Last spring at the opening of a play at Theatre Calgary artistic director Dennis Garnhum noted that almost every stage in the Epcor Centre was in use that night which he saw as a good indicator of the state of the city’s arts scene and which also explained the full parking lots and crowded hallways. Friday October 18 will be another busy night at the centre with a PCL Blues Series concert in the Engineered Air Theatre the CPO’s Back in Black: A Tribute to AC/DC in the Jack Singer Concert Hall and opening night for two plays in the Martha Cohen and Max Bell theatres.
One of those plays kicks off Alberta Theatre Projects ’ 2013-14 season with an f-bomb. Playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis makes a statement with the play’s title The Motherfu**ker with the Hat . This is a gritty urban comedy about love passion addictions and jealousy described as an “honest mash-up of poetry and profanity.” Motherfu**ker runs until November 2 at the Martha Cohen Theatre ( atplive.com ).
The other play is an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby which is the second play this season from Theatre Calgary . The story is set in the Jazz Age and follows the wealthy Jay Gatsby as he leads the good life of parties and privilege while hiding a darker obsession with his first love who he is determined to win back. This play runs until November 10 at the Max Bell Theatre ( theatrecalgary.com ).
A father and son who are both renowned for their individual artistic talents will come together for A Tune to Art: Sculpture and Song a “pop up” event on Tuesday October 22 at Festival Hall ( calgaryfolkfest.com ). Award-winning sculptor Joe Fafard (pictured) who received the Order of Canada in recognition of his achievements has been touring the country with his Juno-nominated son roots and blues musician Joël Fafard for the show combining visual arts and music. The show will feature an exclusive collection of Joe Fafard’s most recent works as well as a concert of country roots and blues by guitartist Joël Fafard along with guitartist Joel Schwartz.
Wordfest continues this week with some of the festivities taking place at The Banff Centre. If you make the trip you can Lit Up in the The Club with University of Calgary writer-in-residence Sara Tilley (see Your Face Here ) and others on Friday October 18 catch last week’s cover boy Joseph Boyden as the Banff Distinguished Writer on Saturday October 19 (Wordfest moved it to the Eric Harvie Theatre due to high demand) then head to the Poetry Cabaret before calling it a night. Wordfest wraps up on Sunday October 20 but you’ll have time to take in a few more Banff events before heading home. Go to wordfest .com for details.
