Just as you’re awakening from a post-Christmas slumber, all sleepy eyed and thinking it’s time to stop getting into your pyjamas by six o’clock and reengage your brain — Victoria comes alive with a multitude of arts entertainment.
Yes, Forrest, sometimes life is like a box of chocolates, and we’re lucky enough to be spoiled for choice.
Inside this issue, you’ll find eight pages of sneak peeks at some of the cool movies being shown at the Victoria Film Festival, running from Feb. 1 to 10. Several of the movies were made right here in Victoria and will be enjoying their world or Canadian premieres this week.
We couldn’t list all the movies, so for more information make sure and pick up the bright pink film guide that you’ll find outside downtown movie theatres.
The talent in this town is truly incredible. If live theatre is more your thing, make sure and check out Speaking in Tongues, playing at the Belfry until Feb. 24. Also, That Face at Langham Court has been receiving some wonderful reviews (check out Mary Ellen’s review online at mondaymag.com). It runs until Feb. 2.
Dance fans are in for a real treat as Dance Victoria presents its 2013 Dance Days event that runs from Feb. 1 to 10. There is something about dance that just fascinates me. The poise, grace and pure athleticism grabs hold of my imagination in a way that allows my brain to slow down, relax and forget its daily troubles. It’s like a massage for your mind.
For those, like me, who like to watch, Dance Victoria presents Montreal’s Rubberbandance Group on Feb. 1 and Feb. 2, plus Joe Laughlin and Ballet Victoria on Feb. 6 and 7. For the more active dancer, there will also be 10 days of free dance classes from artists at the top of their field.
The artistic director of the aforementioned Rubberbandance group is holding a master class on Feb. 2, plus the cast members of the hit percussive/rhythmic group Stomp will offer some tips on Feb. 8. For all the details, check out dancevictoria.com. Enjoy. M
New novel released
My latest thriller, Port of Sorrow, has just been released in trade paperback and ebook on Amazon. Set on the Olympic Peninsula, Port of Sorrow tells the dark and dangerous tale of a female impersonator on the small-town stripper circuit whose life is irrevocably changed in the midst of a shotgun blast that claims the life of his best friend. Aided by a rookie deputy sheriff, Finn soon discovers that the killer has the entire town locked in fear and sorrow. Paperback Kindle