Things To Do This Week - Sept - 25 - Oct 1, 2008

The rain may be here for the foreseeable future, but take heart: the leaves may be falling and puddles amassing, but Fall is always the best time for cultural events in Vancouver: BC Fashion Week continues until the 26th, the local theatres are all performing new works, and, best of all, it's time again for the Vancouver International Film Festival. Strap on your rubber boots and dig out your umbrella - there's tons to do in the city this week!

Thursday, September 25 – 27th Annual Vancouver Film Festival

This year there are over 330 movies from 60 different countries, in sections like The Ark, Canadian Images, Cinema of Our Time, Dragons And Tigers, Nonfiction Features and Spotlight on France. VIFF is one of the five largest film fests in North America, and runs until October 10, 2008. Films like Atom Egoyan's Adoration and Nuri Bilge Ceylan's Three Monkeys have gotten a lot of attention from international film festivals and audiences alike, and the program guide is full of many more films that are worth seeing. Visit to find a complete listing of all films, screening locations and showtimes.

Friday, September 26 – The Beach Boys

If you remember Beach Blanket Bingo, being true to your school, and would like to go back to the carefree days of your youth, head out to see the "Beach Boys"* tonight at the River Rock Show Theatre (River Rock Casino Resort, 8811 River Rd., Richmond). (They're also playing tomorrow night at the same place in case you miss it). Find times and ticket prices at www.riverrock.com.

*Editor's note: This line-up does not include founding members Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, or the late Carl Wilson, the late Dennis Wilson or Al Jardine. It does include original member Mike Love, later member Bruce Johnson, and some other guys who know Beach Boys tunes and probably have a large collection of Hawaiian shirts. Team Wilson!

Saturday, September 27 – A Few Little Drops - The Extraordinary Life of Water

Presented by Volcano Theatre Company, A Few Little Drops makes thinking and talking about water interactive and interesting. You'll get to do things like step inside a giant inflatable wave, explore a flood-wrecked house, and examine watery landscapes.

The Cultch will also host a symposium dealing with human water use and climate change during workshops and roundtable discussions.

The exhibit runs at various times on the field of Britannia Secondary School (William St. @ Woodland Dr.), so see www.thecultch.com for more details.

Sunday, September 28 - Cold War Kids

The Cold War Kids have uniquely merged blues and soul with indie rock, so their music sounds a bit like something you've never heard before. They started in California in 2004, growing quickly and later being featured on popular TV shows like Gossip Girl and Entourage. Check out songs from their new album Robbers and Cowards at Richards on Richards (1036 Richards) tonight at 9:30 p.m. with guest Sean Hayes. Buy tickets at Zulu, Scratch, Red Cat, Highlife, Noize to Go and www.ticketweb.ca.

Monday, September 29 – Doubt

Doubt won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2005 as well as four Tony Awards, and after closing on Broadway it has been presented on a number of stages across North America. It's also set to be a film release in 2008 with Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Doubt is set in a Bronx Catholic School in 1964, and the school's priest takes a vested interest in a new student, who happens to be the first black student to attend the school. However, it is not a controversial play about Catholic church sexual abuse or race relations, but rather an in-depth exploration of “the blurred line between gossip and truth” and the uncertainty of our perceptions.

The play is presented by the Arts Club Theatre Company, and runs until October 12 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. Written by John Patrick Shanley, directed by Rachel Ditor and starring Gabrielle Rose and Jonathan Young. See www.artsclub.com for details, showtimes and ticket prices.

Tuesday, September 30 – Erato Ensemble

Until November 15, enjoy the harmonies of Erato Ensemble, an art-song chamber collective that was formed in 2006 by soprano Catherine Laub and tenor/composer William George. Featuring some top Vancouver musicians, this season Erato examines different countries and cultures. It begins with The Great Sea, featuring a variety of international music, followed by The Black Forest, merging classical and modern music with texts by local holocaust survivor Renia Perel. An Evening with Erik Satie and the Latin American Tangos, Ballads y Boleros round out the rest of the concert series. If you buy a four- concert package now, it's just $54.50. St. Andrew's Wesley Church at 1022 Nelson (Burrard); www.eratoensemble.com.

Wednesday, October 1 – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Today kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a national campaign promoting breast cancer screening. The goal is to raise awareness about breast cancer issues – especially early detection, so wear a pink ribbon to show your support, and find events and volunteer opportunities at www.cbcf.org.