WIEBO’S WAR
If you were following the news in the 1990s, you’ll remember his name. Big Oil labelled the convicted oilpatch saboteur Reverend Wiebo Ludwig an eco-terrorist and a cult leader. He calls himself a devout Christian driven to defend his Trickle Creek farm from the deadly effects of toxic sour gas wells. Two decades later, David York takes his camera into the heart of Ludwig’s Christian community to create a powerful film about the continuing conflict, one that stands in stark contrast to the official version told by the RCMP, the Alberta government, and the mainstream media. See an interview with Mr. York (conducted at the Calgary International Film Festival 2011) here. Friday, Oct. 14 at 9:15 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15 at 9:15 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 16 at 8:15 p.m., and Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 9:15 p.m. $10, seniors $7, kids $5. Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank St., 613-730-3403.
DAN MANGAN
In a few short years, Dan Mangan has gone from globetrotting folk crooner to one of music’s most promising storytellers. His critically acclaimed sophomore album Nice, Nice Very Nice, earned him a Polaris Music Prize shortlist, a spot at Glastonbury two years running, sold out shows the world over and accolades galore. Mangan recently released Oh Fortune and has launched a tour in support of the album. Opening acts The Daredevil Christopher Wright from Wisconsin and Vancouver’s The Crackling. Friday, Oct. 14. $25. Tickets available through TicketMaster as well as in person at Vertigo Records, the Record Shaap and the Ottawa Folklore Centre. Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave., 613-237-5550.
ONE WORLD FILM FESTIVAL
The One World Film Festival brings groundbreaking documentaries to Ottawa — and acts as a gathering for filmmakers and organizations that are working to change the status quo in areas of social justice, human rights, and the environment. Highlights of the 22nd annual festival include a workshop on funding with Ruaridh Arrow, director of How to Start a Revolution, and a post-screening discussion with award-winning author and journalist Kathy Cook about her book Stolen Angels: the Kidnapped Girls of Uganda, which is currently being made into a movie starring Uma Thurman. Thursday, Oct. 13 to Sunday, Oct. 16. See website for full schedule. $12 ($10 students, seniors, members, and low-income) or festival pass $40 ($30 for students, seniors, members, and low-income). Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St. www.oneworldarts.ca
A PROMISE IS A PROMISE WITH RAG & BONE PUPPET THEATRE
Venture to the far north to meet Allashua, an Inuit girl who doesn’t listen when her parents warn her to stay away from the ocean. Based on the book by Robert Munsch and Michael Kusugak, the play is 45 minutes long and best suited for children aged four and up. Visit the show website for a short clip and other stuff about A Promise is a Promise. With live music, high-tech effects, and well-researched set design, the play has been a hit with adults and children alike, in Ottawa and in communities on Baffin Island. Sunday, Oct. 16. 1:30 p.m. $10, or four for $32. Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd. www.ragandbone.ca
JEFF BECK
The eight-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee is one of the U.K.’s leading artists — and one of the most influential lead guitarists in rock history. His skills have earned him appearances on albums by artists you may have heard of: Mick Jagger, Stevie Wonder, Roger Waters, ZZ Top … the list goes on. (He’s also played with modern music darlings Joss Stone and Imogen Heap.) You can catch the artist wailing on his signature Fender Stratocaster this weekend when he plays Ottawa. Sunday, Oct. 16, 8 p.m. $68.25-$88.25. National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 53 Elgin St., 613-755-1111. www.nac-cna.ca
SCIENCE FUNFEST (FREE!)
Your mini mad scientists will get a kick out of this event, which is part of National Science and Technology Week activities taking place across Canada. The science fair is hosted by Natural Resources Canada, which throws open its doors for children and families to offer exciting hands-on exhibits and activities that prove science can be fun (we promise!). On the bill: energy-efficient cars, a chocolate chip cookie mining expedition, rock and fossil identification (bring your own from home), a barbecue, face painting, and much more. See the full list of activities taking place in Ottawa and across the country on the website. Oct. 16, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Natural Resources Canada’s Booth Street Complex (at Carling Avenue). www.science.gc.ca/nstw