Following the opening performance of Venus in Fur on September 12 a friend commented on how uncharacteristically quiet and still the audience was during one particular scene involving thigh-high black boots — and it’s true that the only audible sound was a zipper making the long slow sensual journey from ankle upwards as the actors onstage played out a tense sexually charged scene. Although people did relax and start breathing again this feisty two-person power play commanded attention from start to finish. Alberta Theatre Projects’ season opener is funny clever sexy and often intense. Venus in Fur runs until September 27 — read more about it online at ffwdweekly.com.
Following a successful Calgary debut in 2012 Nuit Blanche returns to downtown on Saturday September 20 for one night of interactive performance art that is expected to draw up to 20000 people. Organizers say this event is an opportunity to open up an audience for an artform that is generally lacking in this city by providing intimate experiences in a public place. The event will include more than a dozen programmed artists and projects ranging from encounters with M.E.D.I.U.M. (Metaphysical Explorations Devination and Investigations Utilizing Magic) to a roaming pack of female drummers who erupt into “spectacular choreographed noise” to an “All Night Breakfast” featuring an unvonventional menu of gastronomically tasty activities. There will be so much happening that the committee has introduced an app to help people navigate the activities taking place from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at and around Olympic Plaza (nuitblanchecalgary.ca).
Calgary’s oldest burial ground will also be filled with art poetry and music on September 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for the third annual Equinox Vigil. The autumn ritual orchestrated by Sharon Stevens who was inspired by global cultural celebrations like Mexico’s Day of the Dead provides an opportunity for people to come together to honour and remember their ancestors and deceased loves ones. Participants have the opportunity to create personal memorial tributes join a lantern procession post tribute messages and more in a supportive family-friendly culturally diverse setting (equinoxvigil.ca).
The fourth annual Calgary International Flamenco Festival begins September 20 with a week of events featuring local national and international dancers and musicians. One of the highlights will be a September 26 performance by Andrés Peña of Spain (pictured) who recently won the people’s choice award at that country’s Festival de Jerez. Another showcase performance features the festival’s artistic director Fiona Malena in La Cueva a work inspired by the rock caves and music of Cappadocia Turkey where she recently completed a creative residency. There will also be a free concert at noon on September 24 as part of the Pro Arts Series at the Church of the Redeemer and a closing showcase on September 27 (calgaryflamencofestival.com).
