IMPACT ‘09: Edna’s Archive

Downtown Kitchener

Arts festival IMPACT 09 is in its second week, and last night I attended the workshop play Edna’s Archive, located at the Critical Media Lab at 191 King St W.

Before I go on about the play, I will explain the origins of it. The concept is based upon a box that was found by a dumpster in Toronto. Inside contained photographs, letters, Christmas cards, slides, even a baby book, of Kitchener native Edna Bear.

This was not the typical “sit in a theatre and watch the show” kind of play – for instance the audience got to be a bit involved. At the start, everyone was given an MP3 player as a guide (and the Director, Andy Houston, volunteered his assistance as well) and we all walked outside the venue in Downtown Kitchener. We walked to City Hall, where it was formally a swamp and King Street was called “The Grand Road”. We stopped in front of buildings that had historical value or relevance to Edna Bear’s lifetime. After the tracks on the MP3 players ended, we all walked back to the Media Lab.

Before taking our seats, we were invited to go into the designated rooms where the photographs, etc. were posted on the walls. Slide projectors were displaying the many slides of Edna’s life, and it was not hard to figure out that Ms. Bear was a dancer. Shortly after, we all took our seats, and the actors came into the spotlight. Again, audience members were invited by the actors to be part of the production.

Different elements were used to chronicle Edna’s life – five women were representations of her, and there were actors behind a “sound booth/bar” setting. It’s weird describing the setting in written form…as I mentioned earlier, this was not “standard” theatre. But it was effective, and I liked it.

Edna’s Archive began on Sep 24th and ends this week on Oct 3. The start time is 8pm (it is recommended to arrive earlier by 10 minutes). Admission’s PWYC (pay what you can), minimum $5.00.

~Becka

Photo by Ruth Kinzie

One Life Experience – AIDS exhibit in St. Jacobs

While on my yearly fall trip to St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, I took some time to check out the AIDS exhibit that was across the street from the market. I entered the 186 square metre interactive village and received an MP3 player. It was “my guide” of sorts – from what I saw there were four different stories to follow, and I had to follow Olivia’s story. I’m not sure if that was her real name, but “Olivia” does in fact exist, as I found out later.

I was instructed to turn on my MP3, and I followed the narrator’s instructions. Enter the curtain, follow Olivia’s story, look around this room, have a seat, etc. I will spare the details of her story…being an AIDS exhibit, it was certainly not the happiest of tales. Parents, if you do decide to bring your kids along, be prepared for lots of questions. However, I was accompanied with a father and his three kids, and after the tour the kids were fine (they followed a different story though, I was alone with Olivia’s). Towards the end of the tour,  I discovered that Olivia has managed to make the best out of her situation, despite being HIV positive.

When I handed back the MP3 player, I was asked what I thought about the exhibit. I confess that I didn’t really know how to answer this question. It was a lot to swallow in such a short period of time, but it was a worthwhile experience.

One Life Experience AIDS exhibit began September 17th and finishes on October 4th. Here are the times;

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 11:00a.m. – 7:00p.m.
Thursday and Saturday, 7:00a.m. – 7:00p.m.
Sunday, 10:00a.m. – 7:00p.m.

Free admission.

~Becka

Waterloo Royal Medieval Faire, ‘09

The crowds

Last weekend I attended the Royal Medieval Faire for the first time ever. Apart from visiting some friends at their booth, I had no idea what to expect at this event.

A finished round of archery

The faire was located at Waterloo Park West and was only a one day event. Booths encircled the field  and in the centre was the “Queen’s Stage”. There were live performances, food, tournaments, and even “Knighting Ceremonies”.

Mystic from The Dark Crystal

There were also some interesting characters in the crowd – some dressed up in medieval garb, some came in homemade costumes. If you had forgotten to dress up for the occasion, there was even booth that sold…well, whatever you needed for medieval wear.

Need a costume?

I’m not 100% sure how much the admission was for kids (either $2.50 or $3.00), but admission for adults was $5.00. Would I go again next year? Sure – why not? Next time I need to bring a little extra cash with me to buy some jewelery…

~Becka

Photos by Becka

Kitchener Blues Festival, ‘09

Shawn Kellerman

The weather was just perfect for the Kitchener Blues Festival yesterday.

The Shawn Kellerman Band opened the main stage as crowds gathered around the downtown area. I came a bit late for the set, but fortunately there was a spot near the side of the stage where I could get a good view. Gradually, I made my way to the fence.

The crowd

You could feel the bass and the drums through the pavement…awesome. I even saw Michelle Malone (who was great), throw away a broken guitar string into the crowd.

Michelle Malone

Away from the stage was the food and such. Whether it was BBQ, fresh cut french fries, a Carribean stand, or beer (can’t forget that one), there was something for everyone.

Some good ol’ BBQ

Or take a walk down King Street and see all the different vendors. Maybe you’ll end up buying something – I know I have. This time it was fresh cut french fries.

French Fries!!!

The festival began Thursday and goes through Sunday, with five stages and about 40 bands. Today’s lineup includes Ronnie Hawkins, Canned Heat, Elvin Bishop, The Hawks, and many others. For those in touch with their spiritual side, Sunday begins with A Gospel Breakfast with Calvin Cooke.

Michelle Malone and band

If you happen to be in the area, the Kitchener Blues Festival is worth checking out.

(Main stage at 200 King St. W. at Kitchener City Hall.  There are two other stages;- one at the Kitchener Market and the other at King and Frederick Streets. Check website for schedule.)

~ Becka

Photos by Becka

Farm Fresh Food

Waterloo Region has the best farmers markets I have visited in Ontario or the United States. Fresh, locally grown food is readily available at a reasonable price. The markets are not open every day but it is possible to buy produce directly from farmers in many of the region’s rural areas.  Waterloo Region’s Foodlink is an excellent website dedicated to helping people connect to local foods. You can subscribe to their newsletter Local Harvest by email. The two outlets featured in this post are examples of excellence in food freshness and quality. I have visited them more frequently because they are on routes I routinely travel.

T.J.’s Farm Fresh Produce is located on Kossuth Road not far from the Waterloo Wellington Airport. I stopped by this week to get some of their excellent corn, but it will not be ready before August 1st due to the cool wet weather we have had this summer. I picked up fresh zucchini, onions, garlic, beets and cucumbers instead and will return next month for the corn.  They have pumpkins and other vegetables available in season.

Herrle’s Market is on Erb Street between Waterloo and St. Agatha. This store has a large selection of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as fresh baked goods and organic meats and frozen food. They usually have at least three varieties of corn available and it is as tasty as the corn at T.J.’s. They also have pumpkins in the fall and have a small outdoor area where children can play.

It is sometimes possible to get vegetables cheaper at a large grocery store, but the freshness and quality of the food from these vendors is exceptional.

T.J.’s Farm FreshMarket – 3010 Kossuth Road, Cambridge (map)
tel: (519) 650-1007
timbeirnes@hotmail.com

Herrle’s Country Farm Market – 1243 Erb’s Road West St. Agatha (map)
tel: (519) 886-7576
info@herrles.com
http://www.herrles.com