VAGINA MONOLOGUES
Poignant and humourous, the Vagina Monologues is based on playwright Eve Ensler’s interviews with over 200 women. The piece celebrates women’s sexuality and strength, and spurred the global action campaign, V-Day, to end violence against women. This year’s Ottawa community production is hosted by the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (SASC) and the Minwaashin Lodge Aboriginal Women’s Support Centre. Tickets are $20 in advance at Venus Envy (320 Lisgar St.), Mother Tongue Books (1067 Bank St.) or $25 at the door. Sponsor tickets are available for $100. Friday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, Feb. 25. 8 p.m. Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave. www.thevaginamonologuesottawa2012.wordpress.com
TONY FOUHSE AND LYLE RICHARDSON
AT LA PETITE MORT (FREE!)
Appreciate daily struggles from the different perspectives of two old friends in their combined art show. Lyle Richardson uses bold water colours in “Drawings of Everyday Life,” while Tony Fouhse photographs the recovery of Stephanie, a heroin addict, in “Live Through This.” The two artists are friends with a long history in Ottawa. Meet them on Friday, Feb. 24 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Their works are on display for the following 24 hours as part of the gallery’s One Night Stand series. La Petite Mort Gallery, 306 Cumberland St. www.lapetitemortgallery.com
ELABORHYTHM
This unique class uses freestyle dance and percussion to explore rhythm. A playful path to discovery, awakening, and transformation — no dance or music experience required! The event is held at Mouvement, a yoga and dance studio that offers a friendly, comfortable, and intimate atmosphere. Friday, Feb. 24. 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $20, $17 students, seniors, and unemployed. Pre-registration required. Mouvement, 69 Eddy St., Gatineau. www.elaborhythm.com
DANCE OF FLOWERS (FREE!)
Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arranging. Unlike Western arrangements, the art form is a living thing created with the idea of developing a relationship with nature. In anticipation of spring, the local branch of Ikebana and the Embassy of Japan present the “Dance of the Flowers” exhibition. Saturday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.T he opening ceremony is 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, and the exhibition runs Embassy of Japan, 255 Sussex Dr.. http://www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/
RICHARD SCARRY’S BUSYTOWN
This tour marks the theatrical debut of Richard Scarry’s Busytown. Based on the best-selling children’s books and television series that have been enjoyed by families for 50 years, “Busytown Busy” follows the adventures of cherished characters in an interactive audience performance. Set in the middle of a talent contest, the cast discovers their true skills with some catchy sing-alongs and lots of laughter. Sunday Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd., www.shenkmanarts.ca
OTTAWA BOAT AND SPORTSMEN’S SHOW
Now that canal season seems to be over, it’s time to gear up for summer sports. Outdoor enthusiasts can hunt for gear and other goodies at the Ottawa Boat and Sportsmen’s Show. Equipment for fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and paddlesports are available, and the show features celebrity experts, seminars, family entertainment, and over 200 exhibitors. $14, seniors and youth $9. Children under 10 free, family pass $35; two for one adult admission on Thursday. Thursday, Feb. 23 and Friday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 25. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CE Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr. www.ottawaboatandsportshow.ca
SHAVE FOR A CURE
Considering a cue-ball look for spring? Even if you just need a little trim around the edges, consider attending this event. For their ninth annual Shave for a Cure event, the University of Ottawa’s Smiling Over Sickness (SOS) is aiming to raise $60,000 for the Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation. The event will take place at the Ottawa 67s game. Drop by for family activities, a 50/50 draw, and a silent auction. Brave volunteers will be trimming their locks on site. Friday, Feb. 24. 7 p.m. The J. Benson Cartgae Centre at Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St. For more information, tickets, or to sign-up as a shavee, visit www.stbaldricks.org/events/uottawa
MUSIC FOR A SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Enjoy a peaceful Sunday afternoon with an intimate chamber concert of Brahms’s Piano Quartet No. 3 in C Minor and Shostakovich’s Piano Quintet. Performed by guest pianist Angela Cheng and members of the NAC Orchestra Pinchas Zukerman, with Jessica Linnebach playing the violin, cellist Amanda Forsyth, and on viola, Jethro Marks. Sunday, Feb. 26. 2 p.m. $31.21, students $15.60. National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Dr. www.nac-cna.ca