Take a step into a whimsical imagery to observe honest executions of physicality, interspersed with thought provoking monologues. Returning home with her most recent work, Kate Hilliard is pleased to present the Canadian premiere of While We Were Waiting, an intimate look at the emotional and physical state of being present.

Hailing from the world renowned Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City; Drew de Jesus, Lauren Ferebee, Tricia Olds, Adam Roper and Josh Rowe take the stage moving to an orginal score composed and played live by pianist Laurence Gingold. This physical theatre piece was developed in New York City as part of the Movement and Dance Artists in Residencey (MAD AIR) program at Stella Alder Studio of Acting & Hard Clurman Center for New Works in Movement and Dance Theatre.

Hilliard's work focuses on our need to reflect in order to establish belonging and attachment, in a world that celebrates the importance of making plans and setting goals for the future. We look back and we look forward, but we rarely appreciate the moment - she asks you to embrace the moment.

The powerful work of Kevin Loring, Where the Blood Mixes, returns February 24 to March 6, 2010.

Loring's work in an incredible accomplishment and a study on his own people, the N'lakap'mux First Nation who live where the Thompson meets the Fraser. Taking a fearless look at the Native community's most painful emotional scars while still casting a ray of light, this Vancouver Playhouse/ Belfry Theatre/Savage Production presentation received rave reviews and awards in its first production.

14 extraordinary women from all across Canada, with no previous acting experience share stories about life after 45 in this thought-provoking play by award-winning Canadian playwright Judith Thompson.
The Cast who auditioned by writing a letter to their bodies, share their personal stories of triumphs, tragedies and life's funny moments, while challenging the audience to look beneath the surface of how society views beauty, aging and women in their second act of life.


Cast and Contributors:
Joanna Anaquod, Jeannine Boucher, Polly (Ramkissoon) Clarke, Lois Fine, Francine Robert-Grainger, Glenda Klassen, Janice Kulyk Keefer, Barbara Nichol, Pauline Patten, Ruth Rakoff, Gloria Schmed-Scott, Judy Wark, Rhonda Tepper, Ann Marie Hasley

Alexandria returns home after an exhausting day at work to discover that her long time boyfriend, Josh, has invited their friends over for a party. This is his quick fix to the countless problems the couple has been having for the past few months. Little does anyone know, the secrets that are about to boil over as the night pulses on.

Get ready to laugh and cry as this bitter sweet comedy unravels and these best friends realize that "sometimes there's no going back."

All profits from this production will be donated to Covenant House Vancouver.

The Firehall welcomes back the gripping solo show, Blood.claat, one ooman story, which took Vancouver by storm during the 2008 Magnetic North Festival.Written and performed by d'bi young anitafrika, Blood.claat, is a story told through multiple generations in which rituals travel in symbolic cycles of scorn and celebration exposing rites in which all metaphors unite in the fluid of life.

The Firehall Arts Centre's 6th Annual BC BUDS returns in spring 2010 even bigger and better. The weekend of May 21st till the 23rd will showcase work from theatre, dance, music and interdisciplinary artists. This time around, the performances will take place not just at the Firehall Arts Centre but venues around the neighbourhood. As in past years, performances will take place in the theatre and nonconventional settings like offices, stairwells and basements.

BC BUDS allows established and emerging artists to present new and experimental work while giving audiences an opportunity to explore and experience the arts in informal and unorthodox settings. All performances are FREE.