Stir Cheat Sheet: 5 shows to feed imaginations at the Vancouver International Children's Festival

Interactive human percussion instruments, Congolese storytellers, and off-the-hook break-dancers are a few of the highlights

By JANET SMITH

DUE TO PANDEMIC restrictions, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival won’t look like it has in past years, and you won’t see the colourful banners, tents, or crowds take over Granville Island due to pandemic restrictions. But families desperately looking for creative inspiration after more than a year of shutdowns can still tune in online to catch livestreams, films, audio plays, and interactive concerts over the next two weeks.

Here are some of the highlights of the artful array of programming from here and around the world, streaming to June 13.

#1

The Human Radio

Live performances June 2, with recording available June 3 to 13

Think of RupLoops as a living, breathing percussion instrument. Through body percussion and beatboxing he engages kids here in an interactive, live looping performance. He’ll teach even small children how to kick it freestyle, using vocal percussion and rhythmic rhymes. as well as demonstrating an eclectic mix of instruments from around the globe. He has a passion for intercultural work and sounds, drawing on everything from hip-hop to bhangra.

#2

Cris Derksen’s Nerds Whirlwind Musical Tour

Streaming now until June 13

A must for any kid studying a stringed instrument, not to mention proud nerds out there, the acclaimed Indigenous cello innovator and composer shares how she creates her unique musical “sound-print”. She’ll also demonstrate the way that sonic signature weaves together her classical background, her heritage, and electronic equipment like her loop station and effects pedal.

#3

Storytelling by Jean Pierre Makosso

Live online June 6

As part of Africa Day at the children’s fest, Makosso shares traditional stories aim to entertain children and adults alike. Born in Pointe-Noire in Congo Brazzavile, Makosso brings to life the fables he heard growing up, inviting everyone into his “village”. As he says, listeners can “Roar with the lion, run with the Giraffe and dance with the monkeys.”

#4

LOUD

Streams from May 31 to June 13

One of the region’s hottest new street-dance troupes burns up the floor in a pre-recorded video. As Stir has reported before, the high-energy crew draws youth and young adults from about 17 to 26 from a diverse array of backgrounds, mashing moves from breaking, hip-hop, dancehall, house, and jazz. This new 45-minute work was a special commission by the kids fest, so it’s all new. The company is led by local dance innovator Kevin Fraser.

#5

Once Upon a Tide

Streaming until June 1 to 13

Using animation, film, and puppetry, Art Apart takes you on a journey alongside 800 turtle siblings as they make their way from across the world to India to celebrate their father’s birthday. The show from India honours Diego, the real Giant Tortoise from the Galapagos who famously turned 100 years old in 2020. In a breeding program, Diego was responsible for siring hundreds of offspring over his lifetime and has helped revive the endangered species.

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