2022 Vancouver International Children's Festival Brochure

Fun & friendly ferries float to and fro along False Creek. Come for a boat ride around the harbour, or leave the car at home and get to the festival by little blue ferry. www.granvilleislandferries.bc.ca

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Welcome to the 45th Annual Vancouver International Children’s Festival

I am elated to welcome you all back in-person to the 45th annual Vancouver International Children’s Festival created specifically for children and all the adults who come with them. Join us for a feast of amazing shows and interactive arts activities that invite you to be creatively playful with each other. The Festival is a place to celebrate multi-disciplinary arts that engage, entertain and open us all up to the joy of artistic expression.

Our lives have irrevocably changed over the past two years and during this time, we’ve witnessed the importance of the arts in transforming our lives. Thankfully, the arts community responded with innovation and creativity so that we could continue to experience the delight of the arts during this difficult time. It is the tenacity of the artists that allowed us to keep the Festival alive, albeit online for the past two years.

For 2022, we are very excited to present both in-person and online work so that as many children, families, and teachers as possible can access the Festival. This year, we have gathered a fabulous group of diverse performers who will share their extraordinary stories through music, dance, theatre, storytelling, circus arts, film and puppetry. These international artists from Ireland, England and Denmark, national artists from Quebec and Manitoba and local artists who live in Metro Vancouver, but come from all over the world, want to share their stories with you. Please come out and enjoy a day at the Festival with your family and friends.

I wish you a magical day at the Festival!

Katharine Carol Artistic & Executive Director

A Message from the Mayor

On behalf of my colleagues on Vancouver City Council and the citizens of Vancouver, I want to extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to everyone attending the 2022 Vancouver International Children’s Festival.

The longest running professional performing arts festival for young audiences and the first of its kind in North America and Europe, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival presents the world’s finest music, theatre, dance, puppetry, acrobatics and storytelling, as well as creative arts activities for the entire family. The festival is a highly anticipated event for families. Many young people have surely been inspired to participate In art and performance following their attendance of festival events.

I want to welcome all the guests to enjoy the many performances planned throughout the week, and I hope the Vancouver International Children’s Festival continues to thrive for many years to come.

Sincerely, Kennedy Stewart Mayor 3

Ticket Prices In-person Festival Passes

Online Show Ticket • Household $24*

All performances are ticketed and require one of the following passes.

Tickets include 1 performance and 1 Activity Village wristband.

Multiple viewers can watch 1 Online performance. Your ticket includes access to 2 Online Arts Workshops. Closed Captioning is available.

1 Show Day Pass*

*A ll ticket prices subject to service charges and GST. No refunds or exchanges.

excludes Variety Show

• Child/Senior $12.50 • Adult $22

Festival 4 Pack*

Site Activities Only!

excludes Variety Show and Tricoter

4 tickets to 1 performance • 4 Pack $58

Tricoter*

Ginalina Workshops*

Activity Village wristbands are available for purchase on-site for cash only.

• $6 per day, per person (includes GST and Service Charges)

One of a Kind*

Accessibility

• Child (ages 0–24months) $5 • Adult $22

• All tickets $8

• All tickets $12.50

We strive towards creating an environment where any person or group feels welcomed, respected, represented, supported, and valued to meaningfully participate. Please visit ChildrenFestival.ca for more information about accessibility.

Pyjama Nights* • All tickets $11

Variety Show*

• Child/Senior $19 • Adult $22

The Vancouver International Children’s Festival Society acknowledges that we create and work on the ancestral, traditional, stolen and unceded territories of the hən̓qə̓ min̓əm̓ speaking xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) and sə̓lílwəta

(Tsleil-Watuth) people and the Sníchim speaking Sḵwx̱wú7mesh

(Squamish) people. We acknowledge the on-going genocides of Indigenous peoples by Canada, particularly the atrocities committed against children.

We commit to work with the Indigenous Peoples of this land to raise the voices of Indigenous children through creativity and play.

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How to purchase tickets

Cash & Credit Cards only.

Tickets are at the Box Office until 2 hours before the show and then at the venue door 1 hour before the show. Shows often sell out so we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.

Visit our Website

Both In-person and Online show tickets can be purchased online and in advance through our website ChildrensFestival.ca. In-person show tickets are available to purchase on our website up until 2 hours before the show.

Online show tickets are available for purchase on our website until 4pm on Sunday, June 12.

Pick Your Show(s) & Buy Now:

Parking

Granville Island is readily accessible by public transit, car, ferry, bike or on foot. Parking is limited on Granville Island so consider an alternative method of transportation. Please visit ChildrensFestival.ca for off site parking ideas and tips when planning your day.

