PuSh 2020: That’s a Wrap

February 10, 2020

Over 15,000 people attended 27 works by 24 companies. Works by artists from nine countries were represented in PuSh 2020 performances, alongside six world premieres from local artists. Thank you for sharing these stories with us!

Artists didn’t just perform these stories and audiences didn’t just watch; we were all part of the narrative – on stage and off, in conversation. Here’s what we heard in lobbies, at dinners, on social media, in workshops and around PuSh:

“When you wake up with lines from a performance streaming through your head, you know you have seen outstanding theatre. – Lois (audience member)

“For the past 16 years the [PuSh] performing arts festival has turned the winter blahs into oohs and aahs.” – The Vancouver Sun

“I’d see this play by Carmen Aguirre if I were in Vancouver:  Excellent!” – Margaret Atwood

“The 2020 PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is as fresh and innovative as it was when it first graced Vancouver, 16 years ago.” – SAD Magazine

“We are really lucky and spoiled to have access to such a diverse art scene. Though it is easy to lose faith in your own creations, keep on givin’ it. Someone will connect. Thanks, PuSh, for some innovative pieces that test the extremities of what defines theatre.” – Spec Theatre

“With [Anywhere But Here], I cap off a spectacular PuSh Festival experience. What a gorgeous, witty, moving, important piece of theatre.” – Jessica (audience member)

“I love the variety and diversity of shows. I love that the festival is not shy to bring exciting, weird, wonderful and quirky art from all over the world. There’s nothing traditional about PuSh and I love that.” – Cicely-Belle Blain (board member)

Many of these performances were so powerful, you were inspired to donate to the PuSh Festival – and we are grateful. We require $2 million to operate PuSh; one-third of this comes from individuals like you who believe that the PuSh Festival and the arts matter. Over the last three weeks, we had a Festival fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $40,000. We’re almost there! With your help, we can make this goal so we can continue to build a vibrant festival for you next year.Here at PuSh, we believe storytelling is how we learn and care for one another. Or when we feel we’ve lost our way in the world, art lights the path. PuSh 2020 lit the path for many this year. We felt connection to the Vancouver spirit of independence, community activism and kindness – and look forward to building another successful Festival for you in 2021.