Plum Viewing
Welcome to the latest edition of Plum Viewing, my weekly round-up of arts and culture to enjoy online.
Well, lovely readers, since our last time together (which I know was two weeks ago), the world has certainly changed. I know that no one is here for an analysis of current events and I am certainly not the one to do this, but we can all agree that the resolve and strength shown by the people of Ukraine is nothing short of heroic. No one can predict what will happen but we can agree their actions have inspired us all.
So, to provide some mild distraction into the world of art, here are this week’s picks:
For escapism, who better than our favourite dynamic duo of Eve Polastric and the serial killer with the best wardrobe, Villanelle! Yep, Killing Eve is back. To talk more about the final season, Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer recently sat down with Vanity Fair. In this conversation, we learn more about what to expect in this final season and of course, are reminded once again of the undeniable chemistry between these two actors. Just brilliant! We can watch the interview here.
Acclaimed Canadian dancer Peggy Baker and her company, Peggy Baker Dance Project, is in its final year of operations. To celebrate her extraordinary career and impact on the world of dance, she recently performed at the Baryshnikov Arts Center in NYC. This performance, her body as words runs for 51 minutes, and is now available to stream until Monday, March 14 for free. On the site, you’ll also find an interview with Baker in which she reflects on her career. It’s so worth your time. You can stream it here.
On March 9–10, courtesy of the NAC, we can take a musical journey with Gabriela Montero and the NAC Orchestra. Led by Ukrainian-Finnish guest conductor Dalia Stasevska, the Venezuelan pianist will perform Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto №1, and we’ll have the world premiere of Andrea Tarrodi’s Wildwood. The concert is taking place in person and will be live streamed. Tickets are $15 and can be reserved here.
And, for a sneak peek of what to expect, there is a free live stream on March 6, in which Montero performs chamber favourites with some of NACO’s finest musicians.
If you haven’t already done so, you have two more days to check out Factory Theatre’s Year of the Rat, which is streaming until March 5. Directed by the always fearless Nina Lee Aquino, it features four new works by emerging Canadian playwrights, all of whom you can read about here. As with all of Factory Theatre’s performances, this is streaming for free but you do need to register. You can find all of the details here.
Mark your calendars for this event. The National Gallery of Canada is hosting a conversation on Women and Impressionism in Canada on Thursday, March 17, 2022 from 6 pm — 7 pm ET. Katerina Atanassova, curator of Canada and Impressionism, and Professor Anna Hudson, contributor to the exhibition publication will explore how Canadian Impressionists reinvented the traditional subject of the female model, both clothed and nude, over a period of five decades. This event is offered complimentary and you can click here to register.
And, staying on the art theme, many readers will likely have seen Edward Burtynsky’s fundraiser this week in support of Ukraine. Ed, whose family heredity is very much rooted in Ukraine announced a special edition release of two of his photographs — Thjorsa River #1 and Morenci Mine #2 as a fundraiser to support the Ukraine Humanitarian relief efforts through the Red Cross of Canada. In less than 14 hours the special edition release was completely sold out, raising just over $300,000, which was doubled by the Government of Canada.
I know so many of us are feeling helpful at the moment — I know I certainly am. For those wanting to do so, here is a link to the Red Cross.
Stay safe and well and be kind to yourselves and each other!
See you next week!
And, an ask: While we’re enjoying these wonderful performances, let’s remember that for the arts organizations producing this incredible content, this is their livelihood; not a hobby. If we can, now is our time to continue to support our incredible arts community!