Covid Safety

Purchasing Tickets On Site

For the most up-to-date information please visit ChildrensFestival.ca.

During the Festival: Visit our Box Office beside The Nest (1398 Cartwright Street).

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Sarah Roa (Puck) Photo: Emily Cooper

SAVE WITH FAMILY DAY TIX OFFER

Season Sponsors

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Media Sponsors

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Serving Canada’s Multicultural Communities

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English: am1470.com/english Chinese: am1470.com | fm961.com

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Evening Shows Pyjama Nights

Thursday, June 2 The Cat Came Back (Fred Penner, page 11) Friday, June 3 Parents Are Still A Drag, page 22 Dress the kids (and yourself!) in their favourite jammies, and head down to Granville Island for the ultimate bedtime story with these special 6:30pm shows.

• Child $11* • Adult $11*

Future Music

Friday, June 3 • 6:30pm Waterfront Theatre, page 23 A showcase performance for the 6 dynamic and talented QT+BIPOC artists that took part in the 2021 FM Music residency program. Come out and join them as they share their new songs and creativity with you bringing you stories from their lives that inspire and entertain.

• Child $12.50* • Adult $22*

Variety Show

Saturday, June 4 • 6:30pm Granville Island Stage Watch Festival performers cut loose at our annual Variety Show! This year’s tour de force, features Parents Are Still A Drag, a drag dress-up spectacular, the daring acrobatics and death-defying feats from Won’Ma Africa, a dance extravaganza from the Dancers of Damelahamid, and a feast of traditional songs, music and dance from Jacky Essombe and friends. Plus, sing along with one of Canada’s best-loved children’s singers, as host Fred Penner will also be performing!

This fun-filled evening is always a highlight for kids and adults alike.

• Child $19* • Adult $22* Great value for a 1.5 hour show! * All ticket prices subject to service charges and GST. Note: Our on-site activities are NOT open for the Evening Shows. Show your ticket anytime during the Festival and you’ll get an Activity Village wristband for that day.

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Workshops, Special Events and Programs

(“Jasmine Flower”). A lyrics card will be available for children and participants to take home.

The Wild and Wonderful West Coast Workshop

Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolfpack) Opening Ceremony

Ginalina • Book • Carousel Studio • 30 min • Ages 4–12

Tuesday, May 31 at 11:30am in the Activity Village

Sunday, June 5th 1pm All tickets $8 + s/c and GST

Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolfpack) formed in 2010 around the Vancouver Winter Olympic games. Since then, the group has performed at many events. Comprised of one family, Tsatsu Stalqayu proudly promotes Coast Salish culture through the songs and dances it performs and the carving and textile arts it practises. In recent years, Tsatstu Stalqayu has, with Mortal Coil Performance, been adapting Coast Salish stories into theatrical presentations seen throughout the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh.

In this hands-on music and book-inspired workshop, families will explore some of the flying, swimming, running, and crawling creatures that call our backyards home - get ready to hoot like a Horned Owl, splash like a Sculpin Fish and grow tall like a Western Red Cedar! Together, we will experience what eco-diversity is, why it is vital, and how young people today are helping to protect the environment!

A Take-Home Package designed to inspire new ways to care for, and make memories in nature will be available for every participant.

Forgotten Folk Songs Workshop

Youth for Youth Program

Ginalina with Guests from the Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble, Jirong Huang and Sarah Yusha Tan

The Vancouver International Children’s Festival Society’s Youth for Youth (Y4Y) program provides training, mentorship and performance opportunities for emerging artists and young people ages 15-24. In this year’s initiative emerging artists worked with Deborah Williams at a Storytelling Intensive designed for each participant to develop their personal story. After the workshop, a select group of participants created a new piece of storytelling theatre in One of a Kind (page 14), which will be performed at the 2022 Vancouver International Children’s Festival.

Music • Carousel Studio • 30 min • Ages 4–12 Saturday, June 4th 2pm All tickets $8 + s/c and GST Enjoy the beauty and meaning of the Mandarin language in this Family Folk workshop, and learn a treasured 18th century Chinese folk tune! Blending melody, movement, context, and a playful approach, Juno-nominated SingerSongwriter, Ginalina, will introduce families of all ages to the song, Mò Lì Huã 8

Photo by Vanessa Fortin

Tricoter

Foolish Operations (British Columbia) Dance • Carousel Studio • 35 min • Ages 0-24 months Share a special moment with your little one in a world filled with play, exploration and discovery. A joyous and stimulating encounter for the youngest of audiences, Tricoter is a rare opportunity for the very young to experience live theatre. In the spirit of a knitting circle, Tricoter softly draws the attention of the babies and toddlers. The dancer and yarn become the ever-changing and captivating shapes, sounds, movements and possibilities of the performance. As the dance and yarn wind and unwind through and around the space, a beautiful weaved conversation develops that connects the audience to the dancer. A delightful mix of colours, patterns, movement and texture, this intimate and interactive show is sure to capture the imagination and curiosity of babies. Tricoter will be followed by a “stay and play” activity.

