BY MATT HARRISON
Last Man in Hell
“Is it possible that even Hitler someday in the distant future might be capable of receiving forgiveness?” — Stephen Vicchio.
In Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel, The Brothers Karamazov, the fictional character, Ivan, wrestles — to the point of near-madness — the idea of good & evil in relation to God. How can there be a God who would allow such pain and suffering, including the suffering of children, or so he argues.
In Ivan and Adolf: The Last Man in Hell, a play produced by 9th Hour Theatre Company, Ivan is forced to confront the existence of evil as personified by Hitler. This dramatic confrontation where ‘one can’t forgive, while the other can not be forgiven’, is set in the realm of the afterlife, but is being read — and discussed — in non-traditional theatrical spaces around Ottawa from Thursday May 28 to June 18. This Thursday’s reading takes place at The Irving Greenberg Theatre. Starts at 7:30; tickets from $15. More info, visit here.
The Irving Greenberg Theatre is at 1233 Wellington St. W.
…Speaking of Hell
Canada’s Nick Farrio is making (soft) noise with “Come Hell or High Water,” from his new album, Amongst the Coyotes and Birdsongs, which is being released on the same day as he’s playing in Ottawa at House of Targ! — Thursday, May 28.
Remember the 1960s-70s NFB Hinterland Who’s Who? Farrio’s Amongst the Coyotes and Birdsongs is a sort of who’s who of the country’s folk-ish landscape: the album was produced by Gavin Gardiner (Wooden Sky), and includes the likes of some of Canada’s other greats such as Julie Doiron, Tamara Lindeman (The Weather Station), and Steve Lambke (Constantines). Presented by the Arboretum Festival, the show starts at 10 p.m. and includes The Lonely Parade + Jose Contreras + Jon Hynes. $7. More info, visit here.
Bird Watching = Duck Hunter?!? FREE
“Watching birds is like playing video games” — that little gem is from a friend who was trying to convince me that the two activities share much in common. It also helps explain the fascination and attraction behind bird watching.
“Just like a video game, you start with the easier species of bird, but then, as you become more skilled, you progress to species that are more difficult to identify or rare.” Sort of like Nintendo’s famous Duck Hunter in reverse — or so his comparison goes.
His theory is intriguing, since it presents bird watching as more of a game — I’d never thought of that before. And so, with that in mind, why not test your skills this Saturday, May 30 at the Bird Fair Day at Andrew Haydon Park. Bring the fam (or not) and celebrate migratory birds and the wild spaces they inhabit with nature walks, crafts and activities, live animals (presumably birds), and meet/chat with local conservation groups. It’s free. It’s from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Andrew Haydon Park is at Carling Avenue at Holly Acres Road.
Get the Skinny on Your City FREE
Trivia time: what city was once one of the seediest in North America? Did you know that there was a war fought by lumberjacks in Ottawa? How about a comparison on which Prime Minister was the most wise-cracking? The biggest alcoholic? The most violent? Find out all summer by taking an Ottawa Free Tour, which is being offered — yes, for Free! — every Saturday until September 6. Which means, if you’re curious about the city you live in, sign up here, or take your chances by just showing up (they may turn away people if there’s too many) at the National War Memorial on Elgin St. at 2 p.m. — rain or shine. More info, visit here.
The Ask Her Talks
Men take centre stage at international symposiums and conferences on world affairs, including Africa?!? Well, quelle surprise.
Women are on the frontlines of health care; Women are raising children; Women are working; Women are teaching; Women are keeping communities going; Women are tackling Africa’s epidemic of sexual violence — of which they are most often the victims.
What women aren’t doing? Raping, kidnapping, and soldiering.
And yet, Women are frequently left out of the discussions when it comes to helping solve Africa’s problems. Which is where The Ask Her Talks come in. Hosted by the Stephen Lewis Foundation, The Ask Her Talks is a “chance to hear from African women about the work they are doing on the ground and the role they believe aid and philanthropy should play in tackling some of Africa’s problems.” The Talks are being held on Thursday, May 28 Kailash Mital Theatre, Southam Hall, Carleton University. Tickets are $20. Starts at 7 p.m. More info, visit here.
Carleton University is at 1125 Colonel By Dr.