Tim Carlson and Peter Carlone bring The Hobbit to life on the Pacific Theatre stage. Photo by Chelsey Stuyt
The Hobbit as a two-man show? Seems a major challenge – and Pacific Theatre’s brief description of the play doesn’t make it seem any less so:
Two actors, and a dragon’s hoard of theatre magic, bring JRR Tolkien’s storytelling masterpiece The Hobbit to life. Follow Bilbo Baggins as he embarks on a rollicking adventure with dwarves, elves, goblins, wizards and more. Audiences can expect a sense of warmth and nostalgia for this beloved story, told with humour and heart.
But a November 10 write-up by Vicki Duong in The Georgia Straight was positive. She looked at how “the reimagined play – performed by Peter Carlone and Tim Carlson – pares down Tolkien’s vast world of Middle Earth into an intimate, dynamic tale”:
Bringing Middle Earth to life with a minimalist approach has been one of the most rewarding aspects for the team.
“How do you show Smaug, the Lonely Mountain and a dozen dwarves without big sets and effects?” Carlson shares. “We had a workshop with the designers early on, and we all came to the table with different ideas. It’s been incredible to discover ways to portray these iconic moments with just the two of us and minimal props. Some solutions we found are so simple but so effective, making each scene feel distinct and alive.”
Carlson credits their sound designer, MJ Coomber, with elevating the show’s atmosphere.
“MJ brought some unexpected musical choices into the mix, which was a big swing, but it totally works,” he says. “We didn’t want to rely on the movie soundtracks or replicate their style – MJ’s choices create this fresh experience that’s faithful to the story but feels totally our own.”
Carlone, meanwhile, finds joy in the physicality of the performance, particularly in wielding his character’s sword.
“It sounds silly, but anytime I get to pull my sword out, I feel like a kid again,” he shares. “It’s this little thing that taps into that part of me that loves fantasy and adventure. For me, it’s just one of those moments that makes the whole experience so much fun.”
At its core, the adaptation relies on the chemistry between its two actors, who bring an effortless camaraderie to their roles. Their dynamic – both as performers and friends – lends a playful, almost improvisational quality to the show.
“We bring a heightened version of our relationship to the stage,” Carlson explains. “Our dynamic kind of mirrors Bilbo and Gandalf’s interplay, with one of us always trying to rein the other in. It keeps things lively and makes audiences feel like they are on the adventure with us.”
Go here for the full article.
The Hobbit is a world premier, a stage adaptation by Kim Selody. It opened November 13 and runs until December 21. Ticket sales seems to be going well, but there are still plenty of seats later this month and in December.
Not Alone
Jason Byassee will be the keynote speaker at Not Alone.
Billed as an opportunity for ‘Conversations about MAiD,’ this event could prove to be just the kind of gathering we need these days – an opportunity for non-polarized discussion about a fraught topic, in this case Medical Assistance in Dying.
Here is the the description of Not Alone, which will take place Friday evening and Saturday morning (November 15 – 16):
A collaboration of St. Andrew’s and St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, North Lonsdale United Church and Reflector Project this conference aims to help people navigate spiritually, ethically and personally questions and situations around MAID.
The conference is not about arguing a position on an issue, but rather helping individuals and families with questions and challenges.
The gathering will include presentations, practical information, medical considerations, and spiritual and theological reflection.
MAID reminds us that we will all face tough questions and circumstances. We hope to care for one another well in doing this.
Keynote speaker Jason Byassee was a professor at Vancouver School of Theology before moving to Toronto to take on the role as senior pastor at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church. A persuasive speaker with a broad range of connections and knowledge, he is also the author of several books.
Other presenters are Connie Jorsvik, Patient Pathways Founder, Senior Healthcare Navigator, Advance Care Planning Specialist, author and educator, and Rosemary Hill, who works at Lions Gate Hospital as a Nurse Specialized in Wound Ostomy and Continence. Jorsvik has worked for Dying with Dignity Canada – a notably pro-MAiD organization – but it does look as though one can expect a respectful exchange of ideas during the gathering.
Sheets of Scattered Sand
Jason Tse will launch his new book November 18 at SFU’s downtown campus.
Justin Tse moved from Vancouver to Singapore several years ago, but he clearly still keeps his eye on us, or at least on the Pacific Rim.
Next Monday (November 18) he will launch his new book, Sheets of Scattered Sand: Cantonese Protestants and the Secular Dream of the Pacific Rim (University of Notre Dame Press, 2024).
Here is a description of the event, which will take place at SFU’s Vancouver campus:
The ‘Pacific Rim’ is often seen as a dated term to describe transpacific aspirations to integrate the Asia-Pacific and the Americas. In this talk, Justin Tse speaks about his new book, Sheets of Scattered Sand and how it traces how one ‘Pacific Rim’ set of communities, Cantonese-speaking Protestant Christians, engaged the dream of the Pacific Rim prior to 2012.
While describing themselves as ideologically disunited, Cantonese Protestants attempted to present themselves as democratic actors whose activities on same-sex marriage, democracy movements and zoning laws were both legible and bewildering to Pacific Rim civil societies.