In-Person

Tuesday, May 31 Wednesday, June 1 Thursday, June 2 Friday, June 3 Saturday, June 4 Sunday, June 5

10:00am, 12:00pm 10:00am, 12:00pm 10:00am 10:00am 10:00am, 12:00pm 10:00am, 12:00pm

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Photo by Carla Elaine Hedges

Ginalina Asian-Canadian

Music • Waterfront Theatre • 45 min • Ages 3–9 Dance and sing along in English, French and Mandarin with CBC-featured musician and 3x Juno nominated artist, Ginalina! A bright star in the family folk music world, Ginalina weaves the audience together with warm, upbeat and folky songs inspired by the love of family, beauty of the west coast and value of every child. Take a musical journey with Ginalina and special guests including accordionists, friends, family and traditional instrumentalists from the Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble! There’s much to enjoy in her collection of songs that celebrate timeless messages of hope, acceptance, and strength through kindness.

In-Person

Sunday, June 5

10:30am (RP)

RP Relaxed Performance

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The Cat Came Back Fred Penner (Manitoba)

Music • Granville Island Stage and Waterfront Theatre • 50 min • All ages Sing along with one of Canada’s best-loved children’s singers and four-time Juno winner Fred Penner at this year’s Festival! Fred has been charming audiences for over 40 years with catchy songs that speak to the wonder of childhood, such as “The Cat Came Back” and “What a Day.” Fred’s award-winning music and meaningful lyrics have created a lasting impact that crosses generations. His warmth and enthusiasm give him an instant emotional connection with fans both young and old. Don’t miss introducing your children to this Canadian music icon.

In-Person

Tuesday, May 31 Wednesday, June 1 Thursday, June 2 Friday, June 3 Saturday, June 4

12:30pm 10:30am 6:30pm (PJ) 12:30pm 10:30am

PJ Pyjama Night Please note, our on-site activities are NOT open during Pyjama Nights. Come back anytime during the day with your show ticket and you’ll get an Activity Village wristband for that day.

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Crisis on Planet Z! Monster Theatre (British Columbia)

Theatre • Waterfront Theatre • 45 min • Ages 4–12 Zennifer lives on Planet Z, the only planet they have ever known. The Alphabetians are celebrating 100 years of being on Planet Z when Zennifer makes a horrifying discovery: they haven’t been ‘improving’ the planet, they have been slowly destroying it! With the help of a baby Ziffle… and a mushroom, Zennifer tries to warn the Alphabetians to change their ways, but they are ready to abandon Planet Z and blast off to the next planet. Little do they know, there is no next planet: Planet Z is the last planet in their solar system! Together, the Alphabetians must account for their actions and find a way to save Planet Z. A hilarious play about a serious topic, Crisis on Planet Z! expertly manages to raise awareness about climate change through joy and fun.

In-Person

Tuesday, May 31 Wednesday, June 1 Friday, June 3 Saturday, June 4 Sunday, June 5

10:30am, 12:30pm 12:30pm 12:30pm 11:30am 1:00pm

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Photo by Chris Randle

Spirit and Tradition

Dancers of Damelahamid (Gitxsan/Cree) (British Columbia) Dance • Performance Works • 50 min • Ages 5 and up You’ll be captivated by this visual feast of a show! Spirit and Tradition layers projected imagery, soundscape and Coastal masked dance, transporting the audience to the rich and diverse ecosystem of British Columbia’s coastal mountains and Pacific Ocean. Spirit and Tradition focuses on Indigenous knowledge, sustainability, interconnectedness and the beauty of the Northwest Coast. Through dramatic dance, compelling narrative, intricately carved masks and elaborate regalia, the Dancers of Damelahamid transform time and space and bridge the ancient with a living tradition. Don’t miss this stunning expression of Indigenous spirituality, community and culture. True poetry in motion.

In-Person

Tuesday, May 31 Wednesday, June 1 Thursday, June 2 Friday, June 3

10:30am, 12:30pm 10:30am, 12:30pm 10:30am 12:30pm

Online

Closed Captioning available.

