Arts Smarts – Fall Edition 2008

Arts Smarts // With your field guide Jessica Ruano

View original article at www.getguerilla.ca

A learned approach to autumn

For me, the autumn months bring visions of two things: gorgeous, vibrant sunset-coloured foliage—bursting at the seams with passion, with matured tree branches, with ripe apples—and, of course, school. However, this latter autumn association never seemed to cause me the grief that it does for most young children because I have always loved learning. As long as the subject matter was made interesting, I thrived on the accumulation of knowledge and imagined my mind expanding progressively with every delectable info-morsel.

So, in this issue of Arts Smarts, I invite you to grasp opportunities to learn from the Ottawa arts scene. The cultural events highlighted below are suggested ways to acquire knowledge in your very own community —knowledge from writers, storytellers, visual artists, and performers. While I have always had faith in academics, I believe the greatest opportunities for learning come through listening to the tales of those around us. And, when we take advantage of these community resources, we can amuse ourselves as we learn.

The Ottawa International Writers Festival (fall edition, October 18 to 27) is a celebration of the written word, the spoken word, and almost everything else remotely connected with words. This all-encompassing 10-day extravaganza showcases some of the best contemporary writing talent in this nation’s capital and around the world. Authors of great works are flown in from hither and thither to share with us a cornucopia of narratives and to be readily available to answer questions and sign autographs. Literary enthusiasts can also witness the extent of Ottawa’s vivacious writing community at events including the opening-day Small Press Book Fair and the Tree Reading Series. Additional festival highlights include The Big Idea live debates, the Songwriters Circle, the Master Class Series, and the Poetry Cabarets. Become acquainted with up-and-coming novelists as they read selections from their new works at the Writing Life Series. For more information, check out www.writersfestival.org

Hot on the heels of the Writers Festival comes the 20th Annual Ottawa Storytelling Festival (November 5 to 9), featuring dozens of live storytelling performances to engage listeners of all ages. Contrary to popular belief, storytelling is not just for children! With tales of real-world happenings and flights of frivolous fancy, the festival attracts a wide variety of audiences, from spunky young people (like me) to cheerful women in lovely quilted vests and long skirts.

At this year’s festival (themed “A World of Difference”), enjoy tea and biscuits as you leap like a Frog Prince from story to story, losing yourself in other people’s worlds, whether real or imaginary. If you are inspired by the tellers (I always am), you may be interested in telling your own tale at the Monthly Story Swaps. Beginners are always welcome! For more information, visit www.ottawastorytellers.ca.

Cartoons, too, have a reputation for being just-for-kids. Here to prove that presumption false is the Ottawa International Animation Festival (September 17 to 21). Whether your interests lie in animated film, web comics, or graphic novels, this festival has something to get your artistic juices flowing and your pencil crayons back in action. Hands-on workshops are offered to young kids, teenagers, and would-be animators already grown up. Check out http://ottawa.awn.com for details.

Only in its second year, Festival X: Ottawa’s Photography Festival (September 18 to 28) has already established a solid reputation in Ottawa’s visual arts community. Invading the space of numerous galleries in the capital for 10 days of cutting-edge exhibitions, the festival also offers workshops and lectures on photography. As an aspiring image-smith, I’m looking forward to learning from those with sharp focus and a keen eye. For more information, check out www.festivalx.ca.

Yearning for deeper satisfaction after a couple of Women’s Studies courses? Catch up on your feminist schooling at Ladyfest Ottawa (September 19 to 21), a weekend of arts and music from talented local ladies who believe that political action can be fun and creative. Discover some unique crafts at Not Your Grandma’s Craft Sale and participate in Take Back the Night, a downtown march led by women. Getting the vote in the 1920s was just the beginning; what’s next for womyn-kind in the world of art? For more, visit www.ladyfestottawa.com.

Also in the autumn, Ottawa theatre companies begin new seasons of unique and enlightening productions. Learn dramatic artistry as a bevy of talented directors, performers, and other theatrical creators take the stage. Hey, if you’re an aspiring actor, actually seeing shows is the most important part of your education!

Fall theatre fare:

Evolution Theatre presents Playing Bare (September 3 to 13), www.evolutiontheatre.ca.

The Great Canadian Theatre Company presents I, Claudia (September 9 to 28) and Zadie’s Shoes (October 21 to November 9), www.gctc.ca.

Vision Theatre presents My Name is Rachel Corrie (September 10 to 20) and a benefit concert with Allison Crowe (November 30), www.visiontheatre.ca.

The Gladstone presents Gladstone Productions’ How the Other Half Loves (September 11 to October 4) and Rabbit Hole (October 9 to 25), as well as SevenThirty Productions’ Catalpa (October 30 to November 15), www.thegladstone.ca.

National Arts Centre English Theatre presents Happy Days (September 17 to October 4), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (October 29 to November 15), and Billy Twinkle (November 25 to December 6), www.nac-cna.ca.

Third Wall Theatre Co. presents Look Back in Anger (October 21 to November 1), www.thirdwall.com.