PuSh International Performing Arts Festival 2023 Presents a Vibrant and Dynamic Lineup of Experimental Artists
November 23, 2022
The 18-day festival presents an emotionally honest, politically daring program of spell- binding dance, eclectic music, groundbreaking theatre, innovative multimedia, and cutting-edge circus extravaganzas
January 19 to February 5, 2023
Various Vancouver Venues and Select Programming Online
Lineup Announcement November 22 Tickets on Sale November 23 at noon
Vancouver, BC — PuSh International Performing Arts Festival (PuSh) presents its 19th annual edition from January 19 to February 5, 2023 at various venues across the Lower Mainland and select programming online. PuSh is Vancouver’s signature, mid-winter cultural event, taking place each January in theatres and venues across the city. PuSh delivers groundbreaking, contemporary works of theatre, dance, music, multimedia, and circus by acclaimed local, national, and international artists.
Featuring 20 original works from twelve countries,the festival line-up is dedicated to creative risk-taking and dynamic interdisciplinary collaboration. The 2023 PuSh Festival includes six world premieres, one North American debut, along with six Canadian and two Western Canadian openings and one Vancouver premiere. In addition to a strong Canadian presence, PuSh will also present works from Zimbabwe, Belgium, South Africa, South Korea, France, Argentina, Bulgaria, India, Italy, United Kingdom, Finland, and the United States.
International companies/artists being presented for PuSh 2023 include: Ontroerend Goed (Belgium), Race Horse Company (Finland), Ivo Dimchev (Bulgaria), Tiziano Cruz (Argentina), nora chipaumire (Zimbabwe/US), Cie 7bis (Argentina/France/Italy), Smaïl Kanouté (France), Moya Michael (South Africa/Belgium), Jaha Koo (South Korea/Belgium), Rakesh Sukesh (India/Belgium), Joby Burgess (UK).
Canadian companies/artists being presented include; Émilie Monet/Onishka (Montreal), Alan Lake Factorie (Montreal), Boca del Lupo (Vancouver), Electric Company Theatre (Vancouver), The Elbow/Itai Erdal (Vancouver), Delinquent Theatre/Lisa Ravensbergen (Unceded Coast Salish Territory, MST), Marcus Youssef (local collaborator with Rakesh Sukesh – Vancouver), Christopher Willes & Adam Kinner (Toronto/Montreal), New Dance Horizons (Regina), Itsazoo Productions & Aphotic Theatre (Unceded Coast Salish Territory, MST).
We are excited to be working alongside long-standing and new partners including Talking Stick, The Dance Centre, Music on Main, Touchstone Theatre, Anvil Theatre, plastic orchid factory, SFU Woodward’s Cultural Programs, School for the Contemporary Arts at SFU, UBC Department of Theatre & Film, Boco del Lupo, Living Things Festival, Vancouver Public Library, the frank theatre co., The Black Arts Centre, Solid State Community Industries, Vancouver Civic Theatres, Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, and Granville Island Theatre District.
In July, PuSh announced the permanent appointment of cultural producer and performance curator Gabrielle Martin in her role as Director of Programming and member of the Collaborative Leadership Team with Keltie Forsyth, Director of Operations, and Dr. Margo Kane, Director of Indigenous Initiatives.
“I was inspired by what can be achieved within community, as our partners were fundamental in connecting Festival artists to new and returning audiences,” Martin says of her time with PuSh over the past year. “We returned to our mandate of facilitating transformative experiences through live performance and, buoyed by this experience, it has been an honour to curate the 2023 Festival. We are prioritizing innovative works that have a sense of necessity; that wake us up or offer new dreams for the disenchanted. Delivering a festival takes a community, and PuSh continues to centre collaboration.”
This year the always anticipated Club PuSh, the festival’s platform for outside-of-the-box work and intimate cabaret experiences, runs from February 2-4 at 9pm at Performance Works. The three nights of Club PuSh will be curated by Vancouver collaborators: the frank theatre company, Talking Stick, and The Black Arts Centre.
For Festival Goers looking to keep the festival vibes going into the night, this is the place to be. Club PuSh is a spot to enjoy drinks, connect with our artists, and party with fellow PuSh-goers. It’s also the venue for fantastic performances in a relaxed, casual atmosphere, with each evening curated by a different company of artists.
The PuSh Industry Series returns, in partnership with Talking Stick to stimulate dialogue with the national and international performing arts community. Expect Industry Series programming that aims to bring us back into community with each other after so much time apart. After two years of digital convening, the Industry Series is back and in-person!
Programming will include workshops, artist talks, curated pitches, walks with local artists, and social events. This week-long series is an opportunity for professional artists, cultural workers, and arts enthusiasts to connect with one another, engage in thought-provoking discussion, and experience transformative performances together.
PuSh also continues to offer Youth Programming, in partnership with Solid State Community Industries, for participants aged 16-24.This is our way to engage, support, and uplift a whole new generation of arts enthusiasts by providing greater access to the performing arts via discounted tickets, educational opportunities, and stimulating conversation.
PuSh 2023 is a poignant reminder of the power the arts have in bringing communities together to effect change.
PuSh Passes and single tickets for the 2023 PuSh Festival will be on sale at Noon on November 23, 2022 at pushfestival.ca.
PUSH PASSES
PuSh Passes are the best way to experience the PuSh Festival. Pass holders save up to 25% off single tickets and receive free admission to all Club PuSh nights. Limited quantities.
- Four-Show Pass: $120
- Six-Show Pass: $180
- Youth Pass: Four-Show Pass: $20 (16 to 24 years old)
- Digital Pass: $100 (includes 5 of the streaming performances, with The Café being offered as PWYC via The Cultch).
TICKETS
Single tickets start at $34 in-person, $25 online, plus PWYC and FREE events. To buy tickets, visit pushfestival.ca or call the PuSh Festival Audience Services info line at 604.449.6000.
INDUSTRY SERIES
January 29 to February 5
PuSh Industry Series events and access Industry Pass: $60
MORE INFORMATION
Please see the comprehensive 2023 program guide that will be available at pushfestival.ca starting on November 23. You can also reach us at info@pushfestival.ca or 604.605.8284.
About the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival
The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is Vancouver’s signature, mid-winter cultural event, taking place over three weeks each January in theatres and venues across the city. PuSh presents groundbreaking, contemporary works of theatre, dance, music, multimedia, and circus by acclaimed local, national, and international artists.
LISTING INFORMATION
Dates: January 19–February 5, 2023
Ticket Prices: From $34 ($25 online) plus PWYC and FREE events
Location: Various Vancouver Venues
Patron Services: 604.449.6000 / tickets@pushfestival.ca
PuSh International Performing Arts Festival
For further media information, contact
Jodi Smith, JLS Entertainment T. 604.736.4939 I C. 604.838.9844 | jls@jlsentertainment.ca
Social Media: @pushfestival #PuSh2023
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