Tuesday, May 31st at 9:30am until Sunday, June 12th at 8pm

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One of a Kind

Youth for Youth Program and Deborah Williams (British Columbia) Storytelling/Theatre • Carousel Studio • 50 min • Ages 7 and up The world is a spectacular kaleidoscope of people with fascinating stories as unique as every one of us. One of a Kind is created around the true stories performed by the people who lived them; a talented, diverse group of extraordinary emerging theatre artists. The storytellers share their one-of-a-kind childhood tales filled with truth, cultural perspective, family languages, challenge, laughter and adventure. Using physical theatre, puppetry, music, movement and more, they offer an extraordinary exploration of the universal expression of storytelling. Children will recognize themselves and be inspired to share their own stories.

All tickets $12.50 + service charges and GST In-Person

Thursday, June 2 Friday, June 3 Saturday, June 4 Sunday, June 5

12:30pm 12:30pm 3:30pm 3:30pm

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Photo by Olivier Guillemain

A Story of a House That Turned into a Dot Teatret Gruppe 38 (Denmark)

Theatre • The Nest • 40 min • Ages 8 and up Life is sweet, it’s finally summer and today is a special day because it’s strawberry day. But sometimes life can be unfair, especially when things don’t go your way. After being treated unfairly, the girl gets mad and decides to run away from home. She opens the window, climbs down the ladder and keeps running. And when she finally looks back, the house to her amazement has turned into a dot! A captivating adventure about how long the road home is when you run away in anger. You will enjoy this delightful tale about fairness and family, beautifully told through shadow puppetry, masks and music by the renowned Danish company Teatret Gruppe 38.

In-Person

Thursday, June 2 Friday, June 3 Saturday, June 4 Sunday, June 5

10:30am, 12:30pm 10:30am, 12:30pm 12:30pm, 3:00pm 12:30pm, 3:00pm

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.

Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien.

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Site Hours 9:30–2:30

Site Hours 9:30–2:30

Legend Venues

9:30

2:00 6:30 Cat Came Back (PJ)

A Story of a House Living With Africa Oyé (FR) One of a Kind Won’Ma Africa (BI)

Tricoter A Story of a House Won’Ma Africa (FR) Africa Oyé (FR) Spirit & Tradition Underwater Underwater

Online Schedule

Won’Ma Africa (FR)

Tricoter Underwater Crisis on Planet Z! Spirit & Tradition

Tricoter Africa Oyé (FR) Spirit & Tradition The Cat Came Back Underwater

Parents Are Still (PJ) Future Music

A Story of a House Crisis on Planet Z! Spirit & Tradition One of a Kind The Cat Came Back

Tricoter A Story of a House Living With Won’Ma Africa Africa Oyé (BI) Underwater Underwater

Site Hours 9:30–2:30

Friday

June 3

Carousel Studio

Granville Island Stage

BI Bilingual

The Nest

PJ Pyjama Night

Waterfront Theatre

FR en français

Performance Works

Fishbowl

RP Relaxed Performance

Anansi the Spider Re-Spun Spirit and Tradition Available from Tuesday, May 31st at 9:30am until Sunday, June 12th at 8pm Project Element The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly

Tricoter Underwater Crisis on Planet Z! Spirit & Tradition The Cat Came Back

12:00

12:30

Tricoter Crisis on Planet Z! Won’Ma Africa Spirit & Tradition Underwater

10:00 10:30

Site Hours 9:30–2:30

Thursday

June 2

In-Person Shows

Wednesday

June 1

Tuesday

May 31

Tricoter

12:00

One of a Kind Living With

3:30 4:00

Variety Show

A Story of a House

Africa Oyé Underwater

2:30 3:00

Folk Songs Workshop

2:00

Won’Ma Africa

Crisis on Planet Z!

11:30

1:00

Underwater

11:00

A Story of a House Parents Are Still Underwater

The Cat Came Back

10:30

12:30

Tricoter

10:00

6:30

Site Hours 10:30–5:00

Sunday

June 5

Program subject to change.

One of a Kind

A Story of a House Parents Are Still

Won’Ma Africa Underwater

Crisis on Planet Z! West Coast Workshop

A Story of a House Underwater

Tricoter Living With Won’Ma Africa

Underwater

Ginalina (RP)

Tricoter

In-Person Shows

Site Hours 10:30–6:00

Saturday

June 4

Photo by Moonrider Productions

Africa Oyé

Jacky Essombe and friends (British Columbia with roots in Cameroon, Benin, Guinea, South Africa and Zimbabwe) Music/Dance • Waterfront Theatre • 50 min • All ages There’s going to be a dance party and you’re invited! Africa Oyé features songs, music, and dances from Cameroon, Benin, Guinea, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Come celebrate this beautiful expression of African culture with the talented Jacky Essombe, accompanied by her friends. Jacky’s lively dancing will inspire you to move your body as you feel the rhythm of music played on a variety of traditional African instruments, including the djembe, donga (talking drum), mbira, shekere and more. Audience participation is encouraged throughout the show in the form of call-and-response, singing, clapping and dancing. We can guarantee that by the end of the show you will be up and on your feet!

