Transform Celebrates Indigenous Perspectives with Four-Day Festival (Nov. 6 – 9)

ByJohn Goodman November 1, 2024November 1, 2024

The Transform festival will include a workshop production of Corey Payette’s latest work, “On Native Land,” on Nov. 9 at the Vancouver Playhouse. Photo: Greggory Clark

Urban Ink’s Transform Festival celebrates its fifth anniversary at the Vancouver Playhouse from Nov. 6 to 9, with four days of Indigenous perspectives performed by a wide range of Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists in a variety of performance styles including theatre, music, drag, circus, and comedy.

The festival kick offs with the Opening Night Bash on Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m., co-hosted by drag queen Venus and festival protocol keeper Quelemia Sparrow, featuring a mixed program of traditional and contemporary dance including music from Inuit throat-singing duo PIQSIQ.

On Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m., the Circus Ball, will blend acrobatics and dance performances. In a fitting tribute on Nov. 8, National Indigenous Veterans Day, “In Spirit” makes its world premiere, featuring Chor Leoni and the Vancouver Youth Choir, with music by composers Corey Payette, Russell Wallace, and Alexis Vollant. The festival wraps on Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. with Payette’s latest work, “On Native Land,” a workshop of a musical-in-progress that examines the impacts of forced displacement on Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.

For more information and to reserve tickets visit transformfestival.ca. Complimentary tickets are available for Indigenous guests.

John Goodman

John Goodman finds the creative energy of journalism constantly inspiring. He's covered the Vancouver arts scene as a reporter, editor, and designer for many years. As a longtime North Shore resident he's always keen to explore all that Metro Vancouver has to offer.