Vu: A spectacular work for both children and adults – A Curatorial Statement by Katharine Carol
January 20, 2016
The mandate of the Vancouver International Children’s Festival Society is to present work that transforms a child’s understanding of the world around them and what is creatively possible. So, when Norman Armour approached me to discuss the possibility of a co-presentation at the PuSh Festival, I jumped at it.
In my capacity as the Artistic Director of the Children’s Festival, I am committed to presenting outstanding work for young audiences that challenges our notion of what children’s art looks like. My experience with children is that they are smart, engaged and full of curiosity and therefore deserve art that speaks to them on that level. As l travel to meet artists and see work that fits my criteria of being bold and daring, engaged and entertaining, smart and delightful, l am excited about the possibilities l can present to our young audience. As such, a partnership with Norman and the PuSh Festival is a natural fit, given PuSh presents cutting edge work. Our partnership allows us both to expand our audience reach, so that the Children’s Festival can present work for our older audience outside our Festival and PuSh can engage a younger audience.
I am committed to presenting outstanding work for young audiences that challenges our notion of what children’s art looks like.
Building on the success of last year’s co-presentation, this year we present Vu, a fabulous show from France. Vu is a spectacular example of work for young audiences that is clever, sophisticated and speaks to both children and adults. Representing contemporary circus at its best, Étienne Manceau is a gifted clown who reinvents the world around him through his transformation of everyday objects in order to make a cup of tea. This is a not to be missed show!
Katharine Carol, MA
Artistic & Executive Director
Vancouver International Children’s Festival
Unravel Etienne Manceau’s Vu at Performance Works, January 20–24, 2016. Book tickets on your PuSh Pass, Youth Passport or as single tickets online.