B.C.'s Culture Days celebration this weekend offers two events on the Coast: Gibsons Recycling Depot offers a Trash to Treasure upcycling workshop in Gibsons this Saturday, Sept. 28, from 1 to 3 p.m.
And Capilano University presents Carol Aitken, who will give an arts lecture on creativity at the Sechelt library community use room from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Otello
This Sunday, Sept. 29, at 2 p.m. the National Theatre from London presents a major new production of William Shakespeare's celebrated play about the destructive power of jealousy, Otello, at the Raven's Cry Theatre in Sechelt.
Award-winning actor Adrian Lester takes the title role. Playing opposite him as the duplicitous Iago is fellow Olivier Award-winner Rory Kinnear. Nicholas Hynter directs. Tickets: $15 (general) and $10 (child nine to 17). Call the theatre at 604-885-4597 to reserve.
Harp concert
This Sunday afternoon, Sept. 29, you'll hear the angelic sounds of a harp.
Janelle Nadeau, noted for her performance with Winter Harp, plays the intimate venue of the Sparling Pavilion at the Botanical Garden, Mason Road in West Sechelt, bringing her versatile and soul-soaring music straight into your heart. The concert begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20. Call 604-740-3969, email info@coastbotanicalgarden.org or plan to arrive early.
Coffeehouse
Sacred Space invites you to a co-creative coffeehouse jam, a fun evening of song, humour and storytelling this Sunday, Sept. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gibsons United Church. Call Mark Trevis at 604-808-0034 or Jill Conway at 604-885-7177 for details about this charitable event.
Otesha Project?
Come out and enjoy a sustainability focused theatre troupe on bicycles in an exciting event for bike lovers, food lovers, theatre lovers and anyone who cares about little efforts to make big change in the world.
That's on Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Seaside Centre, Sechelt.
The Otesha Project organizes and trains teams of cycling performers who tour, travelling Canada by bicycle and delivering Otesha's unique brand of empowering theatre in schools and community venues. The performers involve the audience in creating everyday solutions to global issues, and people leave the 45-minute performance inspired to act. See www.otesha.ca for more information. It's free.
Drawing class
Local artist Pat Collier is again offering a drawing course for those who believe they can't draw, but wish they could.
This eight-week series begins Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. and is being held at the Arts Building on South Fletcher in Gibsons.
The course has been specifically designed to help the beginner explore his or her own inner artist. The instructor is convinced that each person has a natural ability to express creatively, with just a little assistance. Register by calling 604-886-0124 or see www.patriciacollier.com.
Mushroom author
Duane Sept is a biologist, professional freelance nature photographer and writer. Common Mushrooms of the Northwest is a best seller, resulting from years of photography and learning about mushrooms from Alaska to Northern California. Sept will be speaking at the Gibsons Library on Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Discussion of local mushroom species including edible and poisonous fungi will be featured. RSVP by calling 604-886-2130.
Writing retreat
Authors Claire Robson and Elise Chenier return to the Coast Oct. 4 to 6 in Roberts Creek after rave reviews from last year's writing retreat.
This year the emphasis on memoir unites personal histories and the social landscapes in which they were formed.
Robson, a well-known writer, and Chenier, a social historian, combine forces to guide and support the recollection of important memories. No previous experience is required - both teachers are committed to demystifying creative processes and making them accessible. Bring photographs, family artifacts, pen and paper. Meals are provided Saturday and Sunday by Cascadia House chef. Cost is $285/person. Contact Judy Lynne for information or to arrange accommodations at 604-886-7334 or email judymlynne@gmail.com.
Driftwood directing
So you'd like to direct a play? asks Driftwood Theatre School.
The ABCs of Directing with Bob Hunt and Ingrid Bilton is offered on Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Whether you are new to the art of directing, or an enthusiastic director looking for a fresh approach to the craft, this three-day course will engage and inspire. For more information, contact Sandi at 604-886-0143 or: registrar.dts@uniserve.com.
Arts Fest
The Sechelt Arts Festival Oct. 17 to 27 is selling tickets already for the main stage events.
Covering Joni, a retrospective of Joni Mitchell in music and art, plays at Raven's Cry Theatre in Sechelt on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m. Tickets are already 40 per cent sold out. Buy them online at http://secheltartsfestival.com/tickets.
While you're online, check out the dance performance on Oct. 26, Dances on Water. It's sure to be gorgeous.
Next week
For next week's arts events (Oct. 4) email your items to editor@coastreporter.net. I'll be away in Ontario giving a talk and reading from my book, Jazz with Ella, at the University of Waterloo. See you later in the month.
