5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (May 3-9)

1. Realwheels Theatre’s Wheel Voices: Tune In!

May 5 & 14

This virtual show is a mashup of original scenes, rap, spoken word and choral pieces that are all rooted in the disability experience. It stars 14 artists with disabilities, who are presenting this show twice to accommodate different needs: this week’s performance has ASL description, and next week’s provides audio description and captioning.

When: Wednesday May 5 and Friday May 14 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: From $5.25
More Info: realwheels.ca

Credit: Dara Akay: Meydan

2. Darya Akay: Meydan at the Polygon

Through August 1

Darya Akay’s exhibit brings art to life—literally. Meydan comes from the Turkish word for marketplace, and Akay has created a dynamic presentation of marketplace items that will evolve over three months (flowers will dry out, seasonal fruit displays will be added, and some of the good will start fermenting). Visit now and come back in August to see how it grows.

When: On now until Sunday, August 1
Where: The Polygon Gallery
Cost: By donation
More Info: thepolygon.ca

Credit: The Gig Is Up

3. DOXA Documentary Film Festival

May 6 to 16

The city’s favourite documentary film festival is turning 20 this year, and they’re celebrating with a venture that’s both old-timey and perfect for pandemic living: a drive-in. All the films are available online starting this week, and the drive-in opens next Thursday. The awesome lineup of films includes The Gig Is Up (pictured above), a film that examines the gig economy and is directed by Vancouverite Shannon Walsh.

When: Thursday May 6 to Sunday May 16, drive-in May 13 to 15
Where: Online and the PNE Ampitheatre
Cost: $7-$10 sliding scale per individual virtual ticket (online), $50 for DOXA drive-in
More Info: doxafestival.ca

Credit: Matt Reznek. Boy in the Moon, featuring Marcus Youssef and Meghan Gardiner

4. The Cultch’s Boy in the Moon

May 6 to 9

This livestreamed show is based on the memoir by Canadian journalist Ian Brown. It tells the story of Ian and Johanna Schneller’s son, Walker, who was born with a rare genetic disorder called Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome. It’s an intimate narrative detailing the complex issues the family must navigate through, and it doesn’t shy away from challenges.

When: Thursday, May 6 to Sunday, May 9
Where: Online
Cost: From $29
More Info: thecultch.com

5. YVR Screen Scene for India

May 8

YVR Screen Scene for India is a panel-like event spotlighting local TV and film artists; it’s an online fundraiser benefitting COVID-19 relief efforts in India. The event is hosted by YVR Screen Scene Podcast host Sabrina Rani Furminger and features Agam Darshi (Funny Boy), Dhirendra (Lego Jurassic Park: The Legend of Isla Nublar), Praneet Akilla (Nancy Drew), Rekha Sharma (Battlestar Galactica), Sachin Sahel (The 100), and Sandy Sidhu (Nurses).

When: Saturday, May 8 2:00 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: $20
More Info: yvrscreenscene.com