Culture: Red, PuSh Festival, Dine Out Vancouver

Red, Vancouver Playhouse | BCBusiness

Culture season in Vancouver gets underway 
with festivals of food, drink 
and performing arts.

Theatre // Red

Based on 20th-century Russian-American artist Mark Rothko, this one-act tour de force explores artistic expression and commercialism, set against the backdrop of 1958 New York City. The action focuses on Rothko and his assistant Ken, the only other character to appear on stage, working on a series of murals for the upscale Four Seasons restaurant in New York. Passionate discussion quickly turns to argument as the two characters are propelled toward an intensely climactic ending. While the plot may be minimalist, Max Reimer, the artistic and managing director at the Vancouver Playhouse, describes Red as “an emotional rollercoaster.” Critics obviously agreed, awarding the Broadway production of Red six Tony Awards in 2010, including Best Play. Directed by Vancouver’s Kim Collier, of Electric Company Theatre, the production is sure to satisfy even the most discerning theatre aficionados. Vancouver Playhouse Theatre, January 14 through February 4. vancouverplayhouse.com

Art // PuSh International Performing Arts Festival

Image: Nadya Kwandibens

Featuring performers from Japan, the U.K., Spain, Mexico and Canada (to name but a few) the eighth annual mid-winter arts festival is back. Over 19 days, more than 100 shows, exhibits and performances will take place across Vancouver. Theatres including the Arts Club at Revue Stage and the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts have partnered with the event to provide top-notch venues for these highly acclaimed works. With acts running the cultural gamut from theatre and music to dance and multimedia art, PuSh has something to offer everyone. The festival experience isn’t complete without a stop at the designated hub of the event, Club PuSh, at Performance Works on Granville Island. Club PuSh offers the chance to warm up with a drink while pondering the day’s matinee performance and planning your next cultural adventure. January 17 through February 4. pushfestival.ca ticketmaster.ca

Food // Dine Out Vancouver

Image: Tourism Vancouver

Back for its 10th consecutive year, Dine Out Vancouver starts January 20. This 17-day culinary adventure features hundreds of restaurants, allowing residents and visitors to sample everything that Vancouver has to offer. Each Dine Out restaurant features a three-course dinner, paired with a BC VQA wine or featured beer, with prices at either $18, $28 or $38 per person. Last year’s event featured the likes of CinCin, Wild Rice and Chambar, and customers voted Provence Mediterranean Grill the best overall Dine Out Vancouver experience. Alternatives to the typical sit-down dinner include events such as Plated and Paired at the Public Market, which offers an after-hours pass into the Granville Island Public Market to sample some of the best food and wine available under the Granville Street Bridge. January 20 to February 5. tourismvancouver.com