In-Person

Wednesday, June 1 Thursday, June 2 Friday, June 3 Saturday, June 4

10:30am (FR) 10:30am (FR), 12:30pm (FR) 10:30am (BI) 2:30pm

FR en français BI Bilingual - In French and English

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Photo by Carmela Sison

Underwater Archeologist Boca del Lupo (British Columbia)

Theatre/Virtual Reality/Comedy • Fishbowl • 50 min • Ages 9–12 Imagine, 150 years in the future. Climate change has been solved and we live together in a world as one nation. The study of archeology has turned to exploring the ocean’s depths in an effort to better understand the carelessness of the early millennium. Amongst the junk and ancient treasure, one archeologist discovers two people who have been hiding in an underwater bunker for over 60 years. Grab a VR headset and dive into this immersive, hopeful comedy that is part performance, part virtual reality and explore deep underwater and far into the future.

In-Person

Tuesday, May 31 Wednesday, June 1 Thursday, June 2 Friday, June 3 Saturday, June 4 Sunday, June 5

10:30am, 12:00pm 10:30am, 12:00pm 10:30am, 12:00pm 10:30am, 12:00pm 11:00am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm 11:00am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm

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Photo by Melbourne Mouse

Living With

Her Tribal Roots (British Columbia) Dance/Music/Poetry • Performance Works • 45 min • All ages Let’s groove together! Living With is a multi-layered performance that explores the interconnections between people and our relationship to the earth. Through the thoughtful storytelling, harmonizing, dancing and drumming of the Her Tribal Roots’ artists, we can reimagine how we interact with one another and with nature. Living With is a true mosaic where different dance styles, music, poetry and cultures come together to create a beautiful expression of how we can all live with one another. Don’t miss this opportunity to feel the rhythm, connection and joy that is all around us. Kids will be inspired in more ways than one.

Commissioned by the Vancouver International Children’s Festival.

In-Person

Thursday, June 2 Friday, June 3 Saturday, June 4 Sunday, June 5

12:30pm 10:30am 4:00pm 12:00pm

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Won’Ma Africa

Kalabanté Productions (Guinea/Quebec) Circus • Granville Island Stage • 50 min • All ages You’ll be blown away by the breathtaking acrobatics and death-defying feats of Won’Ma Africa! Kalabanté Productions’ handful of daring acrobats perform to the pulsating rhythm of the djembes of Guinea with authentic movement and acrobatics. Come experience a mix of modern circus and traditional African dance and music including drums, Kora and singing that come to together in a spectacular show of stunts and tricks. This entertaining show embodies the strength, agility and joy of life found in African youth. Their joie de vivre is so infectious that afterwards you’ll backflip out of the theatre!

In-Person

Tuesday, May 31 Wednesday, June 1 Thursday, June 2 Friday, June 3 Saturday, June 4 Sunday, June 5

10:30am 2:00pm (FR) 10:30am (FR), 12:30pm (BI) 10:30am 1:00pm 12:00pm, 2:30pm

FR en français BI Bilingual - In French and English

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Photo by Moonrider Productions

Parents Are Still A Drag Zee Zee Theatre (British Columbia)

Theatre/Music/Dance • Performance Works • 45 min • All ages After its overwhelming debut at the 2019 Vancouver International Children’s Festival, Parents Are A Drag is reborn with a much bigger kid.

Join local drag queens Peach Cobblah & Isolde N. Barron for a drag dress-up spectacular!

Add some rainbow to your day at this fun and inclusive event which reminds young ones, their parents, caregivers and everyone in between that it’s never too early (or too late!) to get silly and dress-up! Parents Are Still A Drag celebrates diversity with songs, laughter and play.

With opportunities for the audience to become part of the show, be sure to come dressed to impress or ready for some dress-up time. Commissioned by the Vancouver International Children’s Festival.

In-Person

Friday, June 3 Saturday, June 4 Sunday, June 5

6:30pm (PJ) 12:30pm 3:00pm

PJ Pyjama Night Please note, our on-site activities are NOT open during Pyjama Nights. Come back anytime during the day with your show ticket and you’ll get an Activity Village wristband for that day.

