Javanese shadow puppets in Fernwood
Take advantage of the rare opportunity to witness two Javanese masters of Wayang Kulit (shadow puppets), traditional dance and a gamelan orchestra at a special two-hour presentation with Sutrisno Hartana (currently studying for his PhD at UVic) and professor Djoko Wimboprasetyo (gamelan expert from UCLA Asia Institute).
In the Javanese Wayang Kulit tradition, narration, dialog, musical cues and pacing of the story are not fixed and are controlled by the dhalang (shadow puppeteer). The show can usually last between six and eight hours, but for this special occasion, the show will be between one and a half and two hours. Portions will also be in English. The audience can view the show from both sides of the puppet screen. The dhalang and the Busy Island Gamelan Orchestra will be on one side and nothing but shadow on the other. A gamelan is a traditional musical ensemble from Indonesia featuring a variety of instruments like metallophones, xylophones, kendang (drums), gongs, bamboo flutes and bowed and plucked strings.
The show is Sun., July 15 at 4pm at Little Fernwood Hall (1923 Fernwood). Suggested donations of $6 for children and $8-20 for adults. Email timgosley@telus.net or call 250-598-7844 for reservations. M
Help save wild animals
Brazilian singer Joseh Garcia is back in Victoria with his new concert Bicho do Mato (Animal of the Jungle), which he’s bringing to Serious Coffee (230 Cook), Fri., July 13 at 7pm.
Introspection, wildlife, and magical deities of the Amazon are the themes of the show. Garcia sings, plays acoustic guitar and creates electronic sounds in this benefit concert. Donations are encouraged (suggestion $20) to benefit Wild ARC (Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre) in Metchosin. Wild ARC provides humane care to injured, orphaned, sick and distressed wildlife in B.C. and is operated by B.C. SPCA. M
Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival
The Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival opens its 21st season (10th produced by the Victoria Shakespeare Society) with two comedic favourites, As You Like It (directed by David MacPherson) and Much Ado About Nothing (directed by Ian Case).
As You Like It follows two rival carnival troupes and stars Melissa Blank as Rosalind. It plays Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from July 16 to Aug. 17.
Much Ado About Nothing takes place in post-First World War Canada as soldiers return from the European battlefront. It stars the fellows in the photo above and plays Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from July 17 to Aug. 18. Both shows are at Camosun College Lansdowne at 7:30pm.
Tickets are $22 for adults and $17 for students/seniors and children under 12 are free. Tickets at ticketrocket.org. More info at vicshakespeare.com. M
The Woodshed Orchestra
Toronto nine-piece Woodshed Orchestra is an ecstatic soul-filled celebration and emancipation experience.
Drummer Dave Clark (Rheostatics, Gord Downie, Happiness Project) pilots his band through the classic dance styles of New Orleans funk and second line, Tex-Mex, calypso, country, ska, punk, reggae, soul, RnB, klezmer, pop, grinding blues, surf and swing.
They’ll be playing alongside local Gypsy brass band Bucan Bucan at Logan’s Pub, Thurs., July 12 at 10pm. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door. M