Vancouver Sun writer Douglas Todd tweeted in support of the book launch:
Justin Tse has been a smart, frank source for me on Chinese Christians in Metro Vancouver, of which there are 100k. . . . Here’s an earlier piece of mine, which leaned heavily on Justin Tse’s research and insights.
Tse is Assistant Professor of Religion and Culture (Education) at Singapore Management University’s College of Integrative Studies. He was lead editor of Theological Reflections on the Hong Kong Umbrella Movement (Palgrave, 2016).
I’ve written on a few other books which deal with Asian Christians in Vancouver (to greatly varying degrees):
- Jason Byassee, Albert Y.S. Chu & Ross A. Lockhart: Christianity: An Asian Religion in Vancouver
- Zhongping Chen: Transpacific Reform and Revolution: The Chinese in North America, 1898 – 1918
- Enoch Wong: How Am I Going to Grow Up? Congregational Transition Among Second-Generation Chinese Canadian Evangelicals and Servant-Leadership
- Enoch Wong: Wes Wong, Vivian Chan, Tommy Tsui: Voices of Pastors
- Ross A. Lockhart: West Coast Mission: The Changing Nature of Christianity in Vancouver
Events & Jobs
Events are listed below, but there is also an Events page and a Jobs page on the Church for Vancouver site.
Oct 2024
Wandering in the Shades of Night – October 31, 2024 - November 27, 2024 at All DayNov 2024
Conclave – November 8, 2024 - November 18, 2024 at All Day
Prince Caspian – November 8, 2024 - November 17, 2024 at All Day
CCLN Pastors Retreat – November 11, 2024 - November 14, 2024 at All Day
Protecting Kids & Youth Online (2 events) – November 12, 2024 - November 26, 2024 at All Day
The Hobbit – November 13, 2024 - December 21, 2024 at All Day
Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas – November 14, 2024 - December 24, 2024 at All Day
Come Send Off the Peace Train – November 14, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays – November 14, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Vancouver Christian School: High School Open House – November 14, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Speed Dating: Christian Singles (Ages 31-42) – November 14, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Hymn Sing – November 15, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Not Alone: Conversations About MAiD – November 15, 2024 - November 16, 2024 at 6:30 pm - 12:15 pm
Evangelism Seminar | Reigniting Hope: Sharing the Good News Is Easier Than You Think – November 16, 2024 at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Love Without Borders: Welcoming Refugee Claimants Orientation – November 16, 2024 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Christmas Craft Fair – November 16, 2024 at 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Christmas Mmrketplace – November 16, 2024 at 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Fall Rummage Sale – November 16, 2024 at 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
Hope of the World | Heart for Asia Vancouver 2024 – November 16, 2024 at 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
EDUPAVI Canada turns 5 – November 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Celebrating St. Andrew's Day with Triskellion – November 16, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
John Wort Hannam – November 16, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Honouring and Remembering Herbert O’Driscoll – November 17, 2024 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Taizé Service – November 17, 2024 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Sexual Exploitation and Demand Reduction: Keeping our Children Safe – November 18, 2024 at 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Book Launch: Sheets of Scattered Sand – November 18, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Dr. Riad Kassis of Langham Partnership – November 19, 2024 at 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
A Conversation on Mental Health & Illness in Canadian Congregations – November 19, 2024 at 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
FaithTech Vancouver | Create Cycle - Demonstrate – November 21, 2024 at 5:45 pm - 7:45 pm
City Dream Centre: The Gathering – November 21, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thankful: Outreach Canada Celebrating 40 Years – November 21, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Ben Quash: Shared Delight – Art as Common Ground – November 21, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Quality Fair Bazaar – November 23, 2024 at 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Winter Craft Market – November 23, 2024 at 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
The All Handmade Sale – November 23, 2024 at 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Through the Wardrobe Ballet (2 shows) – November 23, 2024 at 3:00 pm - 6:30 pm
13th Annual Christmas Jazz Concert – November 23, 2024 at 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Gloria Dei Chorale: Resound Concert – November 23, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Jazz Vespers with Nancy Newman Quartet – November 24, 2024 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Regent College Used Book Sale – November 25, 2024 - November 27, 2024 at All Day
Iestyn Davies & Fretwork: Lamento – November 26, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Business by the Book: Chris and Emily Hamade – November 27, 2024 at 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Congregations That Make a Difference in their Community: The Halo Effect – November 29, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
TWU Faculty Speaker Series: Bridging the Arts & Sciences – November 29, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Advent Festival – November 29, 2024 - November 30, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Advent Festival – November 29, 2024 - November 30, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 2:00 pm
2024 Music of Hope Christmas Concert 希望的音符圣诞音乐会 – November 29, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
CONVERGE: A Joint Young Adult Event – November 29, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Worship in the City – November 29, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Orchestra & Band Concert: Joyful Journeys – November 29, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations Retreat 2024 – November 30, 2024 at 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
Christmas Bazaar – November 30, 2024 at 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
2024 Riverside Christmas Craft Fair – November 30, 2024 at 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Christmas Fair & Nativity Scene Display – November 30, 2024 at 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Christmas Market – November 30, 2024 at 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Christmas Market @ Fairview Church – November 30, 2024 at 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
2024 Lighthouse Advent Luncheon – November 30, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
A Southern Gospel Christmas – November 30, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm