Music, theatre, dance collide in an explosive cabaret-style festival at the Vancouver Playhouse
Vancouver’s cultural landscape is set to illuminate this November as the TRANSFORM Festival returns for its sixth edition, presenting an extraordinary convergence of Indigenous and non-Indigenous artistic voices. Running across two weekends—November 6-8 and November 14-15—at the historic Vancouver Playhouse, this year’s festival promises to be the most ambitious yet.
Curated by Urban Ink’s Artistic Director Corey Payette, the 2025 festival embraces the theme “Braiding Worlds,” a powerful metaphor for the interweaving of diverse cultural perspectives, traditional practices, and contemporary innovation. This isn’t simply a showcase of performances; it’s an invitation to witness how collaboration can transform our understanding of art and community.
The festival’s five-night program spans an impressive range of disciplines. Theatre enthusiasts will experience the world premiere workshop of Wolf Cull, an Indigenous thriller by playwright Cheyenne Scott that explores themes of healing and the power of Indigenous women. Music lovers can anticipate Where The Rivers Meet, a groundbreaking concert featuring JUNO-nominated cellist Cris Derksen, celebrating the profound connections between Indigenous cultures and water through ancient traditions and modern harmonies.
Adding to the excitement, The Starwalker Experience makes its debut—a multimedia celebration combining live band performances, artistry, and film clips from the award-winning musical Starwalker. The festival also features Rebecca Strong, who made history as the first Indigenous woman to win Canada’s Got Talent in 2024, delivering her emotionally powerful vocal performances.
Both opening and closing nights feature electrifying BASH! events hosted by Indigenous Advocate Jaylene Tyme, promising unforgettable evenings of dance, circus, comedy, and performances that defy convention. These cabaret-style celebrations embody the festival’s spirit of joyful experimentation and bold collaboration.
For Vancouver’s diverse communities, including our German-speaking residents who value cultural exchange and artistic excellence, TRANSFORM Festival offers a unique opportunity to engage with Indigenous artistry while experiencing how different cultural perspectives can create something entirely new. It’s a celebration that speaks to the universal power of art to bridge worlds and imagine new futures together.
All performances begin at 7:30pm at the Vancouver Playhouse, providing convenient evening entertainment in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
For tickets and complete festival information, visit: transformfestival.ca
TAGS: TRANSFORM Festival #Indigenous Arts #Vancouver Arts #Vancouver Playhouse #BraidingWorlds #YVR Events #Westcoast German News #Elke Porter
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