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Future Music

6 QT+BIPOC Future Music Residence Artists (British Columbia / Canada) Music • Waterfront Theatre • 70 min • All ages A showcase performance for the 6 dynamic and talented QT+BIPOC artists that took part in the 2021 FM Music residency program. Come out and join them as they share their new songs and creativity with you bringing you stories from their lives that inspire and entertain.

We are thrilled to share these new, exciting voices with you, our audience!

The Vancouver International Children’s Festival Society and Rup Sidhu are the proud creators and producers of the inaugural FM: Future Music Mentorship Program presented in partnership with ArtStarts in Schools, Apparatus and the Sarah McLachlan School of Music.

This project was generously supported by Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia through the AMPLIFY BC industry Initiatives Program and the BC Arts Council.

In-Person

Friday, June 3

6:30pm

Please note, our on-site activities are NOT open during evening shows. Come back anytime during the day with your show ticket and you’ll get an Activity Village wristband for that day.

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Activity Village

Spend the day being creatively playful in our Activity Village.

In-Person

Your In-person show ticket includes access to the Activity Village! If you are unable to come to a show, Activity Village wristbands are available for purchase on-site for $6 per person - cash only (includes GST and Service Charges).

Indigenous Arts - Stick Dice Game Using modern materials, create and decorate a traditional game to take home.

Improve your math skills and hand eye coordination while competing with others.

Who will hold all the points once you finish?

Tuesday-Friday: 9:30am-2:30pm Saturday: 10:00am-6pm Sunday: 10:00am – 5pm

Ages 0–5

Twist & Toddle! Play and create in this tent jam-packed with fun for the under 5 set.

All Ages

Face Painting Get your face painted as a lion, a tiger or a superhero, oh my! A Kids’ Fest tradition for over 40 years!

Inner Garden Need a space to rest? The Inner Garden is a relaxing, comfortable space for you and your kids to rejuvenate. A perfect place for naps or some nice downtime for the family.

Junkyard Symphony Transform everyday objects into musical instruments and make some magical music.

Honouring Women Sculpture This piece is to honour Mother Earth and the women in our lives that still walk in this world and the ones that have passed on.

African Pavilion Step into African arts, cultures, stories, games and languages.

Children will learn and practice how friendship is cultivated through rhythm in African villages. Listen to each other’s beat, feel our collective rhythm and connect to our shared humanity.

The A-Mazing Maze Burn some energy and play games in our enchanting outdoor maze.

On-site Performances Discover the excitement of Capoeira with Aché Brasil and connect with stories told by Indigenous storytellers through Talking Stick Fest.

Ages 3+

Playful Paths Following the path of an unfolding story, with twists and turns, loop de loops, jumps, and roundabouts. Discover new perspectives through play and learning.

Circus Arts Learn the basics of juggling, Diablo, rhythm sticks and stilt walking from young circus pros.

Spin Art Create a colourful one-of-a-kind splatter painting while riding a bike! Courtesy of MAKE Vancouver.

Ages 5+

Creature Creations Use your imagination to create a Monarch butterfly out of a teabag! Add your butterfly to the Monarch colony sculpture and make a wish for our planet.

LunarFest: “Together Stronger” Through colourful artwork by artist Pacake Taugadhu, learn about the Rukai culture and the story of the sacred leopard that has disappeared from Taiwan. Fold your own funshaped paper lanterns like a precious treasure box, a bright sky lantern, or a food-loving rat!

Scavenger Hunt Detectives needed! Find the clues that will lead you on a fun scavenger hunt adventure. What will you discover?

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Anansi The Spider Respun Unicorn Theatre and Illuminations Production (United Kingdom) Created and Directed by: Justin Audibert Theatre • Online • 35 min • Ages 3–8 People say that a long, long time ago, animals walked on two feet and spoke with words, like we do. And back then it was known by everyone that the cleverest of all the animals in the kingdom was a spider – the infamous Anansi – the original trickster and the master spinner of yarns. But sometimes Anansi could be a little too clever for his own good…

Inspired by the 2019 five-star hit show, Anansi the Spider, these classic West African and Caribbean tales are expertly brought to life online by the Unicorn Theatre. A thoroughly enjoyable three-part series where Anansi tricks, sings and dances his way out of trouble and often right back into it.

Online Closed Captioning available.

