THEATRE: The Shadow in the Water
Where: Theatre Inconnu, 1923 Fernwood Rd.
When: Feb. 22-March 12
Tickets: $14 ($10 for seniors/students/unwaged) from or 250-360-0234
Why: A tale of love, loss, and sharks — that is how the team behind The Shadow in the Water described David Elendune’s moving “memory play” prior to its Victoria Fringe Festival debut in 2021. It wound up being all those things and more. Elendune uses the 1916 Jersey Shore shark attacks (said to be the inspiration for Jaws) as a jumping off point, but through video vignettes and excellent on-stage work by leads Rosemary Jeffery and Wendy Magahay, Elendune and director Ian Case find something special along the way. Highly recommended.
ART: NOW
Where: Fortune Gallery, 537 Fisgard St.
When: Feb. 17-March 24
Admission: Free
Why: Ceramic sculptures and oil landscapes are among the creations on display at NOW, an exhibition by Samantha Dickie and Louisa Elkin which opens today at Chinatown’s Fortune Gallery. The nature of happiness, and being present in the moment — even when the world throws a global pandemic in your path — are recurring themes in NOW, which happens to be Elkin’s first gallery show in Victoria. Dickie’s work is well-known, after 20 years of forward momentum, which gives the pairing two unique perspectives. Plenty of food for thought here.
ART: The Postcard Climate Project
Where: Gage Gallery, 19 Bastion Sq.
When: Feb. 22-March 6
Admission: Free
Why: A call for art inspired by climate change netted hundreds entries for organizers of The Postcard Climate Project, which opens Feb. 22 at the Gage Gallery in Bastion Sq. The community art initiative asked artists of every faculty (including elementary school students) to put their ideas for a healthy environment onto a postcard, which have now become part of this walk-through art installation. Climate sustainability is the focus, but this is community-building at its finest.
