of the Squamish Nation for a bus tour through Vancouver’s iconic Stanley Park. This unique experience offers participants a chance to explore the park’s rich Indigenous history and cultural significance from the perspective of a respected Squamish leader.
You’ll hear stories and legends passed down through generations, learn about the park’s ecological importance, and gain a new understanding of the park’s significant cultural sites and landmarks.
Bus departs from PAL Vancouver, 581 Cardero Street.
Admission by donation, but you must book a ticket. You may donate when you book or on the bus.
Saturday, October 19, 7:30pm
A NEW WORK BY MARGO KANE
Presented by Talking Stick Festival
Legendary Cree-Saulteaux Metis performing artist Margo Kane, renowned for her contributions to Indigenous performance, returns to the stage with a new work in development. Drawing from her acclaimed storytelling legacy, including Reflections in the Medicine Wheel, Moonlodge, Confessions of an Indian Cowboy and her iconic Kokum character associated with the Talking Stick Festival Gala, Margo stands with all her relations, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, as she questions an important transition in her Life, in our Lives . . . . What territories did we traverse in this Life? What has led us to this place? Where do we go from Here? Where are we standing? What are we standing for? Why stand? Why not SIT! Reflect, consider, muse, and sometimes chuckle with this consummate storyteller.
DANCE PARTY with DJ STANIML
After the show, audiences are invited to cut a rug with Indigenous DJ Staniml, or simply kick back, gather with friends, and enjoy the party while listening to some great tunes.
Included in Festival Pass or purchase of ticket for Saturday Evening Programming, or Admission by Donation at the door.
Sunday, October 20, 2:00 pm
SCRIPTS AND SPIRITS
Admission by Donation
Presented in partnership with Curious Cats Theatre Collective
Join us for our closing party! Raise a glass, hang with friends, jump in and read a script cold, or “have a senior moment” of your own during our Open Mic Jamboree!
2:00 pm Cold Casting / 2:30pm Script Readings
4:00 pm Open Mic JamboreePresented by Western Gold Theatre in partnership with Full Circle: First Nations Performance, Talking Stick Festival and Cats Theatre Collective.
(see also https://westerngoldtheatre.org/on-stage/#HASM for full details, including workshops).
PAL Studio Theatre, 581 Cardero St. in Vancouver
TICKETS: $15/Play Reading or $35 for an All Events Package
Also available: a variety of pay-by-donation events so everyone can participate.