Tuesday, May 31st at 9:30am until Sunday, June 12th at 8pm

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Photo by Patrick Redmond

The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly Theatre Lovett (Ireland)

Theatre • Online • 68 min • Ages 7 and up Sometimes it takes a girl-sized human to solve an adult-sized problem… Peggy O’Hegarty and her parents are packers. They squeeze fruit into tins, foxes into boxes, even bikes into brown paper bags. And then one day, work stops working, and the jobs stop jobbing and Peggy steps outside to find that winter has arrived…and everyone in her city has vanished!

Get ready for a story literally packed full of fun and suspense. Louis Lovett ingeniously performs all the characters as he takes the audience on an untamed adventure. The story unfolds through the transformation of the set’s large whimsical crate, in which props and whole worlds are packed.

As Peggy desperately tries to save the day, we learn about love, loss, the reassurance of goats and that we should all have the courage to sing gloriously on or off-key!

Online

Closed Captioning available.

Tuesday, May 31st at 9:30am until Sunday, June 12th at 8pm

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Project Element (Northern BC / Vancouver / Canada)

Film/Music/Theatre • Online • 25 min • Ages 9 and up Through improvisation and imaginative devising the elementary and secondary students from Smithers, BC, have created a contemporary retelling of classic Norwegian folklore.

The film follows a group of children who must travel through magical worlds to find their friend, the Prince, who has been captured by the evil Troll Princess. Will the gifts from the mystical creatures of the lands be enough to help them on their quest? Under the creative direction of Susan Bertoia, this project which focuses on the methods of collaboration and intergenerational storytelling was commissioned by the Vancouver International Children’s Festival.

Online Closed Captioning available.

Tuesday, May 31st at 9:30am until Sunday, June 12th at 8pm

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Online Arts Workshops

Online

The fun continues! If you purchased tickets to one of our shows (both In-person and Online), you also get access to 2 Online Arts Workshops.

Children can get creative in our online Bhangra Dance and MaskMaking workshops all included with your show ticket.

You will receive an email with links to the online workshops in May. The Pre-recorded Online workshops will be available starting May 31 at 9:30am and be available to watch until Sunday, June 12th at 8pm. Closed Captioning available.

Bhangra Dance Workshop

Bhangra is a lively, Punjabi folk dance that has surged in popularity worldwide, both in traditional form and as a fusion with other genres such as hip-hop. Join Gurp Sian to get your body moving and your heartbeat racing with Bhangra dance steps choreographed to upbeat Bhangra music!

Mask Making Workshop

Join us to make some fantastic and fabulous masks with Beth Agosti.

Let your imagination soar and create whatever creature you would like to become.

You could be a fire breathing Dragon or dive to the depths of the ocean as a Jellyfish.

is proud to sponsor this year’s Vancouver International Children's Festival

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Vancouver International Children’s Festival Community Programs Help us enrich the lives of children and ensure the Festival remains affordable for everyone through our community programs:

Hospital Outreach Program

Each year we are proud to bring Festival highlights to children in treatment or care at B.C. Children’s Hospital, Canuck Place and Sunny Hill Health Centre through our Hospital Outreach Program.

Children unable to leave their facilities can share in the Festival spirit with their families and caregivers and benefit from the healing power of music and laughter.

Good Neighbours

For too many families, a day at the Children’s Festival is just not possible. Become a “Good Neighbour” and share the magic of the Festival with children and parents who otherwise would not be able to attend!

• A suggested donation of $65 will allow a family of four to play all day! However, donations of any amount are welcome!

Adopt a Class

This program provides a day filled with learning, laughter and inspiration for elementary school children attending enhanced support schools across Metro Vancouver. Thanks to our generous business and foundation donors, more than 1,800 children will have a memorable day at the Children’s Festival through Adopt a Class in 2022.

We are grateful to our generous donors for their support of this valuable initiative:

Make your tax-deductible donation Online ChildrensFestival.ca | Call 604 708 5655 Email Development@ChildrensFestival.ca The Vancouver International Children’s Festival is a not-for-profit charitable society, registration number 11883 3532 RR0001.

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Granville Island

Dedicated to the arts.

Proud Partner of the

Vancouver International Children’s Festival MAY 31 – JUNE 5, 2022

createastir.ca

Free Bike Valet

Bikes are a great way to get to Granville Island.

