Imaginairum by Wordfest returns to Calgary this week with over 30 shows featuring 50 writers right here in Calgary. It can feel overwhelming, but Wordfest themselves recommend treating the fall festival as a menu of life-affirming ideas. With that in mind, and with the US election right around the corner, I think you should check out Susanne Craig’s show about Donald Trump’s finances on Tuesday at Patricia A. Whelan Theatre, and then explore the programming from there. The Scene has a ton of Wordfest coverage in our latest issue, so grab a copy or check it out online!
It’s a big week for theatre lovers as well. Alberta Theatre Projects’s production of The Seafarer, starring Paul Gross, commences its run this Tuesday and goes until November 10. Check out our sister mag Avenue’s cover story on Gross to learn more about his seminally Canadian career!
Alberta Ballet is producing the world premiere of Stefania Ballone’s GRIMM from Thursday to Saturday, offering a darker take on classic children’s fables.
Theatre Calgary is opening The Lehman Trilogy on Tuesday in association with Arts Commons Presents. Visit these companies’ websites to grab tickets and kick your theatre season off right.
Speaking of theatre, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is screening this Wednesday at Mac Hall, with a live shadow cast performing alongside the movie and an appearance by the actress Nell Campbell, who portrayed Columbia in the original film! If you’ve never seen the cult classic in a crowded room, now’s your chance; it’s pretty unforgettable. And there’s even a costume contest!
The same night, Loophole Coffee Bar hosts “All The Way Up,” a spoken word and poetry night every third Wednesday of the month. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., and poetry starts at 7. The floor is open to all.
Thursday is all about Zines. Over at the Central Library, catch Zinefest, a celebration of art for social change featuring the unveiling of Enough for All Futures Community Zine Mural and music by local crooner ZENON. Meanwhile, at Canopy Studios, Zines for Teens is a $10 drop-in class where you can make mini magazines. Zines for Teens returns every Thursday and is perfect for teens who love writing and drawing.
The Calgary Reptile Expo slithers into The Genesis Centre on Saturday and Sunday. Did you know that this is Canada’s largest not-for-profit reptile expo? Admission is only $10 bucks for adults and $4 bucks for kids, so bring the whole family!
Saturday is also the Canadian Federation of Artists Calgary Chapter Fall Exhibition & Sale at the Edgemont community centre. Enjoy browsing original art and supporting your local artists, and with free admission, you can’t go wrong.
Then, head over to the Rocky Ridge YMCA for One Man Star Wars Trilogy, a quick journey to a galaxy far far away written and performed by Charles Ross. This show features no costumes, no props, no sets, and no-holds-barred; at 90 minutes, it leaves you with plenty of time to grab a drink afterwards. Charles is also doing the show on Friday at the Seton YMCA!
Wrap up your week on Sunday with the YYC Travel Show at the airport, which offers the chance to explore new destinations, map out your next adventure, and win prizes like a complimentary flight. Then, head to The Globe for the Greek International Film Festival Tour of Canada. They’re presenting Murderess (Fonissa), a powerful drama that dives deep into the human psyche and societal norms. The show starts at 5 p.m., and tickets are $20 bucks.
Grab the October issue of The Scene, on stands now for more events and things to do around the city.