March 7 - Residential school play pulled mid-run in Fernwood

Good morning !

Yesterday’s weather was full of surprises with a mixture of clouds, sun, rain, snow, and sleet. Thankfully, we’re inching closer to seeing double-digit temperatures soon, but we’ll have to get through a stretch of rain to get there.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌤️ 8 / 5

Tomorrow: 🌧️ 9 / 5

Day after: 🌧️ 9 / 6

7-day forecast

NEWS

Curtain closes dramatically on Fernwood Community Association play

For the second time in three months, tensions have forced the cancellation of a Victoria play—this time, mid-run.

Online accusations that a drama about a Canadian residential school was offensive and racist and the resultant fear of violence prompted the Fernwood Community Association (FCA) to close Sisters just days before it was scheduled to conclude its two-week run at its tenant’s playhouse, Theatre Inconnu, on Fernwood. 

“No one would identify why the play was racist or offensive,” Clayton Jevne, the alternative theatre’s artistic director and GM tells Capital Daily, adding he doesn’t think any of its detractors have seen it.

Sisters, written by BC dramatist and former NDP MP Wendy Lill, tells the story of a nun who burns down a residential school in the Maritimes. The 1991 play opened on Feb. 20 in the 60-seat theatre. Late yesterday afternoon, the FCA announced for safety concerns, it had cancelled its remaining performances, including Sat. night’s which had already sold out. 

In Jan., the Belfry—just across the street from Theatre Inconnu on Fernwood—scrapped a production of The Runner, a play exploring what happens when an Israeli rescue volunteer saves a Palestinian woman accused of harming a soldier from Israel.

Read Mark Brennae’s full story here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

BC Ferries adds Vic-Van sailings Mar 14-24. [Spring break] 

Man wanted by police last seen downtown. [VicPD]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

International Women’s Day 2024 events happening in Greater Victoria

Tomorrow is International Women’s Day, a day aimed at recognizing the achievements of women, as well as the challenges they face in the workplace and society, such as the ongoing wage gap, violence, and health-care rights. 

Women’s Day began in the early 20th century but didn’t take off internationally until the women’s movement of the 1960s and 1970s brought it to the forefront. The United Nations recognized it as an international holiday in 1975 and half a century later it’s still acknowledged worldwide. 

This year’s theme in Canada is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” highlighting the importance of gender equality in all areas for building healthier and more prosperous communities. 

Check out our list of events where you can celebrate and support women in Greater Victoria.

SPONSORED BY THE VICTORIA FOUNDATION

Gadsden Initiative: Kickstart your philanthropic journey

The Gadsden Initiative is designed for emerging donors and community leaders who want to help make our community stronger!

The program is a collaborative learning experience that invites members to join to help shape a new philanthropy in the capital region. New donors will have opportunities to join exciting events and activities to explore different ways to give — all while building a fund at the Victoria Foundation! The program helps members build relationships with the community and work together to take action on solutions that enrich our region.

The Victoria Foundation accepts new Gadsden Initiative members at any time. Click here to learn more, and to join a vibrant community of over 80 people who are making a lasting difference in our community!

⭐️ Capital Picks

🎞️ IMAX Victoria Film Festival starts tomorrow. [Mar. 8-31]

📸 Bird’s eye view of Gonzales Beach by Doug Clement. [Photo]

🏊 Spring break program registration. [City of Victoria]

🤝 Now hiring: Out of School Care Coordinator at Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group.

🗞️ In Other News

Downtown Salvation Army Thrift Store closing after 40 years
Operators of the store at 525 Johnson blame rising costs for the March 23 closure. The Salvation Army Victoria Addictions and Rehabilitation Centre (ARC), will remain open on the same site. Still, it’s not yet known what will become of the space the thrift store occupied. Donations will be accepted until the end of the month. [Victoria News]

Woman sues Vic Golf Club: claims ball struck her in car
Evelyn Mohr says she was driving by the club on Beach Drive in June when a ball sailed right into her car and struck her in the face. She’s filed a civil suit naming the club, Oak Bay, and the golfer who hit the ball. Mohr says she suffered serious physical and mental injuries that have affected her ability to earn a living. [Times Colonist]

Driver caught going 75 km over speed limit on TCH
A 2024 Hyundai Elantra was travelling 165 km/h in a 90 km/h zone when clocked on the highway near Helmcken at midnight Monday, police said. The driver presented a copy of their driver’s licence—you need the actual licence—and faces $1K in fines. The car was towed and impounded for seven days. [RCMP]

Selina Robinson leaves NDP, says caucus has signs of antisemitism
One month after losing her portfolio as post-secondary education minister following controversial comments she made about the war in the Middle East, the Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA resigned from the party yesterday. Robinson said there are antisemitic voices within the caucus, and as a Jewish woman, she didn’t feel supported. Robinson plans to sit as an independent. [CBC]

SPONSORED BY GABLECRAFT HOMES

Rowhomes at Royal Bay coming soon

GableCraft is excited to introduce its latest innovation in living. Freehold ownership with suites and no strata fees. Land ownership never felt so good. Secure your invitation to their exclusive launch event for Rowhomes at Royal Bay and discover the advantage of buying at presale prices. Register here today.

🗓️ Things to do

📖 Grant Lawrence and Friends: Enjoy this evening of stories and songs at Charlie White Theatre, featuring work by Canadian writer Grant Lawrence, tonight at 7:30pm. 

🎨 International Women’s Day Tote Painting Night: Get together with other women and paint your own personalized tote bag at the David Strong Building at UVic, tonight at 7pm.

🤍 Speaking of Death: Karla Kerr and Daralynn Wei will facilitate a fun learning experience for those curious about what is involved in end-of-life planning at Caffe Fantastico, tonight at 7pm. 

🎸 Art d’Ecco: Catch the local indie rocker at Capital Ballroom, tomorrow at 8pm.

🎤 Pinky Patel: See the hilarious TikTok star at McPherson Playhouse, tomorrow at 7:30pm.

🎶 Nrityagram Dance Ensemble: See India’s foremost Odissi dance company at the Royal Theatre, tomorrow and Sat. at 7:30pm.

👀 In Case You Missed It

Tasting Victoria Best Restaurant Awards are open. Vote now!

Wednesday’s headlines: BC confirms first measles case; Province suing affordable condo owners; Good grief telephone; And more. [Mar. 6] 

More bike lane transportation options on the way. [Capital Daily]

Child hospitalized after ingesting hemlock at Langford school. [Times Colonist]

BC ombudsperson calls private road laws ‘unjust.’ [CP / Vancouver Sun]

Greater Victoria Flower Count is on now. [Ends Mar. 13]

That’s it!

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