Take a break from the holiday bustle and enjoy a literary respite with the Burnaby Writers' Society.
The society is hosting its next Spoken Ink night on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at La Fontana Caffe.
This month's reading night features author P.W. Bridgman, reading from his short story collection Standing at an Angle to My Age.
Bridgman is an author of literary fiction with degrees in psychology and law. His short stories and flash fiction have appeared in various literary publications, including The Antigonish Review, Grain and The New Orphic Review. They have also been included in anthologies published in England, Ireland and Scotland.
Standing at An Angle to My Age is his first book of fiction.
The reading begins at 8 p.m., followed by an open mike session - open mike sign-up is at 7:30 p.m.
La Fontana Caffe is at 101-3701 Hastings St. in North Burnaby.
For more about the Spoken Ink series, check out www.BurnabyWritersNews.blogspot.com or email [email protected].
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Here's another chance to step away from the pre-Christmas madness.
The Burnaby Art Gallery is offering a Lunch BAG Day on Saturday, Dec. 14.
The program includes a tour of the current Volumes: Works in Paper exhibit, followed by a lunch of fresh greens, breads and tapas, a cheese selection and sweets, alongside tea and coffee.
Volumes explores sculptural and structural work in paper, including installation and large-scale printmaking, painting, ceramics and paper cut. It includes both works from the gallery's permanent collection and new works from emerging artists.
It runs from noon to 1 p.m., and the cost is $12.
Call 604-297-4422 to reserve your space, or book online.
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Two former Burnaby residents are making their mark on Blackbird Theatre's upcoming production of Uncle Vanya.
The Chekhov classic is onstage at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre from Dec. 23 to Jan. 18.
Starring as Vanya is Burnaby native Anthony F. Ingram, under the direction of another former Burnabyite, John Wright.
Also appearing in the cast are Robert Moloney as Astrov, Luisa Jojic as Yelena, Cherise Clarke as Sonya and Duncan Fraser as Professor Serebryakov, with Mary Black, Donna White and Stephen Aberle.
"Chekhov's writing is considered by many to be the pinnacle of modern dramatic art, so it is with great pleasure and high expectation that we approach this work," Wright said in a press release. "For my part, no other writer can enfold me in the life of the play and its characters as fully, yet subtle and artfully, as Chekhov does. In his plays, comedy and despair are not opposites but nuanced, co-existing elements of a unique and potent theatrical style."
Uncle Vanya is in previews Dec. 23 and 26 at 8 p.m., with opening night Dec. 27 at 8 p.m. It runs until Jan. 18 with evening shows Dec. 28, Jan. 1 to 4, 7 to 11, 14 to 18 and matinees Dec. 29 and Jan. 5 and 12.
Tickets are priced from $18. Buy online at thecultch.com or call 604-251-1363.
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Looking for a unique gift idea? Or perhaps a new pastime for the new year?
Either way, Bravo Dance Company can help.
The company is offering gift certificates to its salsa classes as holiday gifts ($154 single or $300 per couple for one course).
In Burnaby, the 12-week course starts Jan. 7 at Danz Mode Productions, 7209 Curragh Ave. It runs Tuesdays, with beginner lessons at 8 p.m. and intermediate at 9 p.m.
People registered in beginner and intermediate classes can also attend at other locations for no extra charge. Other classes are held in North Vancouver, Vancouver, Richmond and Surrey.
Bravo Dance Company is led by three-time world champion Alfonso Caldera.
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Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, [email protected]. You can also find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