Proud Media Partner Vancouver International Children's Festival

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Thank you

to our donors & supporters

Pots of Gold

Diamond Foundation Mirhady Family Fund, held at Vancouver Foundation The Estate of John Robert (JR) Seifred The Estate of Lynne Harrison Timothy C Kerr Foundation Unicorns

Andrew Mahon Foundation Connor, Clark & Lunn Foundation Lohn Foundation McCarthy Tetrault Foundation Paul Dumontet in HONOUREE Leslie Silverman Teresa Sutherland The Christopher Foundation The Hamber Foundation The Lutsky Family Foundation Vancouver Kidsbooks Walmart Sandman Suites Parallel 49 Brewing Company Prince of Whales Adventures Butterflies

Christina Ling Mei Tang Karen Basran Kirandeep Basran Revelstoke Moutain Resort The Sutton Place Hotel Revelstoke Dragonflies

Alex and Esther Alexander

Andrea Hilder Ann Marie Mossman Anne Sterling Barbara Creighton in HONOUREE Sarah Ralston Barbara Fousek Bruce Meyers Caitlin Hertzman Catherine Chew Cecilia Lei Chao Liu Chris Patrick Debbie Chan Edward Young Eric Wong Gerald Murenbeeld Guang (Tom) Zhu Hilary Davis Jason Dubois Jeffrey Nairn Jordan Beach Joyti Gandham Katharine Carol Kevin Deschamps Lewis Huey Louise Degagne Louise DeGagné Martin Bruckner Mee Young Aird Megan Ellis Mike Brittain Mike Mines Minna Schendlinger in HONOUREE Katharine Carol Nicole Yeasting Paul Dumontet Paul Stewart Peter Lang Pradeep Nair Sally & Wilfrid Mennell Sonia St. Aubin Tom Stulberg Violet Tam Wei He

Fireflies

Alaleh Adib Alice Muthoni Murage Amy Peck Anita Leonoff Anna Williams Anne Lissett Anthony Pui-wang Or Austin He Barbara Fousek Braden Lauer Bryan Short Bryan Wong Caitlin Hertzman Cameron Glegg Cameron Mackenzie Carey Yuen Cari Wong Carole Higgins Cathy Ebbehoj CHAO Liu Chelsea Werrun Courtney Inman Diana Stewart-Imbert Dylan Lobo Efrat Gal’Or Elizabeth Bowen Ellen Claitman Ellie Earl Elliot Neck Emonil Dong Gerardine Keane Gosia Santor Grace Li Heather Armstrong Heidi Hood Honor Roan Ilker Fide Jacky Essombe Jacqueline Zhang Jeanie Ow Jeff Christianson Jeremiah Oristall Johnathan Kinash Johnny Yuen Katie Ungard Kevin C

Staff Credits

Kevin Campbell Kevin Macleod Kieran Davey Kim The Kimberley MacLean Kristina Gamboa Krystal Kiran Laurene Chu Le Yi Chu Lily Xie Linda de Luca Lindy Sisson Luke and Erin Alexander Mairin Deery Marika Kovalcikova in Honour Mia’s B-Day Marnie Perrin Martha Sayfy Maureen L. MacDonald Megan MacLean Michael Waugh Minna Schendlinger Mojgan Nozari Natasha Jeshani Natassia Brow Nicole Yeasting Olivia Zeng Patrick Fergusson Peeranut Visetsuth Phil Haines Randi Edmundson Raymond Zeng Rick Bell Robert Beck Ron Eagleston Saleema Dhalla Samad Raza Sara Getz in HONOUR Katharine Carol’s Birthday!!!

Sarah Frood Shana Alexander in Honour Baby Riley!

Sheri Briggs

Artistic & Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katharine Carol Development Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marika Kovalcikova Communications & Marketing Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joanne Da Silva Operations Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leanne Zacharias Audience Services Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelly Creelman Volunteer Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carmen Mills Production Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Kerr (DK) Technical Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeremy Baxter School & Information Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pavanjot Daley Marketing Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gurleen Lally Bookkeeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ewa Borkowska Many thanks to our awesome crew, interns and volunteers!

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Shota Inoda Smitha Vidyasagar Solmaz Mortez Stefania Gomez Steven Hobkirk Susan Peerless Vancouver Plumbing Doctor Ltd Violet Tam Vivian Tong Westside Montessori Academy Zhengming Song LadyBugs In Kind

Kicking Horse Coffee Nature’s Path Lee’s Donuts Go Wireless I.S.S. of BC MAKE Vancouver Aché Brasil Talking Stick Festival Terra Breads Granville Island Ferries Board of Directors

Christina Tang, Chair Kevin Campbell, Treasurer Eric Wong, Secretary Louise DeGagné Violet Tam Olivia Zeng Natasha Jeshani Krystal Kiran Kieran Davey Jason Dubois Cameron Wilson Samad Raza Jenna Visram

THANK YOU

to our sponsors & supporters!

FESTIVAL PARTNERS

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

MEDIA SPONSORS

GOVERNMENT FUNDERS

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.

Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien.