BY MATT HARRISON
In this edition of the Weekender: Corpus, Baths, Jane’s Walk, Peptides, Hervana, Farmer’s Markets
Holocaust Fiction
The atrocities of the Second World War — in particular the Holocaust — are, as of late, being subjected to Historical Revisionism — that is according to local playwright, Darrah Teitel. She believes this is happening due to the emergence of new, fictional narratives. The problem? “New narratives were emerging that favoured the perspectives of
perpetrators over victims,” she explains (i.e. The Reader). This is the foundation for her award-winning play, Corpus, in which she examines both her attraction to Holocaust fiction, but also the dangers — and she does it, ironically, through fiction: the play looks at a imagined relationship between the wife of a Nazi officer and a Polish Jewish prisoner in Auschwitz. Directed by Bronwyn Steinberg and put on by Counterpoint Players, it will be showing from Thursday, May 1 (preview) to Saturday, May 10 at Arts Court Theatre. Times vary. Tickets from $15.
Chillwaves’ Baths
Bathe in twitchy beats, spritely, twinkling piano melodies, ambient soundscapes, Baleric-sounding samples, and Will Wiesenfeld’s vocals that are reminiscent of Blur/Gorilla’s Damon Albarn. Baths draws comparisons to other such chillwave/creepwave acts as Toro Y Moi and Shlohmo. He plays Ritual Nightclub on Friday, May 2, touring his third album Obsidian, which garnered huge marks from critics. Opening act is Young Fathers. Tickets are $14. Doors open at 9 p.m. Ritual is 137 Besserer St.
Jane’s Walk (FREE!)
What’s the significance of that old building? Just ask Jane. The little park that seems forgotten? Ask Jane. There was a swimming hole here once? Ask Jane. If you’re curious about the history of an Ottawa neighbourhood, Jane’s volunteers will be on hand this weekend to guide you around many of the city’s ‘hoods. Held across cities in North America since 2007 (originally to commemorate the death of Toronto’s Jane Jacob’s), this year’s Jane’s Walk features a weekend of tours — some in French, others in English — with the purpose of getting to know your city, meeting neighbours, and learning about the urban landscape. A few that piqued this writer’s curiosity are: Urban Foraging, Foodies Walk in Centretown, Places of Significance to Homeless People, and Untold Ottawa — but there are many others. Check out the full schedules on their website for locations, themes, and times. Walks take place on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4.
Peptides?
What is love? Perhaps a “pre-apocalyptic fete” featuring the wild, on-stage antics of Ottawa’s nine-member art-group, The Peptides, who will, no doubt, be lost in an aural orgy of celebration having just released their third album, Love Question Mark. In recognition of the album — which runs the gamut from electro-synth to emotive ballads — the band will be playing at show on Saturday, May 3 at St. Albans Church, 454 King Edward St. Tickets are $15 advance; doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Come As You Are
I usually don’t get worked up about cover bands (covers are one thing, but a whole set?) but this one caught my attention — it smelled, in fact, much like teen spirit. (I know, all apologies) Hervana is an all-female Nirvana cover band from Toronto and they’re playing at Pressed on Saturday, May 3. Maybe it’s the 20th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s death, or St. Vincent’s tribute cover of Lithium with Dave and Krist in New York in April for the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that has me curious about Hervana’s take on an all-male band’s material, but I’d be senseless to miss this show. Hervana’s playing with Decathlete and Elgin Skye. Tickets are $8; doors open at 8 p.m. Pressed is at 750 Gladstone.
Mad for Markets
Yee-haw! It’s the end of winter and the start of market season. Sunday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. marks the opening of Ottawa’s first Farmer’s Market at Brewer Park, with markets opening up in at various other locations across the city in subsequent weeks. This second season of the market at Brewer Park in Old Ottawa South (just across from Carleton University) is the largest in Ottawa — over 100 vendors, featuring locally-grown produce, meats, eggs, and a plethora of baked goods, preserves, and desserts. What’s in season: despite the late start, you may find asparagus, mushrooms, maple syrup, and beans. On Saturday, May 10, the market opens at Orlean’s Centrum Plaza. On Saturday, May 17, Westboro’s market opens at Bryon Park.