Expressions In A Glass: Vancouver Arts Organizations As Drinks (Part 1)
Vancouver’s arts community boasts some distinct characteristics and rich personalities. Sometimes, however, it can be hard to see past the advertising speak and press images. I challenged arts organizations of all types and sizes to come clean by asking them one fundamental question:
What drink best describes your company’s personality and body of work?
The answers were quick and largely alcoholic (typical). I’m excited to present a whole different side of the arts in this new series on Vancity Buzz: Expressions in a Glass.
- Expressions in a Glass – Part 2 (Theatre Conspiracy, Alley Theatre, Carousel Theatre, Firehall Arts Centre, Pacific Theatre)
- Expressions in a Glass – Part 3 (Ballet BC, Geekenders, Electric Company Theatre, CircusWest Performing Arts, ITSAZOO Productions)
- Expressions in a Glass – Part 4 (Theatre Under The Stars, The Fictionals, BlueShore Centre, Boca Del Lupo, Relephant Theatre)
- Expressions In a Glass – Part 5 (Geeks vs Nerds, Arts Club, The Cinematheque, shameless hussy, Bard on the Beach)
- Expressions in a Glass – Part 6 (Off-Key Improv, Theatre at UBC, Seven Tyrants Theatre, Upintheair Theatre / rEvolver Theatre Festival, Hardline Productions)
Brown Cow
Who: Neworld Theatre
What: Kahlua coffee liqueur, milk and nutmeg
Why: The brown cow is a biracial drink which is also tasty and fun to drink. Similarly Neworld Theatre explores ethnic and cultural diversity in a broad sense using humour and popular forms.
- Up Next: Mrs. Warren’s Profession (Alley Theatre in Association with Neworld Theatre)
Sh*t Mix; aka Swamp Water
Image: Vancouver Fringe Festival
Who: Vancouver Fringe Festival
What: What’ve you got?
Why: The Fringe is a random accumulation of performing arts—chosen by lottery or a first come/first served basis—hence, our drink is a mix of whatever you can find. It might taste good, it might not, it’ll probably get you drunk, and it will certainly lead to a good time.
- Up Next: Nashville Hurricane
Schweppes Dry Ginger Ale
Who: City Opera Vancouver
What: Duh…
Why: Schweppes is tart, bubbly, alive, and uncommon. It causes excitement, avoids hangover, and is affordable to all. It plays well with others. You will finish the glass wanting more, and be tingling for hours after.
- Up Next: Pauline
Between the Sheets
image: Pi Theatre
Who: Pi Theatre
What: Cognac, rum, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice
Why: With Pi Theatre HQ located in Chinatown just blocks from the Modern Bartender shop, we’re inspired to change our cocktails monthly. Right now we’re featuring the drink that has the same name as our current show. Classy and sassy, just like us.
- Up Next: Between The Sheets
Home-brewed Kombucha
Image: PTC
Who: PTC (Playwrights Theatre Centre)
What: A lightly effervescent fermented drink of sweetened black tea
Why: Rich in culture, based on a symbiotic relationship between two different organisms, best transmitted locally, easily shared with someone who is willing to make something by hand. Also has a bit of a tang, some fizz, and comes in an infinite variety of flavours – your imagination is the limit. Requires a good sense of timing, quality ingredients, and a willingness to experiment…
- Up Next: Lowest Common Denominator (Dave Deveau, PTC associate, Zee Zee Theatre)
Now venture out and make some new friends. Are you a Vancouver-based arts organization with a mix to share? Tweet me at @cecilialu and let me know what you’re drinking!
Cocktails on bar image via Shutterstock
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